Original Watercolour Paintings
"Last Chance to See..." Extinction series, Albany region - ongoing. . . (all sizes are framed size)
2024 - January/February/March/April: another new year... and still an ongoing lack of political will to combat climate change and species extinction. Extremely depressing!!! I decided to turn to the sea for inspiration - I do live quite close to it here, after all! - and, of course, to my birds.
These Australian Sea-lions are endemic to our shores, and our only native seal - and they used to be extremely prolific. Now, they are Endangered. We are very fortunate to have a small colony remaining on Breaksea Island. Thanks to a rampant, long-standing sealing 'industry' decimating the population, followed by ongoing 'by-catch' drownings in gill-nets, we are down to about 6000 adults. Of these, 85% are in South Australia, with only about 400 remaining in W.A. How tragic!
These Australian Sea-lions are endemic to our shores, and our only native seal - and they used to be extremely prolific. Now, they are Endangered. We are very fortunate to have a small colony remaining on Breaksea Island. Thanks to a rampant, long-standing sealing 'industry' decimating the population, followed by ongoing 'by-catch' drownings in gill-nets, we are down to about 6000 adults. Of these, 85% are in South Australia, with only about 400 remaining in W.A. How tragic!
2023 - November/December: moving up towards Christmas - and I'm busy with another Open Studio, the AAG Collie Exhibition, and AAG Christmas Market... family visiting... and then the AAG Summer Exhibition immediately after Christmas. Finding time to actually paint is proving very difficult! Thankfully, I did get this commission for a very special order finished in time to send up to Perth for Christmas. And ALMOST completed these Firetail Finches (final touches on 2nd January 2024 - but basically 2023...)
2023 - October: with our local Art Trail well underway, and my first Open Studio requiring my constant presence, I've been spending an awful lot of time in the studio - an excellent opportunity for painting stuff! As my Rosellas are well into their breeding season now (August through October) and spending a lot of time hanging around the feeders, it seemed like a good chance to catch up with them. Although Western Rosellas are endemic to the SW of WA, there are 2 sub-species, apparently - coastal and inland - plus hybrids.
And... it's been a while since I've paid any attention to my little blue wren family (who have unfortunately relocated next door, due to ongoing bullying from the incomers - a gang of New Holland Honey-eaters!). So, here is the new boy in the family... Baby Blue.
And... I finished the yellow rose from my garden, which I was drawing from life for my botanical art demonstrations at both Trail exhibitions - Whaleworld (Phoenix ) and then the VAC (AAG). I inherited this beautiful climbing rose with the house - it's in a large tub, very hardy and prolific, and beautifully scented. Stands for friendship, joy and affection, I understand... and it certainly gives me joy
And... it's been a while since I've paid any attention to my little blue wren family (who have unfortunately relocated next door, due to ongoing bullying from the incomers - a gang of New Holland Honey-eaters!). So, here is the new boy in the family... Baby Blue.
And... I finished the yellow rose from my garden, which I was drawing from life for my botanical art demonstrations at both Trail exhibitions - Whaleworld (Phoenix ) and then the VAC (AAG). I inherited this beautiful climbing rose with the house - it's in a large tub, very hardy and prolific, and beautifully scented. Stands for friendship, joy and affection, I understand... and it certainly gives me joy
2023 - September: and it's all systems go here, getting ready for Art Trail. At this time of year - Wildflower Season! - what could be more lovely than a few of our local orchids? Starting with our little "Pretty Princess" - the Southern Queen of Sheba orchid. These are currently in full bloom around Albany - well worth an 'orchid hunt' to spot them. Then we have the critically endangered Ballerina Spider Orchid, and the more common Blue China Orchid... Followed by a little Fringed Lily and a Yellow Mountain Bell, just for fun.
2023 - August: and these Western (Golden) Whistlers are visiting my garden again. I haven't seen them for a couple of years, so I'm hoping they are back to stay... maybe even to nest here, which would be lovely. The Western Whistler is closely related to the Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis), and was considered the same species until recent molecular studies found them to be more closely related to the Mangrove Golden Whistler (P. fuliginosa).
And then another two local orchids - yes, the first is an orchid, though quite an unusual one. The Helmet Orchid is distinguished from other orchids by its round, dark flowers. The main part of the flower, the 'hood', consists of the labellum and the dorsal sepal. The other petals and sepals are reduced to tiny pale coloured bracts at the base of the flower. An interesting feature of helmet orchids is that after pollination, the flower stem lengthens up to 20cm before the seeds are released... And finally, we have a more traditional orchid - the lovely Butterfly Orchid, dancing in the lightest breeze.
