PLANTS THAT REACH FOR THE SKY

This poor old introduced tree in my back yard can't live very happily with its roots hitting the slab terrazzo-like tennis court ironstone just a metre beneath. 

But it never gives up, and galahs and parrots and cockies love roosting in its wired dead hair. They are fascinated by me pegging my laundry there on the ancient Hills Hoist, and discuss it with me as I go.

Sometimes, rarely, magpies sit there and watch. They are faster to dismiss me: the Cacatuidae are more amused and curious.

The postfarm beyond the fence is a lovely boot hill for the old industrial Perma-Pine mentality. Since that went in, Yangarra went all bushvines (no trellis posts) or stainless steel posts (if one must have posts). So these posts will be extracted and sold. No vines have been planted there. It'll be good when all these old-fashioned toxic teeth have been removed and they plant new chewers! That's premium geology under there.

I reckon there are several acres of solid slab tennis court terazzo ironstone here under this cottage and the Ironheart Vineyard. There are no handy boulders or cracks. Just a dusting of sand or loam on top of acres of this. Tough titties. Every baby grows at least one perfect bunch. This 400mm vine already provides tiny dollops of serious gastronomic heaven ... photos Philip White