Competa – Page 5 – Gardens. Travel. Life.

Posted on January 28, 2019 by happyretiredblog · 1 Comment

The start of a new gardening year – Spain

It’s nearly two years now since we viewed the garden. Sorry. I mean viewed La Casa. Bit of a slip of the tongue there. My second January in the garden. I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone but I put it down to losing that hour every time I return to the UK.

What is good is the ability now to look back on last years posts and see where we are now to where we were then. Some things are further ahead. Some are way behind. The Orange blossom is later. It’s only now starting to bud. This time last year it was out.

One or two losses. A couple of mistakes.

We had rains in October and November in 2018 but none in the same period in 2017. The major rain in 2018 was in the Spring.

The one thing that the autumn rain did ( other than a welcome filling of the reservoirs ) was to make bulb planting easier! Last year I needed a pick axe to plant my bulbs. No. I’m serous the ground was that solid. I realised why there was a pick axe in the garage.

But the alliums are all planted. I lie. There are a few I forgot and I’m going to plant them anyway. As they say in Spain. Mañana.

So I’m back a la Casa and there’s work to be done. The weeds won’t weed themselves. The terrace won’t sweep itself and I need to check on what’s doing well. What I need to move and replace. Hopefully not a lot as getting my motivation going at the moment is like kick starting a jumbo jet.

But there will be lists. Ian’s lists for me to do. My lists for me to do. Lists to remind me of the lists.

One of the joys of this time of year is the Australian wisteria climbing over the garden entrance. It’s such a fabulous colour and is in full flower now. A pretty vigorous grower, loved by bees and is a welcome sight to greet you as you arrive.

I’m going to try one in the garden in London. Typically a conservatory plant in the UK, our garden is quite sheltered and has a bit of a micro climate. So I can but try.

I think I am also going to try and get a dodonea for London as well. Pretty insignificant spring flowers but the leaf colouring is great. Self seeds quite a bit but I’ve had no luck in transplanting them when they have grown big enough to move. But I think worth growing for the colour. Not sure how it will do in a pot. But. Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. It will give some great colour to the garden. Now to find a supplier in the UK.

I’ve had severe almond blossom envy. Wherever you drive in the campo here you see glorious displays of almond blossom. Masses of gorgeous blossom which has survived the recent high winds. It seems glued on.

There is the white blossom. And the pink one. Now don’t ask me the difference as I don’t know. Other than the colour obviously. Ours is the less showey kind. But still lovely. Still a bit jealous of the neighbours trees though as they have the gorgeous white.

Last year the almond crop was pants. Not a huge crop and it’s a faff to extract the nut and then dry them. But it is worth it to get fresh almonds from the garden. Next job is to crack them open.

I have a love/hate relationship with bougainvillea. I love the one my neighbour has in their garden. Draping itself seductively over the wall. I hate ours. Not all the time. This visit there is one lovely flower display. So I look at it and think. Lovely colour. Lovely flower. Yep. You have been let off. You can stay.

But this ones not a great show off of a plant. Which is what I want it to be against the white of the garage wall. We will see. It’s reprieved for now. I have looked at a similar picture for last year. Taken a week earlier and cried. It was better last year.

Golden Mimosa

Talking of envy this golden mimosa is growing in our neighbours garden. We have a couple of mimosa trees on the bank of the florist type. You know the type Small round flower heads full of pollen. A hay fever sufferers nightmare. Last year I thought there was a fire on the bank. Clouds of smoke every now and again wafting in the air. I then realised it was pollen off the mimosa in the wind.

Ours is later than this one but should be flowering in about two to three weeks and is currently full of buds. The trees are tall and spindly and could do with a cut back. So cut back they will after flowering. And after I get a chance to pick some to bring indoors.

Freesia

Two years ago when we were looking for a house here we stayed at a fab B&B. Out walking on the second day we passed a house which had freesias growing in the garden. My parents had a few pots back in the 80’s and I loved the perfume of them.

