The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

ISBN: 1846660149

"To sit on rocks; to muse o'er flood and fell;

To slowly trace the forest's shady scene;

Where things that own not man's dominion dwell;

And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been!

To climb the trackless mountain all unseen;

With the wild flock, that never need a fold;

Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean;

This is not solitude: 'tis but to hold

Converse with Nature's charms, and view her stores unrolled."

  Byron.

                                                                                                                      

And so we are introduced to the wonderful Centenary re-issue of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, aptly preparing us for what is to follow.

Author Edith Holden was born in Kings Norton, Worcester, England in 1871. But it was in the small village of Olton in Warwickshire that she wrote and illustrated her famous diary in 1906. Reflected in her exquisite paintings, Edith Holden's love and perception of nature is obvious. It is a wonderful record of the diversity of the English countryside in the early 20th century, through her eyes.

The exquisite beauty of her paintings touches your soul, with wonderfully blended colour and minute attention to detail.  Her favourite poems are included, to enhance the theme or mood of the illustrations. Her diary entries are fascinating insights into the changing delights of nature brought forth by each season.

Handwritten in Edith's beautiful copperplate handwriting, the text adds to the authentic feel of this book and the era in which it was penned.

This volume would be a wonderful addition to the library of any lover of historical naturalist artwork- or of the abundance of nature itself!

Old Wilpena Station, Flinders Ranges

In northern South Australia is a remarkable, spectacular National Park called the Flinders Ranges National Park.  One of the most historically fascinating places in the Park is the Old Wilpena Station which was still a working station within until the mid 1980's.

Situated not far from the towering mountains of the Pound itself, and within walking distance from the Resort and caravan park, this area is one of the more lushly vegetated areas of the Park.

But its real charm lies in the relics of past lives and farming in the region.  One of the unique aspects of the station is that the buildings are in excellent condition, due in part to the excellent caretaking of its past by the last residents, the Hunt family.

Rather than just demolish old buildings as was done on a lot of country properties, or allowing them to fall into ruin, they kept restoring them as needed and using them as station outbuildings, over the years. 

Book-Keepers Cottage

There are also many old items and fittings still present which give a unique insight into the workings and life on an outback property.  These include lots of old farm machinery,
blacksmiths bellows, tools and made items, hanging 'mouse proof' shelves in the old store and a fascinating herringbone pattern wooden floor and sack ceiling in the book-keepers cottage.

 Mouse-proof Shelves in the Store.

Food and other stores for the shepherds and other station workers were kept here and doled out in set amounts.

The Store Building.

Blacksmiths Workshop

Inside the Smithy

Old tools and items made by the blacksmiths still in situ.

Blacksmith's Cottage

More recently, as the station precinct reverted to National Park, mush renovation has been done on the main Homestead and it is now the Park Headquarters/ ranger station.  

The outbuildings and other historical features have also had some restoration at various times.

Visitors to the Park are fortunate in that they can stroll through the Homestead gardens and outbuildings, amongst towering gum trees and the Wilpena Creek nearby.

Emus, kangaroos and various birds are bound to be seen abundantly in the area.

The Homestead and Garden

The gardens are based on "Old English" style gardens, with a number of rose bushes, irises, violets, bulbs and a fruit tree orchard.

The Friends of the Flinders Ranges group maintain the garden, as well as help with various restoration and maintenance issues in the precinct. 

A replica of the old swing used by the hunt girls as children has been lovingly created by one of the Friends founding members, Athol Jackson.  In a corner near the gate grid is a special little spot... the Pet Cemetery where their beloved cats and dogs are buried, with their own cement monument 'stones'.

Behind the outbuildings is also a small people cemetery where a couple of people who worked at the station are buried.  

A 'meat safe' building lies behind the house, as do chicken coops.  There's even a more recent addition of a compost heap - courtesy of the Friends.

'Friends' compost heap used for garden green waste, returned to the garden as rich compost.

Some distance from the main homestead area is the old shearers quarters and shearing shed.


The Old Wilpena Station is a good reminder of the simpler more basic ways in which people lived in years gone by.  Lives dictated by the seasons and their environment... a harsh unforgiving environment at times.

