Always enjoy your book suggestions, Marg. Also fascinating linked post about eucalyptus’ popularity abroad, particularly in Southern California where we live in the shadow of an enormous blue gum, planted probably 70 or so years ago. Far be it for me to malign an Australian native, but the folks who decided these trees were appropriate to line tiny urban lots made a big mistake because the trees grew massive, towering over small homes and terrifying dwellers (like us!) therein, especially in our frequent high winds. Sorry to rant. It’s not Australia’s fault that our city forefathers made a bad decision to appropriate your native trees and now refuse to allow us to remove them when they threaten our homes. Ah well, I think I’ll calm down and make lamb biryani. It sounds like the perfect antidote to a troubled mind!
Many many eucalypts in Sth America and in Spain. Whilst walking the Camino, I wandered into a Eucalypt forest plantation about 100klms from Santiago. I dropped my pack and ran to the closest tree I could reach, snapped off a leaf, crushed it and cried. A welcome cure for my homesickness - the scent of home. Also, try adding some soaked dry apricots chopped up to your Biryani - lovely. Thanks for another excellent read. C
Marg I really enjoyed your research and writing about our natives overseas. I do remember seeing a most beautiful young eucalypt in Kew Gardens in the 80's and also a promenade of little soldiers aligning a road in Greece. You immediately notice our nations great trees. It seems whenever we take natives to and from another country it all creates an inbalance therefore a weed problem. Privet, lantana, bitou bush, whisky grass, sometimes innocently brought in. I've always steered clear of planting gums as the leaves don't break down to make rich soil as many European trees do.
Your creation looks so nice too, hope Tony appreciates your cullinary expertise.
Oh, I also just read that book about the ski chalet and no, it didn't make a lot of sense but I don't read her books for a plot that holds together well..... I just enjoy the ride as she unspools each preposterous twist and turn :)
Always enjoy your book suggestions, Marg. Also fascinating linked post about eucalyptus’ popularity abroad, particularly in Southern California where we live in the shadow of an enormous blue gum, planted probably 70 or so years ago. Far be it for me to malign an Australian native, but the folks who decided these trees were appropriate to line tiny urban lots made a big mistake because the trees grew massive, towering over small homes and terrifying dwellers (like us!) therein, especially in our frequent high winds. Sorry to rant. It’s not Australia’s fault that our city forefathers made a bad decision to appropriate your native trees and now refuse to allow us to remove them when they threaten our homes. Ah well, I think I’ll calm down and make lamb biryani. It sounds like the perfect antidote to a troubled mind!
Many many eucalypts in Sth America and in Spain. Whilst walking the Camino, I wandered into a Eucalypt forest plantation about 100klms from Santiago. I dropped my pack and ran to the closest tree I could reach, snapped off a leaf, crushed it and cried. A welcome cure for my homesickness - the scent of home. Also, try adding some soaked dry apricots chopped up to your Biryani - lovely. Thanks for another excellent read. C
I loved Counterfeit. It's super fun and kind of tricks you into thinking.
Marg I really enjoyed your research and writing about our natives overseas. I do remember seeing a most beautiful young eucalypt in Kew Gardens in the 80's and also a promenade of little soldiers aligning a road in Greece. You immediately notice our nations great trees. It seems whenever we take natives to and from another country it all creates an inbalance therefore a weed problem. Privet, lantana, bitou bush, whisky grass, sometimes innocently brought in. I've always steered clear of planting gums as the leaves don't break down to make rich soil as many European trees do.
Your creation looks so nice too, hope Tony appreciates your cullinary expertise.
Oh, I also just read that book about the ski chalet and no, it didn't make a lot of sense but I don't read her books for a plot that holds together well..... I just enjoy the ride as she unspools each preposterous twist and turn :)
Oh gosh that biryani sounds delicious…will definitely try it. Xx
Onto the list goes Counterfeit! Sounds perfect for me right now. Thanks for the rec.