Every time we walked past these it threw back memories of my parents garden. So I knew I had to have some if we bought a place in Spain. So I did. I planted them for the spring of 2018 and they were amazing. Long stems. Colourful flowers. Amazing scent . What more could you ask for? How about asking for more for 2019 spring. So at the moment I have last years flowering again. Whilst this years are running away with themselves so I will have the scent of them for a while yet.

Colcososia mojito

The leaves may look a bit scraggy but let me tell you. They are amazing. Colocasia mojito. Soft silky leaves. Large leaves. So far so good. I have ordered colocasia black magic for the same bed. That looks gorgeous too.

I love this agave. Foxtail agave – whose flower is said to look like a fox’s tail when it flowers. It was here when we bought the house and as it’s in a pot it’s easy to move around to different places on the terrace. I haven’t told Ian but there’s a massive one down at the garden centre.

Would look great on our terrace. I might have to drop by with him when he arrives next week.

Prickly pear

I have wittered on about this prickly pear all of last year as I was trying to save it. One of two in the garden that I am trying to save from the cochineal fly. The others on the bank are ravaged but I have noticed one today that I may try and keep going.

We have a wood burner here which is unlike any other I have seen. Let alone used. Fitted in the wall all you see is the glass front. Easy to light. It has a built in electric fan run and also heats the main bedroom via a warm air vent. And it works. Very well indeed. We were running out of wood so we had a delivery on Wednesday afternoon. I say we but mean Me as I am here solo for a week. I’m never happier than when we are fully stocked up on logs.

I can now get snowed in ( unlikely) and be warm. But first I had to tidy the garage and beat a path to the log store. Which I did and then opened the window. I have to explain that the window is rarely opened, and I never stand and stare out of the window. But I should. The view up the garden to the terrace is great. Even if I say so myself. Down wind isn’t so shabby either.

No. It’s not rain. This path later in the year will get stained from the jacaranda flowers.Gorgeous blue flowers. When on the tree. A nightmare on the floor. This time of the year it’s bird poo. I can’t remember as many birds in the garden last year. But there are plenty of visitors though largely unseen but you can hear them. Their chatter. And the rustle in the bushes. Well I hope it’s the birds. The horrible tree rat lives in another part of the garden. His favourite past time is chewing the irrigation system.

We have three pine trees on the bank at the side of the house. Gorgeous trees. Great providers of pine cones for starting the wood burner. But at this time of year I’m extra vigilant for the nest of the processionary caterpillars. Nasty little blighters and there is no way I will deal with them. So I find a man that can. And will. And does. For a price.

Sometimes there are things that can get boring. Me and strelitzia is one. Every time I come back to la Casa after being away for a few weeks I’m straight out and counting the flower spikes.

The bigger excitement is the sight of flowers on the strelitzia Nicolai. We have two plants in the garden. One has flowers. The other doesn’t. I say flowers plural. Last year there were two but boy they are so lovely. Fingers crossed for this year.

Oh. There are 10 spikes on the various Strelitzia Reginae . In case you wanted to know.

The yellow tree is jacaranda. It’s too big and needs cutting back but the leaves haven’t dropped which is surprising. Usually at this time of year it’s bare so I think it will be another year before we can prune. Last years seeds are everywhere, funny looking things. Almost alien.

Now this may not excite you as much as it does me. But excited I am. The stirrings of the wild orchids on the bank. Not many. But a few and it’s great seeing then coming back again. My neighbour has gorgeous bee orchids. Jealous. Me. Never.

This cape honeysuckle has flowered all year but it is at the back of la Casa and is rarely seen. It’s supposed to be a scrambling plant but where it is it has nothing to scramble over. But it’s healthy and flowering albeit randomly . So if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and it’s attractive to bees and butterflies. So as I don’t have anywhere to move it too and it’s doing no harm it can stay.

It’s been a few days of moving things about to warmer spots. The citron buddhas hand has been moved from a windy corner. Again in a pot it’s easy to move around. It has flowered well. Started to set fruit but then the fruits have gone brown. So I head to my citrus book for answers.