They grew/produced a lot of their own food, water was taken from the spring, windmills pumped water to the stock and a wind power generator was situated on the top of a nearby hill with power lines running down to the house.

Water is still used from the spring to provide water to the Wilpena Resort and Homestead areas and a large solar power array has provides a portion of the power for both for many years... even before solar became popular in suburban areas- as well as a more recent smaller solar array providing power to the Oraparinna ranger station further north and one at Rawnsley Park station, as the power source for their wonderful Eco Villas. 

Solar Array at Rawnsley Park station.

Windmills are still dotted through the area, and on neighbouring stations.

Windmill on Neighbouring Rawnsley Park station.

Reminding us of others who lived simple lives, even more in harmony with the land, is 'Ikara'... the meeting place in Adnyamathanha, the local indigenous tribe of the region... which is a fascinating monument in honour of the traditional owners of the Flinders Ranges.

The 'Ikara" Monument at Old Wilpena station precinct.

There's an almost spiritual beauty about this place... towering mountains, ancient red gums, eagles soaring overhead, days ended with spectacular sunsets.

A visit here will give you a new appreciation for the brave hardy families who made their homes in this wild location. 

Tickets of entry are available in the Wilpena Information Centre, near the campground.  

Not to be missed if you are visiting the area!

How to Create An Energy Efficient Home

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

Some of your choices will depend on the type of climate in which you live. Do you need to lessen or enhance the sun's impact? Do you need to ensure the option to do both, as you experience cold winters, but also hot summers?

• If building an energy efficient new house, research and plan to position your house in the most appropriate position. Consider the positioning of large expanses of windows. Also, take into account other nearby structures and vegetation - will they help protect or obstruct your home? Is there likely to be any other construction in the near future which will affect you?

• Choose double glazed windows to cut down on heat/cool transfer with the outside.

• Dress windows with thick curtains, which can be drawn back to reveal light netting curtains, so that you are suited for any occasion.

• Install an enclosed top pelmet above your windows.

• Outdoor blinds and awnings will help keep out summer sun.

• Install well fitting doors, and create areas which can be closed off, so that you can run heating or cooling only in the areas you are currently using. Put *door snakes* at the bottom of doors to stop air leakage.

• Plant trees, creepers or shade cloth pergolas to help cut down the sun. If you wish to allow winter sun, choose a deciduous tree, or removable shade cloth.

• Install insulation in your ceiling and walls if possible- plus even floor insulation may be possible.

• Also, insulate your air conditioning ducts and hot water pipes.

• Research the cheapest and most energy efficient forms of heating and cooling for your climate and situation.

• Install energy efficient appliances.
  
  
  
  
  

10 More Energy Saving Tips for your Home 

• Install energy efficient lighting.

• Have lighting where you need it, so you don't have to run brighter lights or more lights to get light to where you want it.

• Install water saving shower heads.

• Only operate appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines with a full load, or choose a low water setting. Wash clothes in cold water where possible.

• Install rainwater tanks.

• Install a grey water system.

• Plant drought tolerant plants and lawns- if you must have a lawn.

• Mulch plants well.

• Create directed run off from paved areas into your garden.

• Hydronic heating and cooling throughout your home.

Putting some serious thought and planning into the energy efficiency of your home will have ongoing benefits to you in terms of comfort and expenditure... and give a lasting legacy to the environment.

With the growing rise in energy costs, as well as the environmental impact of greenhouse gases and over-use of our natural resources, it makes sense to make your home as energy efficient as possible.

Whether you are building a new house, or taking steps to *green* your current home, there's lots you can do!

From Trash to Eternity...

How long does trash last?

Have you ever considered just how long the rubbish that you throw away lasts in landfill? What lasts the longest? What degrades easily?

Collect the following objects to consider. If this is impractical, you can just work from the list if you prefer, but the actual objects make the activity more real and engaging.

ITEMS NEEDED:

• aluminum can (soft drink can)
• wool sock
• cigarette butt
• cotton rag
• plastic jug
• leather boot
• paper bag
• plastic 6-pack rings
• glass bottle
• rubber sole of the leather boot (above)
• Styrofoam cup
• tin can (eg soup or vegetable can)
• banana
 

It's now time to have a look at the objects and make some predictions of your own.

