Buds everywhere

We've had rain for the past 6 days, heavy rain, but it didn't do any harm to the flowers as they are under cover. MM has had to spray for botrytis and moths, and there is sign of the former due to the high humidity.

But the buds!!! Everywhere! Today is the best pick that we have had for weeks and MM was able to phone all the florists to tell them that they would get their full orders on Monday. It's a while since we've been able to do that!

The rain will probably go away for a few days, though due back again later in the week. It is apparently the wettest winter for nearly 100 years! Our tanks are full, and the dam is nearly full so it is good.

I have predicted heavier than normal rains for summer this year. Perhaps back to the way it was when we first came here.

Getting rid of the bugs

We had to get the consultant in again - we seemed to be losing the battle with them and the production had plummeted. We had to do something. With Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day coming up, things were grim.

The consultant was shocked to see the damage - and recommended a very toxic spray. We don't like using such sprays, but it was desperate. As well, we had to clear our a lot of the excess leaf matter. The spray is working - there are far less moths and flower damage. We have to keep out of the hot-houses for 24 hours after spraying to allow the toxins to dissipate. Sadly it also kills our good bugs so we will have to buy in some good bugs again.

We have had 4 inches of rain on the property in just over a week - sadly the rain has not fallen in the catchment areas. In the north of Queensland they are in flood and have been for a week or so, and another cyclone is on it's way to the gulf area, so they will get more rain.