Garden Photos, Garden Projects, Garden Work, gardening

Crazy Autumn Weather

sarahjwrites

The weather is just starting to turn cold here in Melbourne, and I’m taking advantage of the COVID-19 shut down to get all of my garden work under control before Winter. Now is the time to start pruning those fruit trees and planting the next round of crops. It’s also your last chance to plant flowering bulbs for the Spring. I managed to paint some of my deck furniture before the storm (with hail) descended upon us.

Preserves, preserving, Spicy tomato relish, Summer Gardening, Tomatoes

Tomato Relish

sarahjwrites

Spicy Tomato Relish

Do you have a glut of tomatoes? I always have tonnes of extra tomatoes from my summer crop. I freeze them in batches so that I can make up tomato sauces and relishes at the end of the season. This recipe is one of my favourite.

 

Ingredients:

  • 3 kg red tomatoes 
  • 500g sugar
  • 250mls white wine vinegar
  • 15g crushed garlic
  • 7g chopped green ginger
  • 30g ground sea salt
  • 15g all spice
  • 7g cayenne pepper
  • 3 finely chopped chillies
  • 7g ground cloves
  • 30g ground black pepper

Utensils

  • Food processor/Blender
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons (teaspoon & tablespoon)
  • Mixing spoon
  • Heavy based pan

Method

  • Roughly blend the tomatoes in batches
  • Place all ingredients in a heavy based pan
  • Mix well. 
  • Bring to a quick boil and reduce the heat to simmer
  • Simmer for four hours, stirring regularly (often if using a standard saucepan)
  • You will notice the mix will reduce by ½ to ¾ 
  • When it is thick it is is ready to jar up
  • Spoon the mixture into the jars, seal the lid and turn them over on to the lid to cool
  • Decorate the jars as you see fit
  • Can be consumed immediately, but best if left for a month
Garden Show, Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show – Cancelled

sarahjwrites

If the world was running as usual, I would have attended the 202 Melbourne International Flower and Garden show by now. But because the necessary health restrictions this year’s show was cancelled.

I usually pick up a spring bulbs sample bag from the Garden Express stand at the show. I was please to note that a lot of the business that were planning exhibits (and planning on selling items at special prices) have set up on line options for their wares. I was able to order my bulb sample bag and it arrived in under a week. If you are looking for garden supplies, tools, plants, and other accessories go to the MIFGS site and look at what’s available.

For more information go to the website – This lists the various exhibitors and the items they have for sale (internet order): Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show