Newsletter 13th December 2024

Art piece above is copyright © Sandra Johnson.
Title image above is copyright © Optimate Group Pty Ltd

First published 13th December 2024

Hello everyone, it has been a long time since I have sent one of these! But with just over two weeks until New Year, I have made my apparently once-a-year newsletter deadline with ease…?!

The first two items are full of beautiful things for no other reason than to share with you.

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Item 1: Bee Hotel!
Have you ever seen smooth round and oval-shaped holes in your leaves and wondered what caused them? Those holes are the unmistakeable presence of leafcutter bees, who weave these leaf pieces together to fashion a little nest for their babies. They are the cutest things, and what better last post for the year than one about them and this bright and cheery Bee Hotel a wonderful friend made for me?

Please feast your eyes on her exquisite masterupiece here! Thank you so much Sandra!

Item 2: Wollongong Botanic Garden
I have begun a new series of Wollongong Botanic Garden posts. These were inspired by a fellow cactus and succulent nut, the wonderful Helen in Melbourne — a customer and now regular pen-pal (hello Helen if you are reading this!).

It came up in conversation that we both happened to live near our respective local botanic gardens, and that she especially loved the cactus and succulent section. As did I of ours, so Helen asked for photos, and I happily obliged one perfect glorious bright blue sunny day later. There were too many to email, so I said I’d write a post. This is it, and I think the first of a few more of the Garden in general as it is such a beautiful local treasure to explore.

Item 3: New Blog Posts Since Last Newsletter
Water and Pots
This one may surprise many people — as much as I was surprised by the roughly ten views a day it has since garnered. I guess people have wondered why the bottom of the potting mix is so incredibly saturated compared to the rest, despite the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot!

How to Identify Dichondra repens from Gotu Kola
This truly astonishes me. Another one gathering roughly ten views a day, and yet such an obscure topic. It even has a couple of comments! I wrote it partly for my own reference, but looks like others have found it just as handy!

Getting the Most Out of an Air-Pot Container
This one was inspired by a customer asking as to recommended substrate. I wrote this for him and now include it as a printed sheet with all Air-Pot® purchases. Then turned it into a blog post to help people who are considering these amazing containers.

Item 4: A Cheeky Plug
I’m going to be naughty and squeeze in a plug for a new shop Daughter and I built — quality chocolate you won’t find in supermarkets, award-winning gingerbread, and the incredible delights of Dutch liquorice and confectionery!
Here: https://confectionatelyyours.com.au

Item 5: Christmas Holiday Hours
Please note that while the shop will be open, I won’t be able to process any orders received between Wednesday 18th December and Sunday 29th December until Monday 30th December I’m sorry.

There will also be unavoidable delays replying to enquiries during this time.

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Thank you for reading! Please never hesitate to get in touch with any questions either as I am more than happy to help in any way I can.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing Christmas, and an exceptional New Year 2025!

Best regards,

Kristi Ellinopoullos