Around the yard things are starting to happen. The flowers are out, the summer vegies are getting a growth spurt and new fruits are beginning to appear on the fruit trees. The sweet fragrance of the citrus flowers calls to me from across the yard.

We have lemons, mandarins and the first baby lime has just set on a recent planting. A passionfruit vine stretches dreamily along the pool fence towards a mango tree also promising her first season of fruit, fingers crossed.

Some plants have edible leaves, such as lettuce and spinach, some produce a tasty seed package that we eat, such as tomatoes and strawberries, and in some plants we eat the root part of the plant, such as Jeruselum Artichokes, sweet potatoes or carrots.

Besides freshly picked produce, the vegie garden gives me something to do every day, even if just for a few minutes. It’s a relaxing break when working from home to include a little planting, weeding or mulching in the day. It’s also a great activity for the kids to plant a seed and watch it grow.

It’s such a beautiful time of the year where everything is full of life and reaching for the sky. There’s nothing better than starting my day with a walk and then watering the garden before breakfast. Hand watering keeps me close and in touch with all the daily changes in my little vegie patch.

About James Murphy

Hi I’m James. With a camera over my shoulder and somewhere new to explore, I’m a happy man. For many years a commercial photographer working in the corporate world in Sydney, I’ve lately decided it’s time to get back to my roots as a visual artist. I photograph everything that interests me which is just about everything. I live in between Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean and divide my free time walking between the two. I relish being in the bush, either camping, walking, exploring or simply being. I grow some of my own food and love being in the garden enjoying the peace that connecting with nature brings.   Visit my blog Far be it from me and my commercial photography at JAM Digital Imaging. Find out more about James and other Cohabitaire contributors here