In my kitchen:
Is citrus fruit and lots of it. From left to right, and in order of sweetness, Emperor mandarin, Valencia orange, Rangpur lime, Lemonade, Meyer lemon and Eureka lemon.
We managed to find homes for all the mandarins and am hopeful we will find homes for the oranges. The Lemonades and Rangpur limes are the most prolific and, I am sad to say, we just threw bucket loads of them into the compost bins. I am yet to strip the Meyer and Eureka lemon trees but there are not too many of them. I am hoping some will stay on the tree over summer, when lemons are in most demand.
If you want a true lemon, Eureka is the way to go. You can identify an Eureka by the nipple on its base (not shown in the photo). If you want all rounders, and prolific, go for the Rangpur limes or Lemonades. The trees are lovely and compact and you get loads of fruit.
Rangpur limes are a cross between a mandarin and a lemon – they are not true limes. I have read that when you buy mandarin juice, it is a mixture of mandarin and Rangpur. Rangpurs are much juicier and produce a better quality juice than mandarins. Lemonades are a cross between an orange and a lemon. They are perfect for anything sweet but they can also be used in savoury dishes.
In my kitchen:
Is garlic. From my understanding, it is very, very early for garlic. I picked them because they were just lying on top of the soil and looking very sad. This is about half of my crop. There is not much this year due to decimation by birds (they ate half the cloves I planted). To add insult to injury, the bulbs are not particularly big. Is it because we had such a short winter?
In my kitchen:
Is beetroot. This is the first I have picked this season. They are a good size. I am thinking roast chicken with roasted vegetables. Yum! Actually, I have been thinking of roast chicken for ages but am having difficulty buying a politically correct chicken. I want real free range and a brand that doesn’t take advantage of ( ie, underpay) overseas students here on working visas. Sadly, it is harder than you think.
We were still picking snow peas until a couple of days ago when I pulled the plants out to get the ground ready for spring planting. The snow peas were a real success. We have been eating them all winter. I will certainly plant them again next year.
We are also picking asparagus.
In my kitchen:
Is a mini spatula in the most amazing colour. My mates, Emily, Colin, Sam and Colette came down for the weekend and they decided to play a game called “Bring a kitchen gadget Glenda doesn’t have.” Em went for the mini spatula which, she assures me, is wonderful. She uses hers all the time.
In my kitchen:
Is a Yolkr. It is an egg separater and was one of Colette’s contributions. I have seen them on Youtube. They appear to work. You squeeze the top, which sucks up the yolk and then, when you let it go, the yolk pops out. I haven’t tried it but I had considered buying one. Good choice, Colette.
In my kitchen:
Is some purple gear. Colette said that she bought the hand-shaped biscuit cutter and the mit just because they were purple, which is as good a reason as any. I took this photo just ’cause they were purple. 🙂 I am not certain what I will do with a hand-shaped biscuit cutter (except, of course, make hand-shaped biscuits). The muffin papers were already in the cupboard. I thought they would complement the other items. 
In my kitchen:
Are some cute dessert bowls. They were Maus’ mum’s. I was eating out of one the other day and thought how lovely it was. The pattern is a fruit tree (let’s assume apple), grass and two happy flowers. Very cute indeed.
In my kitchen:
And in keeping with the pink and purple theme, are four stainless steel Ritzenhoff table coasters, designed by Michael Sieger. They are fabulously cheery and I just love the pink and purple.
In my kitchen:
Is a gin and tonic ice tray. It is Sam’s contribution to the “Kitchen gadget that Glenda does not have” game. This tray makes 4 large (5.5cm diameter) round ice cubes which are, according to the label, to be used in balloon glasses. When Sam gave it to me, I got all excited because I could envisage balls of soap but, on closer inspection, I have decided to stick with water. You fill the base tray and then place the other tray on top. Excess water flows out of the holes. It just ain’t gunna work with caustic, rapidly-thickening, soap batter. I can’t even bare to think of the mess I would make if I tried.