List the items in the order which you think will degrade first, to last. Don't look at the answers below!



Once you have finished your list, check out the predictions of this order, made by scientists.

• cotton rag
• wool sock
• cigarette butt
• leather boot
• rubber sole of the boot
• tin can
• aluminum can
• plastic 6-pack rings
• plastic jug
• Styrofoam cup
• glass bottle
• banana
• paper bag

Were your predictions right?

What could affect the rates of degradation?
Next, try to predict how long you think each item will take to degrade. Don't peek below!

This is what scientists predict:

 

• banana - 3 to 4 weeks
• paper bag - 1 month
• cotton rag - 5 months
• wool sock - 1 year
• cigarette butt - 2 to 5 years
• leather boot - 40 to 50 years
• rubber sole - 50 to 80 years
• tin can - 80 to 100 years
• aluminum can - 200 to 500 years
• plastic 6-pack rings _ 450 years
• plastic jug _ 1 million years
• Styrofoam cup _ unknown? forever?
• glass bottle _ unknown? forever? 

How close were your predictions?
Were you surprised by any of the scientists predictions?

Many of the above items can be recycled, rather than left to lay around in landfill for eternity.

Does this activity help you to understand the importance of recycling?

What are you going to do?

Make an Action Plan!

Thinking Green - Our Homes & Beyond

There are a lot of environmentally friendly, or green issues, relating to products used in around the family home, or in our lives further afield.  Here are some things to think about to help you make 'green' decisions and changes!

Cleaning

There are a lot of issues relating to environmentally friendly cleaning around the house, here are a few to consider:
 

Do you know all of the ingredients in your cleaners ? What is the active ingredient in your cleaner ? Does your cleaner cause breathing, eye or skin irritation ? Is your cleaner made from natural ingredients ? What does toxic mean ? Is your cleaner considered a poison ? What are environmentally friendly cleaning products ?

Energy

Energy bills are a concern for any household, therefore the incentive to go for green energy must include a reduction in cost at some point. Not just in green energy or more sustainable energy but in energy usage.

Here are some considerations in relation to reducing energy use as well as using green energy: 

Why do you see more and more solar cells on household roofs ? Is solar power cheaper for my household ? How much does solar power costs to install ? Is solar power affordable ? What is wind power ? Can I power my house with a wind generator ? Is solar power effective ? Can I make money back with solar power ? How much are solar batteries ? Are compact fluorescent lights cheaper to run ? Why can we no longer buy household filament globes in Australia ? How much power is used when a machine is on standby ? What is the household cost of all the items that are on standby for a year ? What energy using devices in your house are on all-the-time ? What are energy star ratings ? How could you more efficiently use a fridge, an oven, a pool ? What situations involve the use of a number of electronic devices at once (video games / dvd ) ? What is the most economical way to run a reverse cycle air conditioner ? What is the most energy efficient way to heat your house, and cool your house ? Does insulation make my home more energy efficient ? What is the energy star rating system ? Can I monitor my electricity use with a meter ? How do roller shutters reduce energy use ? Can heavy curtains reduce my energy use ? Can carpet reduce my heating costs ? Can roof air vents (whirlybirds) reduce my home energy costs ? How do skylights reduce my lighting energy costs ? What are the best practices for an energy efficient home ?

Food

There's a number of green issues that we can take a look at in regards to food. Here are a few to get you started:

What are the most energy efficient ways to heat food ? What are the most energy efficient ways to keep food cold ? Is it better to buy from a supermarket or a fruit and veg store ? How far has your food you buy travelled (what are food miles) ? Are there environmental animal issues with certain foods ? Is is more energy efficient for the family to all eat together ? Do you sit in front of the TV when you eat ? Is your food wrapped in plastic wrap or in a plastic container ? What do the recycle numbers on plastic containers mean ? How do microwave ovens effect your food ? What do your pets eat (if you have any) ? How much rubbish is created by food packaging, bones, other waste ? What are the advantages of being vegan or vegetarian ? Are hormones or antibiotics absorbed through your food ? How much food does not get used and wasted ? Do you compost organic materials ? What is your weekly household food bill ? Do you grow any of your own food ?

