Pumpkin Outdoor Artwork

Tasmania's undiscovered gems

Tasmania has become a tourism magnet with attractions such as Hobart's new AU$175 million MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), the spectacular Saffire resort at Coles Bay and two world-class golf courses at Barnbougle Dunes.

Hobart, with its historic waterfront, bustling Salamanca Market and five-star hostelries such as the Henry Jones Art Hotel and Islington, is a year-round drawcard, as are natural attractions such as the Maria Island Walk and Cradle Mountain and festivals including Taste, Festivale and Ten Days on the Island.

LESSER KNOWN ATTRACTIONS

Hobart hot spots

Gourmets in the capital were devastated when chef Iain Todd closed the doors of his Battery Point fine diner, Piccalilly, but Todd has rebounded with two new eateries; the upmarket Battery Point Steakhouse in the former Piccalilly premises and Ethos Eat Drink, down an old laneway at 100 Elizabeth Street.

 The funky Ethos ( ethoseatdrink .com ) focuses on tapas plates and interesting wines by the glass, with several specials each night, along with a long and interesting list of wines. Think exotic dishes such as stinging nettle soup or fried pig's ear with chorizo salt; or more mainstream offerings such as charred octopus with paprika, lemon and parsley or braised ox tongue with horseradish.

Other impressive newcomers include the superb Garagistes (garagistes.com.au), where former Sydney chef Luke Burgess is creating a menu that changes on a daily basis and offers a long list of "natural" wines.

The menu features dishes such as marinated mussels with caramelised onion and croutons or marinated kingfish with cucumber, miso and Japanese turnip.

Nick Haddow, of Bruny Island cheese fame, has teamed up with the Gourmet Farmer himself, Matthew Evans, to open a deli at Salamanca called A Common Ground, selling cheeses, Evans's rillettes and other gourmet goodies.

Sleep in style

An increasing selection of luxury retreats and hideaways dots the map of Tasmania. Some of the newest arrivals include The Ocean Retreat Tasmania on the east coast, the Deck House at Port Huon, Bruny Shore on Bruny Island and Eagle Peaks at Coles Bay.

The Ocean Retreat ( selectretreats .com ) is a four-bedroom self-contained getaway with its own heated plunge pool, outdoor log fireplace and spectacular ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, while the architect-designed Deck House (deckhouse.net.au) is set on 12 rolling hectares in the Huon Valley with a deck for taking in the views.

Planting Pumpkins | How To Grow Pumpkins Home Art Design

What is our fascination with the pumpkin? Perhaps it is the sign that autumn (fall) is coming. The pumpkin has been used all over the world for several things. The most common reason for planting pumpkins in America is to make pumpkin pie. Of course, a child might say they are for jack-o-lanterns. Other than pie, there are several other uses for pumpkins such as soup, cake and candies.

Some people debate about pumpkins; are they a vegetable or fruit? Actually a pumpkin is a fruit that belongs to the squash family. They have seeds that are ripened from the ovary of a flower; which makes it technically a fruit. This is similar to the argument had by those for tomatoes and cucumbers.

If someone wants to try planting pumpkins, it takes a certain process. Fortunately, it is not difficult and even children can enjoy raising their own pumpkin patch.

Timing is everything when it comes to planting pumpkins and growing the best. First, make sure that the danger of frost has past. Pumpkin seeds can be planted right into the ground in warmer climates, so it is important to make sure the soil has warmed up for planting.

Pumpkins require lots of room to grow. When picking out a potential spot, make sure that there is plenty of room. There are two kind of pumpkins: the ones that bush and the ones that vine. Plant the seeds at least 8-12 feet apart. A pumpkin vine can grow up to 6 inches in one day; so one needs to make sure the growing space is adequate.

Before planting the seeds, many people suggest to file the end of the pumpkin seeds with a nail file. Experts also say to soak the seeds in warm water before planting. It is supposed to allow them to sprout faster. This is a matter of preference; but in order to grow bigger and better pumpkins, any little tips can help.

Now that the seeds are prepped, it is time to plant. Ensure that the bushing pumpkins have at least three feet between plants. The vining type needs at least eight feet of space.

Ground temperature must be at least 20-25°C (70-75°F) before pumpkins can be planted. Pumpkins can be temperamental and making sure the soil is warm enough will mean everything to success. Pumpkin seeds must be planted in little hills. This process of burying seeds in hills is similar to how squash is planted.

The next step is to dig little one -inch pockets into the hills. Make each pockets about a foot apart. Then, drop a few seeds into each pocket (the average farmer will plan 4-5 seeds). After all the seeds have been planted in this manner, then spritz the mounds with some water.

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