My surprise purchase at the garden centre this week. Hollyhocks. Small plants but I’ve been wanted some since buying the house. Why? There are some lovely plants with gorgeous flowers growing on the road to the house. Which surprised me. One massive plant at the garden centre which grows every year. So I will plant them and see how they do.

I first saw Melianthus major at an open garden in Clapham. Then I saw it in the little gardens I walk through to the station in Peckham. So last year when I saw it for sale here I bought one. I’m pleased to say its doing great.

So I have a few days in the garden before Ian arrives. The irrigation to fix. Stuff I’ve cut back to move. I was cutting back the oleander last night as the sun went down. I always have my phone with me. Especially if I’m working on the bank. So I was lucky to get a snap of the colours of the pine needles on the bank as the sun went down. The needles look like they were on fire.

Oh. I’ve just remembered. I have a couple of plants to go in before Ian arrives! Best get on.

Posted on December 22, 2018December 30, 2018 by happyretiredblog

Here we go again.

So here we are. About to head off to take our Christmas break. I know I know. Life is one long break for me. But some breaks are special. This is two weeks at La Casa Verano Eterno together. No guests. Christmas day with good friends, a few days in Malaga to see the lights and back up the wiggly road to catch up with more Spanish friends.

Oh. I suspect there will be gardening too. There always is for me. Am I complaining? Hell no.

The decision to have a house in Spain is up there with the best we have ever made along with early retirement.

I’m black and blue from pinching myself. We both love it which is a bonus!

So as we plan for 2019 I’ve had a bit of a reflect on this year. I can’t believe where the year has gone but here I am another year older. Wiser. Heavier.

This has been our first full year in Spain. Full as in 12 months and full as in full on. We have had friends visit, some for the second and third time. Those are the ones who have said it would make sense to leave my toiletries in the cupboard – don’t you think? Which suggests and I hope that there will be more. Visits. Not toiletries.

Not so many trips to the Alhambra this year though, Shame. I think we only went 6 times last year. This years destination of choice was Ronda. Ronda is stunning. The bridge takes your breath away. Well. It does if you walk to halfway down and past the ‘do not pass beyond this point. Or you’ll die ‘. Everyone passed the sign. I didn’t die then but nearly did on the walk back up.

There is a great tapas bar recommended by a friend in Somerset. Fantastic tapas. She said ‘oh you have to go visit the toilet’.

Now when I was in Paris decades ago I visited a new and popular cafe. I went to the loo. I washed my hands. That part was obvious. The loo was resplendent. Opulent. But I still couldn’t figure it out. Until someone came in and used what I had thought was a water feature. Water cascading down the wall. Well. It wasn’t obvious. This loo had nothing on that. Think airplane loo. Only narrower. Smaller. So tight the door scraped your bottom as you slid the door behind you. Room for you. And you alone. No turning round. Oh. And politically correct. Not – No ladies.

I’d recommend the tapas. But find a toilet before you go. Especially if your female. And breathe in if yur male

With Ooh Allo

Helen

There has been Poohgate. Don’t ask. But it’s gone and never to be repeated. I don’t know where we would be without Sergio Fernandes and Victor Ramon.

No not a Spanish flamenco duo but our invaluable Estate agent and plumber who are great friends too. And who got me out of this mess. I wasn’t under there though at times it felt like I was! But I smelt sweeter. Just.

We did a fantastic road trip through Cordoba, Casares, Toledo, and Salamanca.

We have been in Spain for some major festivals – Semana Santa being pretty spectatcular. a bit spooky but the traditions upheld through the generations and like all Spanish festivals so very family orientated. The daily processions are each and every one different. Different colours. Different traditions. Who doesn’t love a bit of music, marching, costumes and the smell of incense. Oh add tapas paella and vino and it makes for a happy time.

For Noche del Vino – a big event in Cómpeta, although we have missed both the 2017 & 2018 Ferrias.

The amazing World Heritage site of Casares with the beautifully maintained ancient buildings.

Toledo was fascinating and we stayed in the house once owned by the famous flamenco Guitarist Paco De Luca. Of course I had heard of him and his music, hadn’t I? Um. Sorry no. But I have since downloaded a couple of his albums. I can now be found in the kitchen throwing a few shapes. But only if no one is looking.