Water

Water is the lifeblood of pretty much all living creatures. Water seems abundant, but is clean fresh water available everywhere and to everyone? How do we maintain clean water, and how do we reduce our water usage?

How much water does your household use ? What is the cost of your household water usage ? What are the 3 primary water uses in your house ? Do you recycle any water ? What is grey water ? Can I use grey water at my house ? How much does it cost to set up a grey water system ? How can I save water when showering or bathing ? How can I save water with my pool ? Is water from plastic bottles safe to drink ? How far has your bottled water travelled ? What are low flow water saving devices ? What products are grey water safe ? What type of garden is most water efficient ? Does maintaining a lawn use a lot of water ? What is the most efficient way to water lawn or plants ? How can I harvest rain water ? How much is a rain water tank ? What size rain water tank do I need ? Could I have a dam on my property ? When is the best time to water lawn or plants ? What is the most water efficient way to wash my car ? What are the best dual flush toilet systems ? What are the different solar hot water systems ?

Garden

Having a garden is common to most homes. What are some of the issues we might take into consideration to make these gardens areas more eco friendly or sustainable?

Is lawn the best use of an area ? What is drought resistant lawn ? Do trees need a lot of water ? Are flowers a good use of water ? Does effective use of shade save water ? Can I plant plants in a way that is more efficient ? Can I grow my own food ? What fruit trees should I grow ? What vegetables should I grow ? What is a food forest ? What are the best plants for my region ? What are worm farms ? What is garden mulch ? What are the best drip irrigation systems ? Can I use solar lighting outdoors ?

Technology

Technology can play a part in sometimes making our lives easier. They also play a big part in our energy use.

What can we consider in making our use of technology more environmentally friendly?

How many gadgets do you use everyday ? How many gadgets do you own ? Is a mobile phone really necessary ? How many of your devices contain plastic ? How many of your devices seem outdated after only a year or two ? Are your devices using earth resources that are depleting (touchscreens) ? How many devices require power to operate ? How many devices are on standby ? How many TV's do you have in your house ? Is my fridge and freezer energy efficient ? Does microwaving save more energy than a stove? How many computers are operational in your house, how many devices attached ? Can I print on recycled paper ? Can I use a dimmer switch ? Can a timer save me energy? Should I use electric of gas heating ? Are LCD TV's more energy efficient than CRT TV's ?

Clothing

Your families clothing can also take on environmental friendly considerations. Here are just a few things to consider:

Can I put more clothes on instead of turning on the heating ? Is my clothing made of animal products ? Is my clothing going to last a long time ? Does my clothing contain leather ? What are some of the reasons leather might be a concern ? Can I wash my clothing in cold water ? What is the best way to dry my clothes ? What happens to the water after I clean my clothes ? What is the active ingredient in clothes washing products ? What is environmentally friendly stain removal ? Is it better to buy locally made clothes ? Could I make some of my own clothes ?

Waste

Household waste is always a growing concern with more and more rubbish being generated every day, week, month, year. This of course has a huge environmental impact as it has to be dumped somewhere.
Here are some things to consider in relation to household waste:

How much rubbish does my household put in the bin each week ? Where does that rubbish go ? Do I have a recycling bin ? What goes in the recycling bin ? What contains more, the recycling bin or the waste bin ? What do they do at recycling plants ? Are some plastic drinking bottles toxic when re-used ? If you had to keep all of your own rubbish on your own property, would you create less ? What is the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' ? How long does it take for plastics to break down ?

Travel

Does travel effect the environment? Are there greener ways to travel? Of course, let's ask ourselves some questions about the effects of travel:

On average how many people travel in your car ? What is the shortest distance you will travel by car ? Can cars run on energy other than oil based fuels ? What is peak oil ? Does transporting food from another country add to the cost ? How much carbon emission is jet plane responsible for ? Which is more green, electric trains or diesel ? What are food miles ? What is a hybrid car ? What is an electric car ? How efficient is an electric car ? How much do hybrid cars cost ? How much do electric cars cost ? Does your city or region support bike tracks and lanes ? How might we travel in the future when oil becomes to expensive ?

