Tree Planting in Chippendale
I got an email from Michael last week asking for volunteers to help plant a couple more fruit trees in our neighborhood. “What the heck,” I thought. I put my hand up. So Saturday morning at 10:30 I found myself digging out compost from the community bins in the Peace Park. I seemed to be the only volunteer, which was a little disheartening. I managed to fill several large bins, then headed to Michael’s to help get the trees ready. The day was hot and I was already exhausted. I was in his back garden helping transplant a rather large citrus tree when suddenly I heard a familiar voice. “Need any help?” It was the Snook. His scheduled Warcraft raid got cancelled, so he came to lend a hand. I can’t tell you how awesome it felt to see him there, like the cavalry had arrived. We eventually managed to transport a wheelbarrow with the tree, several bins of compost, buckets of water, shovels, and a pick several blocks to the top of Myrtle Street (right near the intersection with City Road). Thankfully we were joined by local resident Jeff, who was a retired landscape gardener. Michael’s son Julian also added muscle. Snookums and I got to work digging a massive hole for the big tree while Jeff dealt with the smaller one. Finally, three hours after we started, we had two established trees and a whole lot of aching muscles. I took plenty of pictures along the way…
My wonderful manly husband digs a hole.

A rather desolate view at the top of Myrtle Street.

The tree has been planted! Snookums shovels on compost and mulch.

Jeff plants his tree. The metal frame was wired to a stake, which we hoped would discourage people from stealing the tree. (Apparently this is a problem.)

Jeff’s planted tree.

The boys haul a big bucket of compost. I carried one of those all the way up the street myself (which is why I can barely lift my arms today).

The pumpkins on Myrtle Street are fruiting! Too bad mine aren’t.

I paid a visit to Michael’s chickens…

…and his beehive! These are (stingless) native Australian bees.

Needless to say, we’re both pretty sore today. It was nice to do a good deed in the neighborhood though.