By the 1880s, with gold findings falling and therefore money available for prizes dropping too, Avoca Races went through a difficult period, especially as Melbourne suburban courses began to grow .
Ah, avocados. The green gold that has taken brunch menus by storm and sent millennials into a frenzy. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow these delicious gems in your own backyard, look no further than a suburban Melbourne avocado tree tale that’s been unfolding for three glorious seasons.
Meet our protagonist, an unassuming avocado tree planted as a sapling about 8-9 years ago. Yes, that’s right—this tree is practically a veteran in the world of backyard gardening. It’s seen things. It’s produced over 80 avocados a year, and it’s not done yet! This year, the tree is flaunting its bounty like a proud parent at a school play, with boatloads of avocados still hanging on its branches.
Now, for those of you who might not be familiar with the fine art of avocado cultivation, let me break it down. This particular tree is of the ‘Bacon’ variety. No, it doesn’t have a side hustle as a breakfast item, but it does look a bit like the popular ‘Shepherd’ type. The real kicker? The flesh has the color, texture, and flavor that would make even a Haas avocado envious. Who knew that Melbourne could be home to such avocado royalty?
But let’s dive into the drama. You see, it’s not just a simple matter of waiting for the avocados to ripen. Oh no, there’s competition on the horizon—namely, the local possum population. These furry little bandits are as keen on the ripe fruit as brunch-goers are on smashed avocado toast. It’s a race against time to see who can snag the avocados first. It’s like the Great Avocado Heist, and if you think it’s easy to outsmart a possum, think again. They’re like ninjas in the night, stealthily plotting their avocado ambushes while the unsuspecting gardener snoozes away.
Harvesting typically happens from July to September, or whenever the avocados look big enough. It’s a bit like waiting for a movie to come out—there’s excitement, anticipation, and a fair amount of patience involved. The biggest avocado this year weighed in at a hefty 350 grams, which is impressive, but last year’s record was a whopping 580 grams. Just imagine the guacamole potential!
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero of this story: the gardener. While the husband humbly admits he’s not much of a gardener himself, it’s clear that his wife is the true avocado whisperer here. She’s the one nurturing this tree, coaxing it to produce fruit year after year, while he reaps the benefits. Talk about a win-win situation!
So, for all the aspiring gardeners out there, let this serve as a beacon of hope. If you’ve ever thought that growing avocados in Melbourne was an impossible dream, think again! It’s possible, and it’s happening right in your backyard. Just remember to keep an eye out for those crafty possums—they’ll stop at nothing to get their paws on your precious avocados.
In conclusion, if you find yourself in suburban Melbourne, keep an eye out for the avocado tree saga that’s taken root. It’s a story of triumph, tenacity, and a whole lot of guacamole. Who knew that a simple tree could bring so much joy (and tasty fruit) to a household? Here’s to many more seasons of avocado abundance—just remember to share with the possums, or at least negotiate a peaceful coexistence. After all, they didn’t choose to be adorable little thieves.
Inspired by: “A Suburban Melbourne avocado tree story – Season 03” (r/melbourne)