Autumn in the Valley

 

Autumn is banksia season in the Valley, which the local nectar eating birds and insects love! 

A gorgeous grevillea.

We are fortunate to have a large Menzies’ banksia flowering profusely near the volunteer picnic area, together with some newly planted ‘Birthday Candles’, a low growing banksia, along the pathways. 

 

The pin cushion hakea has just started to flower, and the everlasting daisies have germinated with the recent rains. 

Mark has recently planted three large beds of leafy greens for the possums and parrots, and the poplars are showering the paddocks with their golden leaves, much to the delight of the goats!

 

Recipe - Heirloom Tomato Pie

 

Thanks to a lovely donation of homegrown tomatoes from a regular Rescue Poo gardener, we made a simple and delicious pie!

Ingredients

- 500g of small mixed tomatoes, cut into halves

- 1 sheet of vegan puff pastry

- 1 red onion, sliced and lightly sauteed

- Spray vegetable oil

- A large bunch of fresh basil, salad and chips to serve. 

Method

- Spray a baking dish lightly with vegetable oil and lay tomatoes cut side down. 

- Add sauteed red onion, then cover with puff pastry. 

- Using a fork, gently pierce some holes into the pastry to allow steam to escape. 

- Cook on 180C for around 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed. 

- Allow to sit for ten minutes to cool and then tip pastry side down on a serving platter. 

- Sprinkle with fresh basil – enjoy!