Just to show I am not prejudiced when it comes to green…
In my kitchen:
Is a green frog bottle stopper – the neck of the bottle goes in his mouth. I reckon we bought him in Berlin but Maus is not sure. He is very cute.
And here is the green frog on my new Lazy Susan. I haven’t seen Lazy Susans in shops for ages so, when I spied this one, I pounced. I think they are a great idea for cheese platters and the like. I am sure it will get a work-out this summer.
And here is green frog going for a whirl.
He sure looks like he is having fun. 🙂
In my kitchen:
Is some Mint Kleen. Em tells me it is fabulous. She loves it so much she bought a whole carton of it. According to the company’s spiel:
Mint Kleen is not only an excellent cleaner but signals a return to nature’s old ways in a safe, responsible and friendly new direction. Use around the home to clean and naturally deter insects. … It is Free from chlorine, ammonia, phosphate, benzalkonium chloride, triclosan and other nasties.
In my kitchen:
Are seeds and lots of them. These are four new ones I am going to try this year, along with all the normal culprits: capsicums, Lebanese cucumbers, coriander, rocket, corn, Kent pumpkins, several varieties of onions, parsley, basil, etc.
I planted runner beans last year (we are still eating them) but, this year, I want to go for the smaller, stringless variety and also give snake beans a go.
I chose the orange pumpkin because Diane, from Photographs and Recipes, commented that the only variety they have in the States is orange and I have never seen the orange variety here.
Fennel tastes great. I wonder whether it is easy to grow.
I have decided there will be only one cherry tomato plant this year. I wouldn’t mind just one Roma tomato plant also, but I am too scared to buy a packet of seeds in case I grow more than one… and they shoot… and then I can’t bear to pull up the buggers.
I can resist everything except temptation. (Oscar Wilde)
If you would like to see what is in other bloggers’ kitchens this month, visit Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. Celia hosts In My Kitchen each month.
Passion Fruit Garden 
i love all these things in your kitchen. i adore kitchen gadgets, especially purple ones. my fave colour. the mint kleen looks fabulous too. the hand cookie cutter is such fun. love all your produce too. i wish we could grow stuff without the turkey marauders from hell! how about that yokr, and the bottle stop? so much fun. and the coasters and the spatula. sublime.
Hi Sherry. Sounds like we have purple in common 🙂
You have some lovely things in your kitchen ~ I like all those veggies from your garden! The frog bottle stopper is very cute and of course I like all the pink and purple goodies!
Hi Zirkie, Thanks for stopping by. Pink and purple is always good 🙂
I don’t know where to begin, I love it all. I am quite jealous of all the citrus, we just can’t grow that here. All the rest of the garden looks fantastic as well. My pumpkins were a fail this year. They blossomed but never fruited. I plant several different varieties, some for baking and others for decoration. I am loving all the kitchen tools as well.
Hi Gretchen, I just planted American pumpkin seeds. It is orange. Diane tells me it is the main variety there. We don’t have it here so I thought I would give it a go.
Orange is definitely the most popular but if you have your own garden anything is possible! Good luck and hope you like them.
So many nice things, Glenda. At a time when we’re tearing down our gardens, it’s good to see others preparing their own. I envy you your citrus. All of ours is shipped in, no matter the season, and very often it’s not at all good.I’ve been looking at those eg separators. Will be interested to read your “review”. 🙂
Hi John, Good to hear from you. I am yet to use my egg separator but when I do, I will let everyone know how it goes.
Again Glenda & Maus, you never disappoint with amazing produce. My sister & brother-in-law are growing garlic in their veggie patch. It isn’t sitting on top of the soil yet but I don’t think it will be too long. May I ask if you have any tips on how you would store over 20 bulbs of garlic for future use? I also love chemical free cleaning products – would you know if it works on stone tiles? Where can I get my hands on some to try? I’ll keep my eye out for it. Thanks for sharing some great goodies this month for #IMK
Hi Nicole, just break the garlic into cloves (don’t peel) and freeze it in a Ziplock bag. It lasts at least a year. My friend bought the cleaner on line at ozkeen.com
Thank you for the tips Glenda 🙂
That garlic looks beautiful! 🙂
Thanks Mila but it was not the best crop – next year maybe 🙂
Anyway, it’s great when you can pick up veggies straight from your garden! 🙂
It sure is.
