Plant

WITH RACHEL GLEESON www.ivyalley.com.au

Grandmas’s treasures repurposed!

Do you have a stash of bequeathed treasures that you really dont have a purpose for, however would never dream of parting with? Ok, lets go pull it out of tthe boxes all and find a glorious stage for them in your garden!

Silver Platters -Hanging bird planters. This is a great way to show off antique silverware. Drill through the middle of the tray using a “metal”drill bit . Secure a hook bolt through the hole and secure onto a chain. Pewter mugs -plant hanger These trophy mugs look great grouped together. Display and grow your favourite cutting or plants. Add drainage by drilling through base with a ‘metal’ drill bit. Use wire to secure the cups to the hanger (nstead of hooks) as the wire allows you to manipulate and adjust the mugs position. PICTURED; Plectranthus & Ficus pumila)

Silver tea and coffee pots

Along with their accessories such as sugar bowls/milk creamers are a beautiful way to display flowers, or can be used as planters (pictured is Pepperomia and Fossil fern). Simply drill a hole in the bottom (using a ‘metal’ drill bit) and remove lid (or wire it open). Tea cups/saucers make dainty plant vessels and wonderful gifts! Place cup upright on a soft surface (eg teatowel) and use a “ceramic” drill bit to drill a hole in the base. Spray area to be drilled with water to prevent overheating. Use moderate, consistant pressure when drilling (be patient!)

Cake Stand ) Hang and use as a small bird feeder, or display with plants (pictured mini living moss balls). They look great in groups hanging. Musical instruments Trailing plants (such as rhipsalis pictured) look fantastic in this vessel! The brass will age/ weather and form a beautiful blue patina over time. Soup Terrine lid - Hanging basket. Drill four holes (using a ‘metal’drill bit on your drill) Also drill two holes in the base,either side of the handle for drainage. Purchase a hanging basket chain set from the hardware store/nursery and clip through holes

If you don’t have a stash of these lovely bygone things, they are readily available from second hand stores, auction houses or online. Just ask at your local hardware store for the appropriate drill bits, wire or hooks needed to complete these tasks.

happy gardening

What I watched on TV…

Stuck at home in lockdown has at least provided plenty of opportunities to watch TV. Here then are some of the recommended shows that have kept our go-to TV man Stephen Miller occupied.

Finding Alice (Foxtel)

Engaging six-part drama from the UK is about Alice (Keeley Hawes) who has to deal with the fallout following the sudden death of her partner. While it is about death, grief and deceit, Alice is a beautiful character who refuses to play the classic grieving widow. The final episode ends on a cliffhanger with many questions left unanswered. A second series has been commissioned. *** 1/2 Why you would watch it: High calibre actors, particularly Keeley Hawes, Joanna Lumley and Nigel Havers. Why you wouldn’t: Some UK viewers found it brilliant, while others thought it utter dross. The White Lotus (Binge)

The White Lotus is a captivating, character-driven, satirical, whodunnit/ comedy/drama. The insightful storyline explores how the wealthy cavalierly demand from the less fortunate, inflict power and how easily that is triggered. Visiting The White Lotus might not be a relaxing holiday, but it is one you will remember for some time.

Why you would watch it: It’s refreshingly good and highly bingeworthy. Why you wouldn’t: The humour may not be for everyone. Dr Death (Stan)

Based on a true story, Dr Death follows the medical malpractice inflicted by American neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch.I struggle to understand how Duntsch could get away with this for so long but I suspect it has something to do with the behemoth that is the American medical system. The program reveals how it does seem to protect hospitals and insurance companies a lot better than it does patients. Highly watchable TV. ****

Why you would watch it: Much praised by critics and the public alike. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t have Stan. offended by coarse language and sex scenes.

Blinded | Fartblinda (SBS On Demand)

Pining for another dose of actress Julia Ragnarsson I quickly dived into this financial thriller. It’s very different to Springfloden (which I reviewed last month) with Julia, this time playing an investigative journalist. After falling in love with the charming but dodgy director of a bank she’s investigating, a struggle ensues as she tries to separate her professional and private lives. Blinded is a classy show performed by the best Sweden has to offer.

Why you would watch it: You’re a fan of Scandinavian drama. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t like shows with subtitles. Chicken People (ABC iView)

Chicken People is a warm-hearted documentary about people who breed and raise chickens for exhibition. The film focuses on three main characters – Brian, a musical theatre performer from Missouri; Shari, a homemaker from Indiana; and Brian, an engineer of high-performance race engines from New Hampshire. Thankfully it defiantly resists the obvious urge to become condescending and remains far more enjoyable and entertaining because of that.

Why you should watch it: This level of obsession confirms that truth is stranger than fiction. Why you wouldn’t: Chickens scare you.

NETFLIX Gems

These Netflix shows are all worth your time if you haven’t seen them yet.

• Call My Agent!

Highly addictive French drama.

• The Queen’s Gambit

Who knew chess could be this engaging?

• Behind Her Eyes

A psychological thriller, supernatural fiction.

• Emily in Paris

Frivolous and light, but fun. • The End of the F***ing World

A funny, twisted, excellent black comedy.

• Unorthodox

Actress Shira Haas is superb.

Highly recommended.

• Unbelievable

Suspenseful crime drama.