We saw the magnificent mosque cathedral in Cordoba. The words stunning and awesome are often over used. But sorry. This was awesome and stunning all wrapped up into one. Or two actually as within the building was a cathedral as well. As decorative as the mosque was simple. As bling as the mosque was understated. Symmetrical.

We saw the fabulous patio gardens of Cordoba where they have an annual competition. We were too early for that but we did get a flavour of what they were like. I’m hoping for a visit in 2019 for the patio festival.

We saw the gardens of the Alcazar which were pretty magnificent. The use of water and the rills as lovely as they are in any of these beautifully maintained gardens. Oh. And entry into the historical sites is so reasonably priced. Suitably so that you don’t mind missing some things as you know that you will be back.

Less to see than at the Alhambra in terms of size and palaces but it’s a definite just for the gardens.

The garden has been a delight. Not so my water bill. But as I once said. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink and I don’t go out with women. So my money goes on my garden. It’s been a huge learning curve for me this Mediterranean garden lark. New plants. New conditions. Watering issues. Tree rats eating the irrigation pipes. Last month making sure I shut the gates around the house. We think we had a wild boar sniffling under the almond trees. I don’t want to wake up and find a boar in the pool. Oh says Ian ‘ there’s often an old bore in there’ thanks Ian. Your humour knows no bounds.

I am yet to see the boar – thou there are signs he/she/they have been visitors to our neighbours too. Somerset was badgers and plenty of water. . Spain is boar and for the most part a distinct lack of it.

The Spanish continues to improve. I’m now allowed to order chicken at the restaurants and not have Ian cringing or the staff laughing at me. Pronunciation is as bad as my SM spelling. I think I’m ordering chicken but a skip of the tongue and I’m ordering a part of the male anatomy. Funny once. Embarrassing thereafter.

In reality we could just stay in the pueblo blanco. It has everything we need. Friends. Restaurants. Cafes. Shopping. Sunshine and for those that follow me on Twitter know i witter about the sunsets. Because they are simply spectacular.

So I head off to spend quality time with Ian, to relax and reflect and plan for 2019. More adventures.

Two nights in Malaga to see the Christmas lights. Malaga is a hidden gem of a place so we can explore as tourists for a few days

Remember Christmas can be stressful. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t need to be expensive. There is so much pressure to perform. To have the best food. The best presents. Ian and I gave up giving each other Christmas presents 20 years ago. We tend to see things and think Ian/Andrew would like that and buy it. There and then.

The best gift we can all give is the gift of our time. Time to spend with each other. With friends. That costs nothing and the memories that you make are forever. The memories of the continuing Spanish adventure will continue.

Merry Christmas. Feliz Navid and Nadolig Llawen.

Posted on November 6, 2018December 30, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 1 Comment

The beginnings of Autumn España

Last year we had little or no rain right through Autumn and most of Winter. Until the heavens opened in March. Boy did it rain. But it filled the reservoirs.

We are still in October as I start to write this and the heavens have opened already. For more days than I’d like. Yes. We need rain. For the garden. For the reservoirs. To enable me to plant. Which I have. A lot. But give us a break. It’s been running down the streets. Towns have been flooded. Oh. So has Venice!

At least the garden looks lush and green. There’s a second flush of some of the flowers. Everything smells fresh and lovely. The birds are singing. So am I. But badly.

After a log hot summer and a dry one it’s wonderful to see the colours again. It’s amazing how quickly things recover.

I think that I may need to fleece the banana. Just in case. Usually we don’t get a frost even though we are 650m above sea level. What’s a bigger problem is the wind. It shreds the huge leaves of the strelitzia – but they are huge.

When we first saw the house I loved the lavender path. A curved path leading from the gate to the house and the terrace. The scent and the buzz of the bees sold me the house. Literally. Ian said ‘ you don’t even need to see the house do you?’ You know what. He was pretty much right. But the lavender was a bit woody in parts and I decided to replant at some stage and nearly 18 months later it’s done. 28 new lavender plants. Ordered. Delivered and planted.