And then another two local orchids - yes, the first is an orchid, though quite an unusual one. The Helmet Orchid is distinguished from other orchids by its round, dark flowers. The main part of the flower, the 'hood', consists of the labellum and the dorsal sepal. The other petals and sepals are reduced to tiny pale coloured bracts at the base of the flower. An interesting feature of helmet orchids is that after pollination, the flower stem lengthens up to 20cm before the seeds are released... And finally, we have a more traditional orchid - the lovely Butterfly Orchid, dancing in the lightest breeze.
2023 - June/July: time for some gumnuts! I really enjoy watching these grow out of the paper - very sculptural forms. And winter - I do love winter! - so much easier to see my garden birds without the leaves getting in the way! This lovely little Pardalote likes to nest with his family in one of my hanging baskets... burrowing into the side through the coir liner! And, yes - orchid hunting season is underway...
2023 - a new year, and hopefully a better one!! Though January was a Covid-related virtual wipe-out... February not much better... and so, happily moving on...
March: I finally finished this pre-Covid request for me to make a Fringe Lily painting. It was fascinating researching these, I had no idea how many different types there are. I went with our pretty local version...
April: getting back on deck ready for the Phoenix Fine Arts exhibition, with the glorious WA Christmas Tree (flowering very late this year, fortunately) - followed by some pretty little Fan Flowers from the Stirling Ranges, which I discovered when researching into local critically endangered species for my Endling series... which Scaevola macropylla sadly are. As is the Yellow Mountain Bell, which - true to its name! - grows on mountain summits and its flowers are bell-shaped. The situation has now become critical for this native flora, endemic to just a few small areas within the Stirling Range National Park in WA, which also now finds itself classified as critically endangered.
Main threats to Scaevola macropylla and Darwinia collinal are dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, fire, and grazing. With their populations dwindling, the small number of plants remaining threatens the genetics of both species.
March: I finally finished this pre-Covid request for me to make a Fringe Lily painting. It was fascinating researching these, I had no idea how many different types there are. I went with our pretty local version...
April: getting back on deck ready for the Phoenix Fine Arts exhibition, with the glorious WA Christmas Tree (flowering very late this year, fortunately) - followed by some pretty little Fan Flowers from the Stirling Ranges, which I discovered when researching into local critically endangered species for my Endling series... which Scaevola macropylla sadly are. As is the Yellow Mountain Bell, which - true to its name! - grows on mountain summits and its flowers are bell-shaped. The situation has now become critical for this native flora, endemic to just a few small areas within the Stirling Range National Park in WA, which also now finds itself classified as critically endangered.
Main threats to Scaevola macropylla and Darwinia collinal are dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, fire, and grazing. With their populations dwindling, the small number of plants remaining threatens the genetics of both species.
2022, August - December: I got slightly side-tracked in August by a lovely little local Donkey Orchid (Diuris brockmanii) (formerly sp.South coast)... And a commission for a Ruby Seadragon, to complete the owners set of the 3... And then I found myself inspired by the TV programme 'Australia's Favourite Tree'. A little bit annoying that there was only one contender from WA - so I decided to adopt it as my favourite!
And then - well, orchid season can't really be ignored down here! - so, a couple of the less common locals... this pretty little Hare Orchid, and the rather obscurely-named Cat Face Orchid. And then, Christmas Eve - COVID struck. Worst Christmas EVER...!!!
And then - well, orchid season can't really be ignored down here! - so, a couple of the less common locals... this pretty little Hare Orchid, and the rather obscurely-named Cat Face Orchid. And then, Christmas Eve - COVID struck. Worst Christmas EVER...!!!
2022, June - July: I was inspired by an exhibition on local Peacock Spiders at the Porongorups Hall, and had to try & 'capture' a couple of them myself. Researching the work of Jurgen Otto and David Hill led me to some newly discovered examples of these tiny arachnids.
The first, Maratus personatus, is an Albany local - and one who does not unfurl his abdomen flap in the usual peacock-tail style of this species. Instead, he relies on his spectacular facial colouring to attract the ladies, and an elaborate dance involving semaphore signals from his 3rd pair of legs.
Eight legs and eight eyes - just imagine!
