Aloe Vera

 Today I finally got around to harvesting some aloe vera. I bought this plant for our bedroom last summer as it is supposed to aid sleep. I've also heard about the benefits.

A couple of the leaves are just too big and heavy so I needed to look into how to look after the plant before it got damaged.

Having watched a video online I decided to try harvesting some. It was a lot messier that it had seemed in the video but I cut one leaf and harvested about three or four tablespoons as you can see below.

Now I'm researching ways to use it ready to share with you on Monday before I try harvesting any more.

Make It Monday - Rope Plant Hanger

I've been obsessing over this tutorial for ages and now that we have our own place and summer is here, I finally found an opportunity to make my own.

The steps are really well explained and easy to follow. You don't get the full effect until it is hung up but then I think it looks great!

I'm glad I went with white rope. It's clean and looks nice with the terracotta.

Can't wait to get a plant in there now.

Garden Corner

Things are really getting busy in the garden now that Spring is starting. We've got family coming to help us out tomorrow and with school holidays we have a little more time out there.

I've been starting my mini-projects here indoors. This week I planted my basil and repotted the dill. I think the dill was a little too delicate and may not make it. 

You can also see how the avocado is thriving and the lemon plant is still going strong.

Next up - the new balcony!

Repotting

Since we moved, the plants have been somewhat neglected and several have died.

With the lighter days and new routine I finally got around to some garden work and started by repottingand fertilizing the avocado and lemon plants (grown from seed last year) into larger, terracotta pots.

The terracotta can 'breathe' better than plastic so between that and the extra space they should thrive. The avocado plant is already much leafier.

It's not warm enough for them to go outside yet but they are getting lots of light by the window.

Avocado Update

Just look at the progress my avocado plant is making! It has really gone crazy this month. It will soon be time to plant it (and the lemon plant next to it). I'm really pleased with this little project so far!

Avocado!

Since we made that salad with avocado last week we saved the pit and we're trying to grow it. You can see the full tutorial here. It is a long process but my patience has grown with the lemon project. I'll let you know how we get on.

The Balconies!

As per special request here are a few piccies from our balconies.

At the front

The front again

The Back Balcony

The Back Again

On the Back Balcony