Yum – those beets look amazing. I’ve been whipping up a beet, lentil and fetta salad of late that has been a hit with the crowds.
Shari. That sounds wonderful and healthy.
Hi – my third go at leaving a comment. So many WP troubles! anyway… I wanted to tell you that I saw my brother the other week in Sydney and he told me that when he reads my IMK, he reads all over the other IMKs too. He told me he particularly enjoyed the one by the woman who pegs her undies on the fence. I think we know who that is ; )
Hi Fi, As I mentioned in the email I found your comment in the spam so I had to un spam it and then I had to approve it. I have no idea why. Shari’s comment was also in with the spam. Hey, tell your brother, that’s a gate ! 🙂
I would never have believed your friends could come up with so many cool gadgets that you don’t already have but they really did a great job! I love the pink and purple theme you’ve got going there & the dessert bowl really shows beautifully on the purple cloth.
I’m fascinated by that egg yolk separater and want to hear how it works.
I am truly envious of the energy you put into all of your produce. It really takes a lot of work and commitment. Now, really? 1 … ONE? tomato plant? Come on now Glenda.
Oh Diane, you know me so well. I went to the shop today looking for Roma tomato seeds. Luckily they didn’t have any 🙂
Frogs and lime green..two of my favorites..it’s not a common colour here..my son’s thai wife thinks I am weird buying anything green….they like blue and pink a lot but green that vibrant makes me happy 🙂
Hi Carol, I am a pink (and purple) girl but I can do green when it comes to frogs.
Glenda, I loved this post. Especially…Wheeeeeee! The cute little frog made me smile 🙂 So many wonderful things in your kitchen but that frog got my heart! Btw, we once grew fennel but without much success but I know your attempt will be much better than ours. Happy October
Ania, I feel like I am on a challenge now. I will put the seeds in this week. If they grow they will appear in later IMK posts. If not there will be silence 🙂
There are two free range chicken producers within driving distance from me and I can drive to both and pick up a bird. They aren’t cheap but the flavour – oh the flavour is to die for.
You have such wonderful things at your place this month.
Thanks Maureen. There is ‘free range’ and ‘free range’ and a lot of what we can get is not very free range. I can’t wait until they regulate the labelling.
Had to smile, taking your cute frog for a spin on that beautiful lazy Susan. The glass desserts bowls are really beautiful Glenda and I am sure Maus is thrilled to have them too. I had quite a few limes this year so froze some of them… you must have an amazing fruit and vegetable garden.
Hi Moya. I would need three freezers just to fit all the citrus in if I wanted to freeze it. I know throwing it out is wasteful but I just get so much.
You get my vote for the most colorful kitchen post of the month! what a grand collection of gadgets, produce and whimsy.
Thanks Dee, It if good to have a bit of fun.
Hi Glenda, looks like you received some great new gadgets this month.
Also your beets look beautiful, how wonderful you can grow your own.
Hi Cheri. As if I didn’t have enough gadget … but they are fun. Beets are pretty easy to grow.
What a hoot having friends go to so much effort to catch you out re gadgets. I love the frog and hope he enjoyed his whirl on the Lazy Susan!
He sure did Maree.
Glenda, I do hope you gave your lil green frog a lie down after his big adventure! 🙂 For your hand shaped cookie cutter you could always make hand shaped fried eggs! Then again, you’d probably have to make (or shape) hand shaped toast to go with it. Have fun with your new gadgets, cheers Kirsty.
Hand shaped fried eggs? Now there is an idea. That frog had such a good time.
Just love what’s in your kitchen each month. I think you & Maus need to build another extension just to house all your kitchen wares & all those future ones!!!!!!!!
Happy Gardening – very envious of your space.