The second Peacock Spider, Maratus saharae, was recently discovered in the Stirling Ranges. He does do the abdomen-flap thing, and very effectively too! His dance is an absolute delight to watch.
The third, Maratus aquilus - equally impressive! - was recently discovered at Mt. Romance, Albany.
And the fourth, Maratus icarus, is native to Walpole.
The first, Maratus personatus, is an Albany local - and one who does not unfurl his abdomen flap in the usual peacock-tail style of this species. Instead, he relies on his spectacular facial colouring to attract the ladies, and an elaborate dance involving semaphore signals from his 3rd pair of legs.
Eight legs and eight eyes - just imagine!
The second Peacock Spider, Maratus saharae, was recently discovered in the Stirling Ranges. He does do the abdomen-flap thing, and very effectively too! His dance is an absolute delight to watch.
The third, Maratus aquilus - equally impressive! - was recently discovered at Mt. Romance, Albany.
And the fourth, Maratus icarus, is native to Walpole.
2022, April - May: Continuing with my exploration of local eucalypts - starting with the very pretty foliage of the Rose Mallee. This can be a straggly, nondescript plant, but the leaves and flowers are stunning! And then, the Four-winged (or Square-fruited) Mallee - another small and ornamental local, with very pretty scarlet flowers and fruits. I also had a couple of requests for a Willy Wagtail - hardly endangered (not yet, anyway!) but totally feisty and adorable little birds...
2022, January - March: started the new year by finishing a small commission piece, a little donkey orchid... then continued by singing the blues - on request, and how could I say no?
2021, November / December: a couple of commissions were taking priority, alongside preparations for Christmas at Down South, and for the Albany Art Group Summer Exhibition at Albany Town Hall in early January. It was all getting a bit stressful, so I decided to experiment, and created some dramatic pastel drawing just for fun - see Drawing page.
2021, September - October: yes, August simply vanished without a trace!
I had 2 paintings in progress for our Southern Art Trail, an oil and the first little watercolour (inspired by my sons new Marri table - as a kind of 'before' image...!) - neither painting got finished in time! Never mind - there's always next year for Trail, and our lovely Down South Arts & Crafts Collective all year round. And, as a bonus... the inspiration to look at some more local gum trees along the way!
I had 2 paintings in progress for our Southern Art Trail, an oil and the first little watercolour (inspired by my sons new Marri table - as a kind of 'before' image...!) - neither painting got finished in time! Never mind - there's always next year for Trail, and our lovely Down South Arts & Crafts Collective all year round. And, as a bonus... the inspiration to look at some more local gum trees along the way!
2021, June/July: with the Albany Maritime Festival coming up at the beginning of July, I was inspired to go underwater - a new venture, but enthralling. I do enjoy researching unknown things!
First off the blocks was the Ruby Seadragon - only discovered in 2015/6, it was a hard one, as it lives deep in the ocean off the southern coasts of WA - very little is known about the living creature as yet, and few visual records exist - see National Geographic, Museums WA
There are just two others in the Seadragon group, and both are found only along the south coast of Australia. The Weedy Seadragon came next - a fascinating fish, colourful but well-camouflaged, also well-documented: see Attenborough, Australian Museum, etc. Got to love their child-rearing practices! The third is the Leafy Seadragon - completed in November, but he has to go here...all 3 together. Leafy is extremely well camouflaged, and well documented e.g. DPAW, Australian Museum
First off the blocks was the Ruby Seadragon - only discovered in 2015/6, it was a hard one, as it lives deep in the ocean off the southern coasts of WA - very little is known about the living creature as yet, and few visual records exist - see National Geographic, Museums WA
There are just two others in the Seadragon group, and both are found only along the south coast of Australia. The Weedy Seadragon came next - a fascinating fish, colourful but well-camouflaged, also well-documented: see Attenborough, Australian Museum, etc. Got to love their child-rearing practices! The third is the Leafy Seadragon - completed in November, but he has to go here...all 3 together. Leafy is extremely well camouflaged, and well documented e.g. DPAW, Australian Museum
2021, April/May/June/July: I just couldn't resist the first little local orchid - Jackson's Sun Orchid, found in only 2 places in the whole world, and one of them is Albany! The second, the Lemon-scented (Vanilla) Sun Orchid, is native to the King River - literally just down the road from my place - this little painting is companion to one which will be part of a large mosaic artwork of our local King River flora, composed by the Albany Botanic Art Group, which will be donated to the King River Hall. The third, the Leafless Orchid, is the only species in this genus, and endemic to the S.W. of W.A. True to its name, flowering plants have no leaf - the 30cm stem grows straight from the ground - though non-flowering plants do produce a small oval leaf. This is one of the first orchids to flower each year, by early April. The fourth, the pretty Purple Pansy Orchid, is a variant of Donkey Orchid which loves the Albany area. And the fifth was a commission in memory of a fathers favourite Albany Spider Orchid.
