Hot winds:

Hot winds battered trees on 2nd and 3rd January, and this Lipstick Acer that had been doctored previously, split again, leaving an ugly no longer viable tree. We will replaced it in autumn. Six and a half years old, the mass of green from our bedroom window will be missed, but at least there are some other things growing

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We were lucky to avoid bush-fires, as they were close by at Hastings, where we go to the library. Fortunately no houses were lost, but tree, fences and animals were not so lucky.

Shall include a few photos of our tree from the bedroom window after it’s last mishap.

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View minus full Acer. Alstoemeria lie cut after their spring flowering, but will return for an autumn show. Lily of the Valley are in the foreground having given of their best for spring. Grevilleas and Correas are dependable natives filling gaps. The Brugmansia, (Angel’s Trumpet tree), looks a bit worse for wear after the heat..

Dame Elisabeth’s anniversary, 8th February

Miracle Matthew, my computer man has been and fixed my recalcitrant computer.

Today is the anniversary of the birth of an important person in our lives, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. She lived a full and exciting life, supporting the Arts, amongst her wide and varying interests. We were lucky enough to be living nearby as caretakers at McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park; where she took a particular interest. We could see her warmth and genuine caring at close hand.

Not only was Dame Elisabeth an icon; she inspired others to fulfil themselves to become better people. One can’t pass Cruden Farm without thinking of her. Her trees will remain to benefit generations to come. Her garden continues to raise money for the many charities she  supported and remains an oasis in Langwarrin.

There is now a Peter Corlett sculpture of her to inspire those who visit the Frankston Arts Centre. For those of you in the city, all three venues are worth a visit. Make sure you make a booking at McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park for a wonderful lunch; allowing time to walk around the park to see the sculptures, before visiting Cruden Farm. The gallery should be able to tell you if it is a Cruden Farm open day.

It would have been Dame Elisabeth’s 105th birthday today, the year that she had hoped to achieve. Still 103 is no mean feat. There will be many people remembering her today.