The planting along the path

The replanted lavender path

As I was having the plants, compost and some feed delivered I was tempted to buy a decent sized cyclad. So I did. Convinced myself that it could form part of Ian’s birthday present. So it’s planted. I didn’t make the silly mistake I made when we first bought the house and ask if the pot was frost proof!

There continues to be colour dotted around the garden with the Lantana which there are three different colours. This one I hacked back as it was ‘if it grows it grows’ If not it’s goodbye. It’s grown.

The nispero /loquat is in flower. I thought it was early but I checked with last years photos and it’s roughly a similar time. Nispero are a bit of a messy fruit. Doesn’t travel or store well and this years crop was pretty rubbish.

This has been my favourite flower this year. By far. I’d almost given up as they started to flower as I left for two weeks. But they were still flowering when I arrived back and continued through the next three weeks. I suspect they will be over when I get back.

I’m going to order more. The only downside is that the flowers hang down and you don’t easily see the flowers beauty. But boy are they beautiful.

The border on the bank

I love this border. It’s at the base of the steep slope and is a real mix. Rosemary sits with bottle brush and lantana. With succulents my favourite agave. The foxtail agave. The rosemary is getting woody. Maybe time for replanting but not just yet.

I bought 10 new agapanthus in the sale at the end of July and have finally planted them. Five in pots to go along the white wall of la Casa. The other five – the white ones planted in a border. I’ll add some alliums to that border. Which reminds me to put it on my list. Bulb planting. Now we have had copious amounts of rain the ground is more workable. Plus we are having some top soil delivered this week. The soil is thin in parts. And poor. I’d like to be thin in parts too. Butbulb planting isn’t my favourite thing to do.

I have been staggered at the number of flower spikes the potted strelitzia has given us. It continues with the Autumn flush. There are another 4 spikes growing which will keep us with flowers until beyond Xmas. The ones planted in the garden don’t do so well. There are flower spikes but not as prolific as this one. I have replanted two into a pot. Let’s see how they perform.

I just wish the black/blue and white strelitzia Nicolai would have a second coming. I’ve been told to divide the two we have in the garden. I’m a bit nervous of doing that. I also need to see where they can be planted if I do.

These seed heads are gorgeous. But the tree is massive and will feature in the pruning exercise to be undertaken in January 2019. It May mean less flowers in 2019 but needs must. It’s just too tall next to the house.

Pineapple guava fruit

The pineapple guava are getting bigger. Will be some to eat when I return. I’ll let you know if I still like them.

Yes. It’s a citrus. A lemon. Citrus Buddha’s hand. Pretty rubbish for the kitchen if you want juice. As there isn’t any. No pulp either. But a fragrant fruit – a lavender scent with a lemon taste, the pith is used for cooking for drinks and the white pith isn’t bitter. So you can just cut off the fingers and use them in salads. That’s a whole new take on finger food.

A present for us from a friend who was staying for the week. A bit of a talking point already. Not her staying but the plant as you walk into the garden.

I only went into the garden centre to pick up a couple more lavender to fill in some gaps. Lucky for me there had been a delivery of plants. Come and have a look at what we have says Lorraine Cavannagh the owner. So I did. Delivery no 2 then.

This Colocasia ‘mojito’ was sat there. Waving it’s big silky leaves at me. So I had to. Didn’t I? It’s a beaut and I had the perfect place for it.

Colocasia ‘Mojito’

Busy bee

So I return this week after two weeks in London. There has been rain. Sun. Rain. Colder days and nights. More sun. So it will be interesting to see how the garden has fared.

Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll tell you!

Posted on October 13, 2018October 13, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 3 Comments

Six on Saturday – Spain again

Posted on August 25, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 5 Comments

Six on Saturday -España. Again

Its still baking hot here in Andalucia which has been great for ripening the figs and for bringing the almonds on to pick. The almond crop is down – we have four trees – on last year but there again so are the olives. And next years Oranges. I think the colder winter/Spring and the extremely wet spring with a sudden cold snap when the flowers were out didn’t help.