2021, February / March: slight side-step from flora to fauna, with the advent of Easter... the Greater Bilby (so named because there used to be a Lesser Bilby - but that one was wiped out back in the 1950's). This one is endangered - used to be widespread across Australia but is now confined to arid deserts in the north of WA and controlled release breeding programmes in SA and NSW. Feral cats and foxes, along with habitat loss (and, ironically, rabbits!), have decimated the natural populations of these adorable little creatures.
Same scenario for the Western Quoll, sadly... though remnant populations do remain, and we are very fortunate to have some in the Stirling Ranges. Who could watch the recent documentary "Quoll Farm" and not be touched by these feisty and endearing creatures?
Recently, however, there have been promising signs of Bilby population growth in predator-free zones, so with careful management we might just see the Bilby - and other creatures - making a comeback.
Same scenario for the Western Quoll, sadly... though remnant populations do remain, and we are very fortunate to have some in the Stirling Ranges. Who could watch the recent documentary "Quoll Farm" and not be touched by these feisty and endearing creatures?
Recently, however, there have been promising signs of Bilby population growth in predator-free zones, so with careful management we might just see the Bilby - and other creatures - making a comeback.
2021, January: First painting for the new year - which will hopefully be a happy and productive one! Departing from local orchids, but sticking with endangered local wildflowers - the cute but carnivorous Albany Pitcher Plant. Endemic to the extreme SW of WA, mainly around the Albany area, the small baited 'pitchers' are red when growing in light positions, but green in shaded areas.
This little fly-trap is now listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, largely due to habitat destruction.
Next, I'm starting a new series, based on the rare and endangered flora of the Stirling Ranges, near Albany. There was a devastating wildfire there last year, so it will be interesting to see what has survived the flames! Starting with the Mountain Bells - which are only to be found growing wild in the Stirlings now (though thankfully some are being grown in cultivation). The 10 'Mountain Bells' are endemic to WA, but sadly they are now only to be found in the Stirling Ranges.
First in my series, the Cranbrook Bell, is the floral emblem of the town of Cranbrook - but now it only survives in the wild on the very western fringe of the Stirling Range National Park.
This little fly-trap is now listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, largely due to habitat destruction.
Next, I'm starting a new series, based on the rare and endangered flora of the Stirling Ranges, near Albany. There was a devastating wildfire there last year, so it will be interesting to see what has survived the flames! Starting with the Mountain Bells - which are only to be found growing wild in the Stirlings now (though thankfully some are being grown in cultivation). The 10 'Mountain Bells' are endemic to WA, but sadly they are now only to be found in the Stirling Ranges.
First in my series, the Cranbrook Bell, is the floral emblem of the town of Cranbrook - but now it only survives in the wild on the very western fringe of the Stirling Range National Park.
2020, October - November: despite poor progress with the breeding program in Perth Zoo, we finally have some good news on the critically endangered Western Ground Parrot. Though notoriously difficult to actually see, calls have now been recorded in the Nuytsland Reserve, and enough funding has been obtained to relocate birds remaining after the catastrophic Cape Arid fires to a safe haven. Fingers Crossed!
And... I don't think, judging by my own garden, that New Holland Honeyeaters are in any way at all endangered - but, I was given a Special Request for a favourite...
And... I don't think, judging by my own garden, that New Holland Honeyeaters are in any way at all endangered - but, I was given a Special Request for a favourite...
2020, September: found myself returning to a couple of my favourites for the Albany Art Group exhibition at the end of the month...
2020, August: our COVID break didn't last too long here in the West, thankfully, but it left me with an awful lot of stuff to catch up with. And the new Collective, Down South Arts & Crafts, has taken a lot of organising, and has all been rather stressful. However, that seems to be just about on track now, and it's great to have a lovely permanent venue for all my stuff.
Finished a little family of Honey Possums, which were a joy to paint... so I made them a little friend.
Finished a little family of Honey Possums, which were a joy to paint... so I made them a little friend.
