Gardenup

13/11/2025

Today’s job was supporting Tim draft sheep.

12/11/2025

Discover the delightful world of cumquat marmalade, crafted with only 1/3 of the sugar typically found in traditional recipes. Infused with a harmonious blend of cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and star anise, this recipe is a true culinary masterpiece.
For precise results, ensure to properly operate the cutter by filling it only to the top of the feeder and utilising the pusher to gently guide the fruit through.
To recreate this delectable creation, commence by washing 1500g of cumquats at a time and feeding them through the cutter on a thick/slicing setting. Next, transfer the sliced cumquats into a pot on the stove, adding 250 ml of water and 500 g of raw sugar. Incorporate a small cotton bag containing a fragment of cinnamon bark, 2 cloves, 4 cardamom pods, and a star anise.
Gradually warm the mixture until it begins to bubble, stirring continuously for approximately 20 minutes. Subsequently, cover the pot, increase the heat, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Finally, carefully transfer the marmalade into clean glass jars, seal them securely, and behold the tangy, sweet, and perfectly set result.
Experience the exquisite flavors of this exceptional cumquat creation!
]. .

12/11/2025

It is a good day to be planting beans!

10/11/2025

What's the next masterpiece I should attempt to create? 🎨

10/11/2025

The vineyard at Gardenup💋

06/11/2025

Its a bit addictive to stand in between the branches of the old Mulberry situated in the chook pen. I can only pause and get handfuls before leaving again.
There are so many ripening now.
I prefer the variety that gives the rounded fruit.
But Alas! Who complains?

Mulberries are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and iron, and may help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. They also contain antioxidants that can support heart health and boost the immune system.

30/10/2025

Mulberries in abundance. Thank you dear old tree.

28/10/2025

Chicks and chooks very happy with meat.

28/10/2025

26/10/2025

At Zest, the chicken coops were completely overgrown with wormwood bushes. Jozef, our diligent assistant, cleared out these bushes, allowing our fruit trees to thrive once more. The old apple tree even seems eager to express its gratitude with a bounty of apples but needed a mate.
After a trip to Kojonup, I returned with a blooming Pink Lady apple tree! Here you go Apple tree🙏
Exciting times ahead. I have a great love for apples. 🍎

25/10/2025

Presenting the newly established herb garden at Zest. Featuring three varieties of thyme, lemongrass, holy basil, curry leaf bush, baby bay, and a Kafir lime tree.
Grateful to my kind neighbor Bianca for the seedlings gifted. Some of the flowers have been thoughtfully planted among the aromatic herbs.

18/10/2025

Reflecting on my past experiences at Gardenup, I recently stumbled upon photos depicting the process of creating the pizza oven in my home.

Here is the account of the pizza oven's installation.

During our time at Gardenup, we organized numerous pizza gatherings where we skillfully prepared pizzas using the newly installed oven, following the completion of the concrete floor. In order to ensure the optimal positioning of the pizza oven within the household and its seamless integration into the kitchen area, skilled artisans from Mediterranean Pizza Builders in Perth dedicated two days to meticulously construct it, before the Chambers team took over to fabricate the surrounding walls. Due to the necessity of reinforcing the base extensively to bear the weight of the oven, particular attention was given to its construction process prior to constructing the rest of the house.
In the accompanying photo, one can also observe the varied colours of the floor and a pool of water towards the left side, a result of the considerable rainfall experienced during that period. This space, intended to function as the sunken floor of the coolroom connected to the kitchen, temporarily accumulated water. Reflecting on these events brings forth a sense of nostalgia.