Business

Many of the ways business can go green are the same ways household can go green, however here are some issues to think about relating to business:

Can my business be green and profitable ? Does my business generate excessive amounts of carbon ? What are carbon trading schemes ? Does your business use excessive amounts of energy (power, oil) ? How can I offset my flight ? Is the business generating excessive amounts of waste ? Is my business sustainable into the future ? How does my business effect the environment ? What can a business do to enhance the environment ? Does your business support environmental projects ? How can your business use recycled paper ? Can your business use solar power ? How can your business reduce its lighting ? Can my business use electric vehicles ? What is my businesses carbon footprint ?

A Lens on Nature

Photographic Projects Capturing The Wonders of Nature


Nature makes a marvellous photography subject, so here are a few ideas for going out and capturing the natural world with your camera.


Spirit of Endurance

A famous photographer, Harold Cazneaux, once took a photograph of a huge old gum tree in Australia, that had battled on and survived through fires, drought, the coming of white man and no doubt much more. 

He called it “The Spirit of Endurance.”

It won the photographic competition he entered it in and brought him much acclaim.

If you ever get a chance, you can still visit this magnificent gum tree, with a display containing a copy of his photograph and some information.  It is located in the Flinders Ranges, just outside of Wilpena SA. 

It is your task to make a display of photographs showing things in nature which display “The Spirit of Endurance”. Things that have survived against odds… things that are fighting for survival. 

This could be photos of plants that are growing in amazing places… where you wouldn’t think they could grow… or at incredible angles out of cliffs etc.

Maybe photos of insects or animals surviving in harsh or polluted environments.

Perhaps photos of very elderly people, or people who have survived through immense trauma or difficulties.

Photograph whatever you can think of to fit the theme.

When you have your photos selected and printed, create your “The Spirit of Endurance” display.

It may be in a scrapbook, a collage of photos on a poster or several individually framed pictures.

You could even display the photos on your computer, using a program such as PowerPoint.

Label each picture with its location and how it gives you the impression of having “The Spirit of Endurance.”

Infinite Diversity

Within one type of thing, there is incredible variety! 

Choose a theme to delve into, and take photos to represent the amazing diversity within the theme. 

Your theme should relate to nature... for example, don’t choose cars.

Your theme should ideally be one thing, or collective things that make up a particular theme.

Some suggestions:

• Trees
• Rocks
• Wetlands or Rivers
• Mountains
• Flowers
• Leaves
• Creature homes
• Webs
• Clouds
• Sunsets
• Moon scenes
• Cats or another specific animal



You can choose to work on more than one theme if you like.

After you have printed your chosen photos, display them.

You may choose to make a poster type collage of pictures, or individually framed photos. Or maybe a display folder or scrapbook.

You could even use a display on your computer, using a program such as PowerPoint.

Label your photos, including location, and some comments on the diversity you have found.

Hidden Beauty 

Things of great beauty can be hidden where they are not immediately obvious. Just like a pearl in an oyster, you can find amazing things under, inside or otherwise obscured from immediate view.  

Your task is to take photos of some of the hidden beauties and wonders you can find.

• Photos of things growing in hidden spots, inside logs, in rock crevices etc.
• Things growing inside something, like a sprout inside its seed.
• Or a butterfly in its chrysalis… Don’t open! Just the outer view is fine.
  Though if you can also get it emerging later, great!
• Photograph things under something… like a beautiful beetle or tiny skink.
  Take care when looking under things… Spiders or even snakes could live there!
• Photos of a fascinating or very pretty rock, hidden under a coating of soil, or crystals hidden on the inside of a plain looking rock.
• Photos of underground wonders, such as caves.

No doubt you will come up with many other ideas you have for suitable photos.

Once you have printed your chosen photos, create your display.

This might be a scrapbook, poster type collage of photos, or maybe individually framed pictures.

You could even use a display on your computer, using a program such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

Label your photos with location and any relative details.

Sunrise, Sunset

 Sunrises and sunsets are magical! 

Make a series of sunrise photos, and a series of sunset photos. 

