I admit it. I’m never happy. It’s either too hot or too cold. Too dry or too wet. Just as well i garden where I get it all. Greedy? Yes. Happy no. What I would like is a little bit more or less in each place. The garden in Somerset and in London has been wet. So wet in Somerset we were flooded in May. So hot in Spain that many of the plants were scorched. We had water restrictions. Officially one day off. One day on. But let’s remember we are 2,000 ft up the mountain with ups and downs for the Water to flow to get to us. In reality on the On days we may only get a dribble at the end of the day. Thankfully we have a large deposit which keeps us going.

So as I said. I’m never happy and in true British style talk about the weather.

But as we arrived after about an absence of 7 weeks the heavens opened. But only just after I had soaked the ground. It rained for two days.

That rain dance certainly worked. Whilst Somerset and London sweltered in the highest temperatures sent from The Mediterranean.

To be honest I was surprised at how well the garden had fared. Yes. It’s watered twice a week in parts. In others it’s do or die. Some plants had shrivelled in the heat. Two out of four echium had died. The others around them were a bit sad but with the rains th de ey perked up. The weather changed and the temperature dropped a good few degrees.

A bed of agapanthus had given up and the leaves had shrivelled back. But once cleared and the rains had soaked the ground they looked refreshed.

I may have lost a few which is disappointing but I did have replacements which had been delivered in pots and put in a shaded area at the end of July. Our local Viveros Florena closes for August and there’s an all mighty sale. Lorraine messaged me and said I know you aren’t around but is there anything you want. Somehow 8 large agapanthus, 8 smaller agapanthus black buddhist and two others appeared in the garden.

If I thought I’d be making quince jelly this year I needed to think again. There was one quince tree and anything that was left were cooked. On the tree.

But we did have grapes. Enough for a feast for two days. But the vine will come out and be replaced this year with two new ones. It’s had it’s day.

The olive tree is being pruned to give a topiary shape. I was asked how I wanted it cut. For fruit or looks. I said both. He said you can’t so I decided that the olives just drop when we aren’t there. I often salt cure them and then don’t eat them all. So shape it will be. It’s under planted with 3 curry plants which i I have previously cut back hard. I lost the flowers but they are a bit insignificant anyway. It needs cutting again. I think I’ve said that I was going to plant up the path with them. They are hard workers but the scent of curry on a hot August day as you walk up the path was a little off putting.

The area at the back of the casa gets the least care and attention. And the least water. There have been two losses of significance. A newly planted bottle brush and of all things that have died. A Buddleja. How on earth did that happen. I thought buddleja were as tough as old boots. But even the toughest need some water until we’ll established.

There are few large agave left around the garden and a further 3 have succumbed to whatever eats them from the roots and makes them die. So they have been cleared away. Any new ones that start sprouting will be pulled too. It’s not worth the hassle. I need to keep the bugs away.

But I have planted 5 new foxtail agave from the pot of the large agave ~ they take easily and will suit this space.

The large foxtail has done well in this pot. I have taken at least 6 away from here and planted them around the garden. Slow growing so they will probably be heee long after I am not.

After the rain the area below the olive tree and the curry plants is looking well. I love the variegated yucca in the centre which is growing fast and furious. In a yucca kind of way.

A second flush on the Durante repens. It’s such a lovely colour and brings a great joy to what is a difficult area.

I couldn’t resist this – I have tried to break the habit of plant buying but somehow it’s a losing battle. But it’s a glorious colour with a light scent. Unlike the yellow below whose scent is strong.

Both great plants in pots for the terrace. But I’ve decided. No tulip pots this year. They were pants in last years heat.

I know I’m mean but if there was one plant I wouldn’t miss it’s the Swiss cheese plant. A staple house plant growing up along with a rubber plant, Xmas cacti and maidenhair ferns I never expected to have one in the garden. But then again I didn’t always imagine having a garden in Spain. But it’s survived the summer again despite being planted in the wrong place.

The cactus that is not a cactus as usual survived. It’s cactus like after all. Even if it’s a euphorbia.

I’ve been trying to save this plant for the last 6 years. Most have been ravaged by the cochineal fly and wither and die. I have hosed off the fly as they appear and this one’s not in bad shape. Good enough to produce ‘chumbo’ as they are known in Spain. Edible fruits. Not tried by me.

There’s a flurry of pests and diseases going through Spain. The latest is hitting some of the pine trees. So far we have been lucky. We have 5 on the dry bank and they are doing ok despite the heat and the lack of rain. The water table is pretty low too at the moment and I have crossed everything.

With the heavy rain came softer ground which meant I could plant. First a new strelitzia Nicolai to match the one on the path by the gate. Ian likes structural planting so I try and keep him happy. That way I can sneak in other plants whilst he’s not looking.

6 years later I still love this gate. Ian said I knew as soon as we went through the gate it was the casa for us. He was right then and he is still right.

It wasn’t all gardening and socialising. We did have a few trips down to the coast. An evening down the wiggly line to Algarrobo Costa. To a small chiringuito on the beach ~ tourists had largely gone. A lovely meal and a fabulous sunset. And a great photo opportunity.

Sándwiches anyone. Where’s the flask of tea. No it isn’t us before you ask. Two people on the beach as we walked along the promenade. But as I say to Ian ~ it could be us. And probably will be.

Talking of sunsets it’s the time of year for the amazing Cómpeta sunsets. Something I don’t think I will ever tire of.

We also took three nights away. A 2.5 hour drive to Jaén an area known for its olive trees. Some 60 million of them which produce 23% of the worlds olive oil. That’s a lot of oil!

Olive trees as far as the eye can see. It’s pretty spectacular.

We stayed in Jaén and did a day visiting Úbeda and Baeza ~ both UNESCO world heritage sites. Both are very Italian renaissance and Baeza was my favourite. Both have beautiful buildings.

I was so tempted by the beautiful pottery in Úbeda. But I resisted. Maybe if it had had a plant in it.

Back to Cómpeta to the 14th Art walk where 49 artists and photographers exhibited their works. It’s a great celebration of the work by the local Artists. We were surprised to walk into one and find the work of Susan Brown on the wall of two people we knew. A fabulous take of an art deco interpretation of Ian and I. Needless to say it will find its way onto our wall.

I always love the black and white photos of Cómpeta Portraits. Dave Shannon takes what I call proper photos. You remember using 35mm film and he prints the photos himself. I owe a lot to Dave as he has encouraged me with my own photos.

So the garden has been left again. The heat has continued and the water tables in the reservoirs hasn’t improved.

Whilst in Somerset the rain continues, and I order this years tulip selections for London and Somerset.