2020, April: well, as far as being back on track, I spoke too soon... at least as far as Watercolours go, as I've been focused on Oils for the last couple of months. COVID19 has caused a bit of a hiccup, too! Anyway, I've now wrapped up most of my volunteering stuff, and having a holiday - back in my studio! Started out with a drawing to warm up, and then happily re-visited my orchids, and my Numbat series (which I began with Oils ).
2019, November: following a break involving serious over-commitment to my volunteer groups, plus issues setting up my online Store properly with a Square account and card-reader, I have finally got back on deck. Now busy preparing for an exhibition in February. This will be quite a big deal, as it only involves two of us this time - Suzanne Randall will be exhibiting her local landscapes, to my local flora and fauna - for a full 2 weeks out at Albany's Discovery Bay.
2019, September: leaving my birds to their own devices for a while, I began working on my orchid series, ready for the Southern Art & Craft Trail - the big local event.
With Art Trail exhibitions at the Albany Entertainment Centre (Wildflower Conference, ANPSA) and at the Vancouver Arts Centre, it was pretty full on!
With Art Trail exhibitions at the Albany Entertainment Centre (Wildflower Conference, ANPSA) and at the Vancouver Arts Centre, it was pretty full on!
2019, August: catching up with my art at last, and I couldn't resist revisiting my little Blue Wren and his family. Such adorably perky flashes of cobalt, even their little brown ladies are cute! So I took a Birding Break. Presenting - father and sons...
2019, July/August: Amazing to me just how many different orchids there are locally! And always such a delight to paint... Less of them to be found every year, sadly.
2019, May: A slow start to 2019... Began well, with an inspirational pair of Red-winged Wrens visiting me regularly... then I became obsessed with finishing my oil painting, 'Apocalypse... Now!', for the Great Southern Art Award. Only when that reached the "Stop Messing About With It !!" stage, could I relax and catch up with my local birds (below).
Then May arrived, with Orchid Hunting Season getting into full swing... got to love Nature!
Then May arrived, with Orchid Hunting Season getting into full swing... got to love Nature!
2019, January: Continuing with my 'Last Chance to See..' series:
Honestly, it's so depressingly easy to find local endangered species. The Red List definitions seem to have been totally left behind! If we don't get serious about habitat loss and climate change immediately, our world is in very big trouble!
Honestly, it's so depressingly easy to find local endangered species. The Red List definitions seem to have been totally left behind! If we don't get serious about habitat loss and climate change immediately, our world is in very big trouble!
Consider the stunning little Red-winged Fairy Wren. Still officially classified "of least concern", these are currently disappearing from my area at an alarming rate! I have just seen a pair in my garden, which was brilliant - but, sadly, only because so much of the local Bush is being destroyed that they have had to take refuge with me.
Followed by the Blue-Breasted Wren, an Albany local I'd never heard of before - I found it when I was researching the Red-Wing Wren. Very similar to the Red-wing, but the Blue-breasted Fairy-wren has more purple and less red - replacing the more northern Variegated Fairy-Wren in this area....
2018: Kicking off a new series, 'Last Chance to See..' expanded on my 'Migration series #3'.
This whole Extinction Series is focused on drawing peoples attention to the many local species which are disappearing from our lives at an alarming rate, like the unfortunate Western Ground Parrot, and all three of our Black Cockatoo species.
This whole Extinction Series is focused on drawing peoples attention to the many local species which are disappearing from our lives at an alarming rate, like the unfortunate Western Ground Parrot, and all three of our Black Cockatoo species.
To this end, I'm expanding my series of native orchids and smaller birds, which are currently being decimated by the wholesale destruction of bush and reserves for housing, verge clearing, and other 'developments'. On this smaller scale, we can each do our bit to help.
All things Bright... migration series #3, 2017-18
2018 began with a welcome return of my Pardalotes and Splendid Blue Wrens, who had been kept away by a flock of bossy New Holland Honeyeaters.
And my Redcap Parrots have also introduced their youngsters to my garden.
And my Redcap Parrots have also introduced their youngsters to my garden.
To finish off 2017, I returned to one of my favourite subjects - Albany birds.
These little parrots, a pair of Western Rosellas, raised a family in my garden again this year...
These little parrots, a pair of Western Rosellas, raised a family in my garden again this year...
South Western Frogs are fascinating little creatures.
