A new garden with new wildlife

Regular readers of this blog will not be surprised to learn that my husband, Grahame, and I have decided to retire to northwestern NSW in the vicinity of the Pilliga Forests. We have a few years left in the Hunter Valley, but we recently snapped up the opportunity to buy a suitable residence in Baradine.

Baradine is a small town on the edge of the Pilliga Forests, northwest of Coonabarabran, and southwest of Narrabri. The national parks, conservation areas and state forests of The Pilliga will provide us with more than enough accessible nature to enjoy for the rest of our lives, and the friendly community of Baradine has already welcomed us. It's the sort of country town where a person can really feel a part of.

Although the two-bedroom fibro and iron cottage we have recently purchased is over 50 years old, it is in remarkably good condition, and right on the edge of town, with wonderful neighbours.

We did some work in our new garden over the weekend, and to my delight, discovered resident frogs and lizards.

The yard is bare except for a mature sprawling Peppercorn tree (Schinus molle), a Kurrajong (Brachychiton), a Crepe Myrtle (Largerstroemia indica), and a small hedge of a common plant that is unlikely to be a native.

So the weeds I began removing (some up to 6 feet tall), had served as habitat. But I will soon create habitat that both the wildlife and I will be happy with.

Grahame unearthed a gecko in the garden shed as he was building shelves. I was absolutely thrilled, and relocated it under the house so that it wouldn't come to harm amongst the work and clearing. After consulting my books, I think it is a Tree Dtella (gehyra variegata).

And then I uncovered a frog as I pulled out dreadful Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus), a member of the onion family, and a potentially invasive weed. I think this little beauty is a Spotted Grass Frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). I carefully relocated it underneath the hedge which had weeds for shelter.

And I found some interesting insects as I worked, including this large, robust grass-hopper of unknown species.

And, on top of all that excitement, I was amazed to see two lively skinks about 6 inches long scurry to the safety of a pile of bricks I had just stacked when I lifted some wood. I hope my lizard and frog residents will settle into their new habitat well after the rude disturbances.

I had such a happy and productive time working in my new garden, and the creatures I met gave me such joy.

We'll be taking regular visits to our home in Baradine to establish a garden and explore the Pilliga surrounds, while still living in the Hunter Valley for the time being.