Garden week

So, not a lot to report but the garden is now looking great and very tidy. Still lots to do, especially at the front where new planting is needed, but now time to  sit and enjoy the back garden, which is still secluded even after so many trees and bushes were removed.

My seedlings have coped well with changeable temperatures and lots of dust and debris in the air. 

 This is my favourite seat for as many meals as possible. Luxury.

I went in to catch up with friends in the Polytechnic. Was as if I had never been away. It seems there will not be any relieving till February but that is fine and I am also looking at tour guiding too.

I loved being in the container Restart area. Such a brilliant concept and great to see the beautiful, mostly glass , buildings going up everywhere.

 Watching the window cleaners it was clear this was not a job for me!

Some funky statues too.

 Sadly my Ipad played up so I did not get shots of the fast developing main shopping area. It is incredible how quickly they have progressed. Magnificent architectural masterpieces everywhere. Will get shots of them next time.David has now shown me how to take photos with his smart phone so technologically I should have no excuse!!!

This morning David and I went to one of my favourite nearby places, Riccarton  House and Bush. There is a bustling, high quality farmers' market there on Saturdays and wonderfully tasty food in a tranquil setting with beautiful gardens, the first Cantabrian homestead, river and small area of dense native bush. A perfect setting.

 

The Kahikatea trees in the forest are magnificent giants, hundreds of years old. It is amazing to think that much of Canterbury was once covered with native forest, cut down to create farms. 

There is seating right in the centre of the forest where you can just sit, look up and listen to the melodic song of the NewZealand bellbirds, fairly uninspiring birds to look at but masters of song. 

The forest is now a hive of activity since a predator free forest was created. I cannot believe the increase in bird life in a relatively short time. Everywhere there are twittering fantails searching for food and the loud swishing sound of the huge wings of massive wood pigeons as they fly high above from tree to tree. I just love it there.

Sunday morning the family celebrated David's birthday with a delicious brunch. It was great to have Mark's girlfriend Emma with us too. It is years since I have celebrated one of their birthdays with them both. Sadly, I will miss Mark's next one too as it is just as Zuoz starts. 

More photos of the city to follow in next blog. It is certainly an exciting time of change.