The worst season

In the four or so years that we have had the Gerbera farm - this is the worst season. The cold really has made an impact on our production, and as it turns out the production of other gerbera growers here.

We've had to tell some of our customers that we have no way of supplying them. We just don't have the flowers. We had one special order, which of course we could not supply and phoned some of the other growers in the region. It is the worst season for all growers.

The sudden cold snap, and the continual cold, as well as rain and lack of sunshine has really caused a problem. And I gather with some other flowers as well. The florists really are strugglng. There's not much we can about it. Just wait it out.

Still no flowers

The cold weather continues. There's very little sunshine and vry little warmth so the flowers are really on a "go slow." We've had to tell some of our customers that we cannot supply them - and we hate doing this.

But the fact is that all other growers are having the same trouble. There are just few gerberas about right now and there's nothing we can do about it, except wait for the warmer weather.

Our friends at Maleny are having trouble with mealy bug - a tiny white bug that looks like small pieces of cotton wool that cling to the crown of the plants. They are a challenge to get rid of, and I remember when we had them. They need a good drenching of a special insecticide.

A real pain - but we haven't seen any for a long time now. We still have some trouble with a little brown moth - seems to resist all efforts to get rid of it, but it is manageable. A bit frustrating though at the moment as any damaged flower is another flower "lost" when we are so short. Here's hoping the weather will warm up a bit.

The cold weather = few flowers

Our "hothouse" is not hot right now! Winter has arrived and we've had the coldest June day in 80 years, so the flowers have really slowed down.

With the cold wind blowing from the west, it really has been cold miserable work. I have a blood condition that plays up in the real cold weather. It is very painful and I'm only pleased that with few flowers the picking and preparation does not take long. Thank goodness.

Sadly we have had to tell some of our florists that we are unable to supply them. It is frustrating. The plants are in good shape, and there are lots of buds. But no flowers.

Pink and white bloom

This is one of our favourite flowers on the farm. It is a reliable bloomer and the florists and customers just love it. It generally has long strong stems, and is very easy to manage.

New camera = new photos

The old camera died - overuse? Anyway I have a new one, and I find it much easier to use for closeups. This is one of the lovely pink flowers that we grow at Gough Hill Farm.

Cooler weather = better flowers

We think the plants were stressed by the long hot dry summer - for they have really enjoyed the cooler nights and warm sunny days. Brisbane is still in drought conditions and has been officially declared a "drought area" now, though why it needed the announcement I don't know.

When I went to Adelaide last week the ground was very dry and parched and all grass seemed brown and dead. But there was a good shower while we were away and we cam home to greener pastures.

The flowers are wonderful - few bugs around still - but the quality of the flowers and stems is great. Perfect.