Introduction
It’s hard to believe that it has been 4.5 months since I made the big move from Shepparton to Daylesford. Relocating my life, along with my studio supplies and cherished garden favorites, came with its fair share of expenses. However, the joy of settling into my new home, Wren Cottage, has been worth every penny. Settling In
The transition was not just about moving; it was about creating a new life. The first challenge was setting up my new garden, which was already blessed with mature plants. I took it upon myself to plant over 500 assorted spring bulbs, and as the end of winter approaches, I’m thrilled to see them breaking through the ground.
In addition to the bulbs, I planted a variety of annual seeds in autumn. Initially, I was skeptical about their survival in the cold Daylesford winters, but to my delight, many are showing healthy growth! Unfortunately, the local rosellas had a feast on my freesias, but I have plenty of other plants to share with nature.

Orchid Collection
One of the most exciting aspects of my move has been my collection of several hundred seedlings of Dendrobium (Australian rock orchids) and Cymbidium orchids. I was concerned about their fate in this harsher climate, but with strategic placements in the gazebo and veranda—areas protected from frost but warmed by winter sunshine—they are thriving. These orchids were intended as a cash crop, but I’m just grateful they’re growing. I envision gifting many of them to my support team as a thank you for their help in settling me into Daylesford. Life at Wren Cottage
The reason for my move was to be closer to my husband, who is in aged care at Hepburn House. This Monday, we’ll celebrate his 85th birthday in his room. Visiting him can be tiring, with the need for considerable walking through the two-story building. However, I manage to maintain my beautiful little cottage and take daily walks with my Cavoodle, Tess.

Despite not being very active online lately, I still find time to write and publish short stories and novellas. My ink line and watercolor art diary projects continue to flourish, even as I adjust to my new surroundings.

Home Improvements Last month, I had my three-month cottage inspection by the real estate agency, which prompted me to invest in some decorating. The cottage boasts beautiful pitched timber ceilings with beams, but there’s no room for ceiling lights. Instead, I installed plant lights on timers and numerous standard lights throughout the space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
I have also been fortunate to have a marvelous gardener assist me. Due to my physical disabilities, I can't manage heavy garden work, but with their help, I can look up from my computer and watch the Superb Fairy Wrens flit about outside my window. In the afternoons, I often catch sight of the larger, colorful rosellas and honey eaters feeding in the camellia blooming outside.

Personal Growth Financial recovery from the move is still a work in progress. This year has brought unexpected changes, including losing two dress sizes! While I needed the change, it was difficult to part with some of my favorite outfits. To make room for my new wardrobe, I repurposed my oversized clothes into nightwear. I treated myself to a new capsule wardrobe during the financial year sales, which included three jackets, five T-shirts, two skirts, and two pairs of pants.
Tess is also on my mind as her annual vet check-up approaches. I plan to give her a grooming session before spring arrives, which is just around the corner!

Future Plans
I eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring and hope to see more blossoming trees among the other plants in my garden. Although the azaleas and other established plants are recovering from last summer’s trials, I expect next year to bring a glorious display. I’m excited to see hydrangeas and agapanthus bloom in the summer, along with the beautiful scilla, or Spanish bluebells, emerging under the trees.
Living just a couple of kilometers from the stunning Lake Daylesford, I’m eager to venture out and explore the area. The charming former miner’s cottages and cottage gardens surrounded by Australian bushland make this place a painter's paradise. The wattles are beginning to bloom, and there’s so much beauty to capture on canvas.

Creative Endeavors In the realm of my artistic pursuits, I’ve transitioned 200 mixed media art tutorials and long-form videos to the tuition membership on my RynShell.com website. After facing challenges with YouTube monetization, I decided to implement a modest fee for access to my six years of tutorial videos. I’ll continue to share free short videos while aiming to provide more free-to-view content on my website.
As I work on completing these art tutorial pages by the end of August 2025, I look forward to resuming regular short video releases that will showcase my garden, studio, and the beautiful surroundings of Daylesford and Hepburn Shire.

Conclusion
Life at Wren Cottage is a journey filled with growth, both in my garden and personally. I’m excited about the future, with plans to explore my new surroundings, nurture my plants, and share my creative endeavors with you all. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to embrace this beautiful chapter of my life!