Yummy Peach Jam

Recently, a very kind local called Sharon surprised me with a jar of her homemade peach jam. It sounds like a small thing, but it brought such a huge smile to my face because, as Sharon says, it reflects the positive changes happening in our backyards.

You see, for the past few summers, Sharon's fruit harvest has taken a hit due to a combination of bad weather and hungry possums. But this year, things are looking up. Better weather has led to a bumper crop of fruit, and thanks to the traps we provided last year, no scavenging possums this summer either … She's got so much fruit now that she's giving lots away!

I think it's fantastic. More fruit and fewer possums mean not only a thriving garden for Sharon and her family but also a happier habitat for our local bird population.

Sharon’s yummy peach jam, Feb 2024. Photo credit - J Morgan

Although there are some unintended consequences – we're also dealing with a new "problem" - lots of locals (jokingly) griping about the influx of birds in their veggie patches! It's a nice problem to have and a sign that our efforts to control pests and support our local ecosystem are starting to pay off.

As I savour Sharon's really delicious peach jam, it's a lovely reminder that together, we're all making a real difference. By taking care of our gardens and gullies, and looking out for our native wildlife, we're not just tending to the environment – we're ensuring that future generations can enjoy it too. And I'll definitely be adding more bird-friendly plants to my garden, so our feathered friends have plenty to munch on besides my tomatoes!