Hi Deb, I promise, no more kitchen gadgets. Enough is enough 😀
I’ve had terrible problems logging into WP today but I have finally cracked it and made it through! So many delicious goodies as always Glenda but special mention must go to the frog and your plans for only one tomato bush. I’m also wiser for your information about the citrus crosses – I’m going to plant up something when we have finished our renovations so I’ll be coming back to review your advice. BTW, I must tell you that I saw my brother last weekend in Sydney and he told me that beside my own, he reads all the IMKs each month. He told me he particularly enjoyed the one by the woman who has the knickers pegged to her fence. I think we can guess who that is ; )
Ha, that green frog has me laughing 😀 I love your fresh produce too, especially the citrus fruit.
Kari, that little green frog had me laughing too. I enjoyed whizzing him around.
Glenda, your frog bottle stopper going for a “whirl” on your lazy Susan made me laugh out loud — such fun and games going on in your kitchen! (Great kitchen gadget game, too.) I love your coasters — very chic design. You also made me hungry for roasted chicken & veggies.
Hi Kim. We were laughing too whilst I was trying to take photos.
I hear ya with the citrus. We are juiced, marmaladed, pied and galetted up the ying yang over here. 😀 But I do want a green frog on my Lazy Susan… now that’s something you don’t get to type everyday.
Jennifer, I bet you are green with envy 🙂
Your kitchen is always interesting Glenda. I think this month my favourite thing is your citrus display, so simple yet beautiful. Enjoy that garlic, I am still waiting patiently for mine. I have never heard of birds eating garlic, how annoying!
Have a lovely weekend.
Hi Jane, they pulled all, or rather, nearly all, the newly planted cloves. The shits!
You always have such fabulous knick knacks that I want to buy!
Hi Josephine. Yes, I am afraid I do have a few knick knacks.
I think you have covered every colour of the rainbow in this post which makes me smile 🙂 thankfully… because I’m saddened-annoyed that it’s so damn hard to get a decent aka politically correct chook for roasting. I know I’m fortunate to have access both here in the city and at TA but like mobile & internet coverage surely it’s a basic human (not to mention the chickens’) right everywhere to have the choice!
Ella, don’t get me started on the poultry industry. grrrr and grrrr some more.
Glenda, I too am in awe of your produce… makes we wish we had a larger patch… using the last of our garlic now, and the last of my lemons a week or so ago… must start planting again now that the frosts have ceased… you have inspired me. All those goodies in your kitchen, too! Wow.
Hi Liz, it is all about poo and water.
I want to play “find a kitchen gadget Glenda doesn’t have” too! 😉 I adore my small kitchen spatulas too, so I hope you find yours useful. Maus’ mum’s dessert bowls are very cute! As always, I’m amazed by the output of your garden. I wonder if you have OzHarvest where you are? I’m sure they’d be delighted to have your surpluses! 🙂
Hi Celia, we usually hand out to our Perth neighbours but limes and lemons are a hard sell. Most people only want a few. And when you have them by the trailer load it is hard. Sometimes the icecream shops want them if you get in before other people.
I’m nspired by you and your prolific garden, I just made a decision to only have edibles on my tiny balcony garden, I only hope there is enough sunshine. We have a large round diningroom table, I struggled to find a lazy susan too, ebay to the rescue!
Hi Sandra, I haven’t seen one for ages but you can get everything on the internet.
I loved you frog going for a spin on the lazy susan- made my day. Glenda you know you will plant more than one cherry tomato- what if it’s a bad season? Can’t believe you have garlic already.
Oh Francesca, I fear you are right re the tomatoes.
I wouldn’t want to take along a “gadget that Glenda doesn’t have”! Rather like the G&T ice cube tray, which is much better than using a silicon cupcake tray to get large ice cubes.
Interesting to see the roots on your beetroot. Mine always have just one long tapering root that always reminds me of a rat’s tail (rather offputting).
Hi Anne, I wonder if beetroot grow a long tail if they are looking for water and little ones if there is plenty of water about.
What loveliness you have in your kitchen Glenda. I adore your mini spatula and Lazy Susan. I have been hunting for one but alas can’t seem to find one and my mom would love the G&T ice cubes. She has her own special “big” ice ice tray which nobody else is allowed to use.
Have a beautiful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Thanks Mandy