Can I suggest a worm farm…?
By Jenny Indian A friend recently commented that she found autumn beautiful and yet a little depressing. This stopped me in my tracks – as one prone to fret about heat and summer, autumn is simply the finest of times. Not just the colour and light from those wonderful deciduous trees but the joy of …
Tapping the potential in our own back yards
by Anne Stelling, Parklands Albury Wodonga Now seems a perfect time to take a fresh look at what we do in our everyday lives, to rethink our mindsets, to change our habits and routines. After all, we’ve all rolled with the punches throughout a pandemic as a matter of necessity and found that we can …
Something from Nothing
By Kirsten Coates After months of deliberation and soul searching, we came to very sad decision last week. At the rear of our house stands an old pear tree, estimated to be at least 100 years old, gnarled, wizened and full of character. We have often mused at what that old pear tree has seen. …
Gardens as habitat
By David Thurley When we plant a garden we are usually thinking of a number of things. Space for our children or grandchildren and pets to play, how to make our house look beautiful, the need for privacy and many other things. But somewhere in there should be what can I plant to provide habitat …
Birds of a Feather
By Jonathon Howard Some people confuse currawongs with magpies. Both birds are common to our gardens. Both birds are similar in size and are black and white in colour, however, there are significant differences. A keen ‘birdo’ will tell you the black and white colour extends to the top half of a magpie, while a …
The value of a garden
By David Thurley Every year in late January or early February Albury will experience a number of days where the temperature is in the high 30s or the low 40s and we are challenged to keep ourselves and our pets cool. What do we do? The first thing we do is reach for the switch …
Superb Fairy-wren – a truly superb bird
By Ian Davidson and Chris Tzaros – Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability One of the great delights of the natural world is to be able to observe wildlife in their natural state. We are fortunate to be able to do so in this region, even in our gardens and parks. One of our most striking birds …
A love letter to my rain gauge
By Jonathon Howard We’ve been seeing a lot of each other recently and we need to think about taking the next step. I know, my visits have been sporadic, but I want you know you are always on your mind. As I mow the lawn I see you there by the fence post. I know …
Wildlife’s survival depends on us
By Kirsten Coates My internet yoga teacher conducts her lessons with her dog Benji by her side. I have tried this too but my three-legged dog Lexi just thinks this is time to play and, needless to say, I end up banishing her to another room. Although she is a calming presence in my life, …
Don’t forget the little guys this spring
By Jonathan Howard
In spring most of us turn our attention to the garden and plants. Some of us might look to plant natives with nectar-producing flowers to attract honeyeaters and wrens in the garden.
This spring, I encourage you to do something different – why not install some insect hotels …
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About Living Lightly …
Living Lightly is a column in the Border Mail newspaper on Wednesdays featuring local stories about sustainable living.
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