Albany's Slender Tree Frog, for example, makes up a very diverse group, as individual frog colours vary from greens through cream to browns, depending on locality:
Albany's Slender Tree Frog, for example, makes up a very diverse group, as individual frog colours vary from greens through cream to browns, depending on locality:
Albany Native Orchids: a Commission to paint flowers from my first home for a fellow Pom (below) inspired me to look closer at the flowers from my second, and I became fascinated with the beautiful (but very small, and increasingly rare) native orchids from the Albany region:
Memories of Home: a diversion from Migration into Nostalgia!
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All things Bright... migration series #2, 2016 - 17
Following on from the first migration series, seen below, this second migration series begins an exploration of the exotic and unexpected wildlife I encountered on moving to Western Australia. Marsupials, birds, insects....
Birds of a Feather (continued from below):
Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii)
Not found here in the Albany region, these little guys were common when I lived in a drier inland area of WA, around Toodyay/Northam.
Western Whisler (Pachycephala occidentalis):
the WA sub-species of the Golden Whistler (re-classified in 2016). A pair of these live next door, and visit with me. They are a devoted couple, the competition doesn't stand a chance!
Not found here in the Albany region, these little guys were common when I lived in a drier inland area of WA, around Toodyay/Northam.
Western Whisler (Pachycephala occidentalis):
the WA sub-species of the Golden Whistler (re-classified in 2016). A pair of these live next door, and visit with me. They are a devoted couple, the competition doesn't stand a chance!
Spotted Pardalotte (Pardalotus punctatus)
Yes, this is a real bird! I have a pair in my garden - so lucky, as they aren't common any more. At 8 to 10 cm long, the Spotted Pardalote is one of the smallest of all Australian birds, and also one of the most colourful. Pardalotes eat small insects, foraging high in trees, and they nest in burrows - or in my case, they bore into the wall of hanging baskets!
Sadly, much of our local native wildlife is rapidly becoming critically endangered - like our little Gilbert's Potoroo.
Birds of a Feather... migration series #2, 2016:
Splendid Blue Wren (Malurus splendens splendens).
And how different are these sparky little blue fellows, from our tiny, drab brown, shy English wrens? This sub-species is found only in the S.W. of W.A, and these males were dressed to impress their ladies in my Albany garden.
Once common, blue wrens are also becoming harder to find, due to the usual culprits - us! Deforestation, habitat destruction, housing developments, die-back disease, predation (cats, dogs, foxes), fire... we know the problems, but can't seem to change our ways.
Settling in Gidgegannup thirty years ago, we had an entire colony nesting right outside our back door. My fascination with exotic, improbably-coloured Aussie bird-life had begun!
Now Albany's Splendid Blue Wrens have inspired me to begin a series following their life-cycle.
Settling in Gidgegannup thirty years ago, we had an entire colony nesting right outside our back door. My fascination with exotic, improbably-coloured Aussie bird-life had begun!
Now Albany's Splendid Blue Wrens have inspired me to begin a series following their life-cycle.
Oranges and Sunshine: migration series #1, 2015
This series began an exploration into the unexpected, everyday cultural anomalies embedded in a migration to a new homeland on the other side of the world. Can a transplanted 'Pom' ever truly call Australia home? Or will there always lurk a deep, buried longing for the mother country - lost memories waiting to be painfully unearthed by the simplest of things?
Oranges and sunshine: what we were all promised by this 'Lucky Country' - the child migrants, the 'Ten Pound Poms', and all the rest of us hopeful refugees...
Oranges and sunshine: what we were all promised by this 'Lucky Country' - the child migrants, the 'Ten Pound Poms', and all the rest of us hopeful refugees...
Sunshine and Oranges: Citrus grow wild in our gardens here, unlocking memories of home from fifty years ago - when an orange was a treasured treat, tucked into a child's stocking and hung up by the hearth on Christmas Eve.
Feisty Figs: fresh figs grow on a huge tree in a garden, instantly recalling a special small, round, red box of sweet dried figs, bought for Christmas - treasures from distant warmer lands, to be shared out beside the winter fire.
Pendant Pomegranates: hang festooned on branches like glowing jewels, awakening forgotten memories of an exotic globe, carefully wrapped in purple tissue, and treasured more for its rarity and beautiful ruby seeds than its taste.
Groovy Gooseberries: cheerful little lanterns, papery-transparent when ripe and fallen, containing round, golden, sweet/sour berries. Very different to the small, green, sour, spiky gooseberries on painfully prickly bushes back home - bravely gathered, but only tasty when baked in sugared pies!