January 8, 2014

Just when I am about to look for another place, I have finally found a good gardener.  He came the other day to cut back the mango tree, do some weeding, and clean up the driveway.  I also got him to put up some balloons to keep the bats away.  Now my garden looks wonderful.  He will come whenever I call him to do the maintenance.  Once a month should do it.

The view from above.  The mango tree is a nuisance.  It grows like a weed, drops leaves, but does not bring any fruit.  It is only good for holding the plank where we put the fruit for the birdies.

The papaya tree we grew from seed.  It is just bringing its first flowers and fruit.

The avocado tree and in front of it jumbu that we grew from seed.  Jumbu is a small round fruit with the consistency of star fruit, but a bit more sour.  It makes great jelly.

My coleus trees.  Started from two or three leaf cuttings and just stuck in the ground.  Now I have to cut them back as they are overpowering the palms.

The birds just keep coming in the mornings.  I have now seen a large hawk or falcon twice flying up the river.  First time it was hunting, second was speeding someplace.  Then I saw what I think is a stork.  I tried to identify it on line and it was difficult, but it was either a stork or a crane.  Either way, it was one big bird.

Here is the exact kingfisher that comes quite frequently:

The bat balloons are working quite well. I need one more to cover the last spot they favour.  Now my problem is the bandicoot again.  He keeps pooping and peeing at the front and back doors.  Now I have put down 9 curd pots with moth balls in them.  Maybe that will work.  At least it has not been digging.