Do it each day, if possible, for several days, from the same location.

Display your photos, with information including:

• Whether it is a sunrise or sunset photo
•  Time each photo was taken
• Location of photo
•  Weather conditions
  

Record your thoughts on the differences in appearance between sunrises and sunsets. Which do you like best?  Why? 

What effect does the weather have on sunrises and sunsets?

You could also do a photographic record of sunrises and sunsets as above, but using a different location for each.

Natures Magic: A Different Light

Many good photographs use light as an important feature.

Your task is to take a selection of photos of nature, enhanced by light.

You may like to choose one scene and photograph it at different times of day to show the changing light, or on days where the light is different because of sun, clouds, mist etc.

You may like to do a series of sunset or sunrise photos.

You might choose to photograph reflection off water.

Or the sun glinting off water or other shiny surfaces.

This can also be made interesting by the use of a photographic star filter, if you have one.

You may like to do a series of photographs of different coloured light reflecting off the clouds.

Or maybe photos using moonlight.

Or the light from stars “star trails” with time lapse photography.

The possibilities are many.

Once you have printed out your chosen photos, make up your display.

Maybe a scrapbook, a poster type collage of photos, or individually framed photos.

You could even use a display your photos on your computer, using a program such as PowerPoint.

Label your photos with the location, relevant facts such as time of day, weather conditions etc., and what the “feel” of the photo is to you.

Colours of the Earth 

When looking at the Earth you may just think that it is brown… or green if covered with vegetation… but there is actually an immense variety of hues if you look for them. 

Your task is to take photos showing this great variation. 

Find areas where there are different soil colours, or the vegetation gives a different coloured impression. 

You might find colours varying from white sand, pebbles, red earth, yellowish earth, brown or almost black earth, and all kinds in between.  Take photos showing this variety.

  
Plants may give a pale or dark green impression, silvery or white, or blue or olive green and many other shades.

A very mossy area, or bright orange lichen, will colour an area.

If there’s a mass of flowers or coloured leaves they will dominate the scene.  Photograph this amazing kaleidoscope of colour!

Once you have chosen and printed your photos, create your display.

It may be in a scrapbook, a collage of photos on a poster or several individually framed pictures.

You could even display your photos on your computer, using a program such as PowerPoint.

Label your photos with location, the predominate colouring shown and any other details you would like to include.

An idea to add something a bit extra to your display, is to collect a sample of each coloured soil, and to display these with the photos, or even create a frame by gluing the soil onto a card border for each photo.

You could take leaf samples from the vegetation areas (if allowed) and press these, or microwave dry them (this often retains colour better) and use these in your photo display too.

Colour My World 

The world around us is made up of a myriad of different colours and hues, some of them obvious and in-your-face, others more subtle or almost unnoticed amongst stronger colours. 

Choose a colour and create a photographic display to represent it. Get out and about with your camera! Try to get all kinds of variations of the colour, both in different shades and different intensities and textures.

Here's a few simple suggestions to get you started:

GREEN
Leaves, Lichen, Moss, Water, Hills, Enviro Bags, Tree Frogs, Lorikeet

BLUE
Water, Sky, Blue Loo Toilet Cleaner, Budgie, Azurite, Ford Logo, Eyes

RED
Fire Engine, Post Box, Car, Robin, Hibiscus, Holden Blimp, Rose, Traffic Light

ORANGE
Sunset, Fire, Marigold, Monarch Butterfly, An Orange, Glowing Cliffs, Autumn leaves

YELLOW
Sunflower, Duckling, Custard, A Lemon, A Crayon, Daisies, Cheese 

WHITE
Clouds, Shell, Rabbit, Lily, Snow, Rice, Flour, Cottage Cheese

BLACK
Night Sky, Cat, Desk Chair, Licorice,  Leather,  Paint,  T-shirt, Beetle

Be creative and imaginative... use something a bit different, something unexpected.

Make a collage poster, or a PowerPoint presentation, or whatever you feel is the best way to display your work.

You could then try the process again with a different colour. This could even develop into an ongoing project to cover as many colours as possible. Don't be afraid to add photographs to each display if you find something that fits in nicely, at a later stage.