Visit 28/29 June

I didn't play golf this visit which gave me more time to do other things. 60 mills had fallen in the past fortnight. Had been a frosty morning but it turned out a perfect winter Tuesday afternoon.
The garden was looking pretty subdued but was lifted by the several patches of the blue flowering winter irises which were at their best. Also the first daffodil for the season was on the verge of raising its yellow head, a Magnifique, remarkably early, the earliest I can remember. As  there w[are plenty more in the garden, should be a good daffodil show now until the end of September. There are daffodils popping up everywhere,
I planted several nerines, gifts from Pat Murphy, which should give a good display next autumn, plus a yellow wallflower.
Much of my time was spent cutting back perennials, especially the penstemons, gaura and michaelmas daisies which have become a bit of a weed. I divided some maroon asters, more of the light blue campanulas and a lovely brown and gold daylily which does particularly well there. I should be able to make plenty of new plants from that lot.
I continued to sow plenty more poppy seeds, a row of Danish Flag (red and white), in front of the big tank, and a 'giant' variety (Pavot d'orient), the last of the seeds from Europe, in various spots. More Flanders poppies and corn flour seeds were also scattered around. If everything flowers, should be a riot of colour.
The paddock is looking pretty clear at the moment. The horses have cleaned it up very well and most of the broom and blackberries are looking very sick after the spraying.
I called over to see how the new house is progressing. Tim and Dan O'Halloran were working there. It was hoped to have been finished 3 weeks ago but there have been holdups with weather etc. Tim invited me in to check it out. It will be a very comfortable home for Dan and Liam. All mod cons, ensuite etc for main bedroom.  Carpet has come from the Casino in Melbourne which was excess to their requirements, via a tradesman the boys know. Dan is a star with Hepburn, an onballer. He had 38 possessions last weekend, 35 kicks, 3 handballs and is one of the favourites for Hepburn's Best and Fairest this year. He says that unfortunately flooding is also part of the game in the Central Highlands League. Tim enquired whether the 2 acre block is still for sale. He reckons that land in the area is in short supply and he knows several people who could be interested. I'm only interested in selling to locals, preferably with a family, who want to build there.