Ironbark

This blip is of an old railway sleeper now used to edge my vegetable garden.

The timber is a type of Eucalyptus (gum tree) found in Eastern Australia of which there are a few varieties. They are grouped together because of their characteristic deep furrowed bark. They have been used over the years by Aboriginal people who used the timber to make spear throwers and more recently for railway sleepers and heavy construction work such as in timber bridges. It is a strong durable hardwood, resistant to termites and borers.

Over the years the old railway sleepers are being replaced by concrete sleepers so there is usually a supply of these for gardening. They are popular as they have not been treated with chemicals so are safe for vegetable gardening. They are very heavy and hard to work with, but once in place make a really strong edge to a garden bed.

This is probably Eucalyptus paniculata but who would know for sure. It is my entry for Mono Monday : wood.