I am EXCITED this week, and my wife even more so. Why? Well this week, is GARDEN week. Now, parents of just about any child under the age of 15 will be quick to correct me that actually, its BOOK week (the costume part of which I think I nailed with the children this year, though admittedly I might have forgotten the book part) and garden week sounds like a made-up holiday.
It might not be an official holiday, but for my wife and I, garden week is the week we finally lose the jungle of a front yard we have had since we moved into our home just under 18 months ago. And it is an absolute jungle – including no less than 9 paw paw trees, 4 citrus trees, a 50 foot high dragonfruit vine, a field of sweet potato, 3 towering melaleucas and a number of other various green things I would hesitate to try and name.
The previous owner loved all things green (you should see the paintwork…) and while I appreciate there is something special about living in the tropics, I’d rather visit the Daintree to get my fix, rather than get out the cane knife just to find the front fence. And so, a year and a half later, the bullet has been bitten and by the time you read this column, I will hopefully be looking out on a new expanse of dirt just waiting for its next adventure (once the professionals come to do their thing).
Of course, with the jungle civilised, the next question will be what to do with the space? With a newly mobile toddler chasing after his siblings and a fresh puppy in the mix, turf is in my immediate future, though what type and from where remains a question. Football field or cricket pitch – I am sure the kids will be happy whatever the choice.
Then the more expensive options start to rear their heads – namely a pool or granny flat. The granny flat seems somehow easier to justify. There are a range of options but they seem to start relatively cheaply and can be almost drag and drop – perfect for visiting in-laws or extra income. A pool sounds great on paper, but with the beach nearby there are ways to get wet and the expense (both upfront and ongoing) can be hard to get my head around. Mind you, the house had the same effect on me, and my dear wife managed to convince me on that. I have every faith she’ll likely do it again. Look for me picking tiles soon at a pool store near you…