Almond

The Almonds are ready to pick and I need to pick them before they fall off the tree. I’ll dry them for a day before I pack them away. If they are left on the ground the pesky tree rats will have them all before me.

Why do figs all come at once? Last week I looked and they were green. This week they have ripened. Virtually overnight. There’s not enough to jam sadly but more than I can eat. So a neighbour has been having them every day too. Whether they want them or not. But they do.

The seed pods of the jacaranda tree are really interesting especially once they open. This is one I found on the ground whilst clearing and is one of last years. This years are either still green or changing colour but are still on the tree. The tree needs a good prune as it’s getting too tall. Makes note.

I had forgotten we had this Plumbago. It’s hidden in a corner by the garage and I only remember it’s there once the lovely blue of the flower sits against the white wall. It’s a great colour although I need to check what’s eating the leaves.

We had a yucca in our garden growing up in Cardiff and I can only remember it flowering once. This one flowered last year and I wasn’t expecting one this. . I don’t know why but I wasn’t. I have passed it by for a week and only just noticed it.

The Brazilian Sky flower has started to flower again. I think it may be because it’s had a drop more water whilst I have been here this week. There are a lot of new flowers opening daily.

Posted on August 18, 2018August 18, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Six on Saturday Spain -Aug

Posted on August 16, 2018August 16, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 5 Comments

The heat is on -The garden in Spain

Well I’m back in Spain. That’s not a surprise really as I spend some time each month here. It’s been hot apparently. Messages from my neighbour sending pics of the thermometer on the terrace. In the sun. In the shade.

Oh dear. That hot. Thankfully it’s cooled down now. A little. I’m allowing myself to turn on the air con though. And wear a hat.

It’s an easy journey here to be honest. The flight is quick and the drive up the wiggly road goes unnoticed now. But. Yesterday I picked up the hire car at the airport. They had upgraded us. A bigger car. Automatic. New. Now I don’t know if you have tried parking in either a car park or on the roads in Spain. But big cars and car spaces don’t go. The spaces are tiny. So I’ll drive around for an hour each time I go out trying to find a space to squeeze into. That’s the car. Not me.

The wonder of getting into a new hire car. I am old enough to remember that when you used to hire a car they would come out to the vehicle. Showed you what was what. Honked the horn. Now your given the keys and told that it’s parked in bay whatever and off you go. I had to ask where the key was. ‘ um. In your hand sir” excuse me. That’s a key? It’s more like a tv remote.

So I was unprepared for the first event. Driving and concentrating on the motorway whilst automatically going to the gear stick to change up and down I somehow pressed the wrong button. A button I didn’t know it had. Didn’t know where it was. But all of a sudden the car seat was vibrating and moving. Now I am a bit partial to a massage but not when I’m driving at 100kmp on a Spanish motorway. And when I’m starting to feel car sick. But by some strange feat I managed to turn it off. Eventually. I still don’t know where the button is.

The last time I had a car seat experience was decades ago when a colleague was driving erratically through the Rotherhithe tunnel. So scared I thought i”d wet my pants. Only to realise that it was actually the warmth of the heated seat warming up on my bottom. A new experience for me then. A heated car seat. But her driving was that bad. I digress.

The garden has been well watered. But boy is it still dry. There is little respite from the heat at night so watering late or early morning is best but not great either. Evaporation is high.

I knew from last year that the garden is best in Spring, early summer and Autumn. The high summer heat sends some things dormant and others struggle. But I was surprised at how green the garden actually is. We have a lot of drought tolerant plants but to be honest there’s drought tolerant and drought tolerant. Even the drought tolerant struggle in the mid to late forties.

The alliums have been fantastic and have fared so much better than I anticipated. They are all done now and the seed heads are still looking good. Allium Summer drummer is still standing tall – head and shoulders above all of the plants. It’s a definite for my list for next year. Along with more Allium Sphaerocephalon – drumsticks. They have gone on for ages and are still looking pretty good. So one of the things on my list for this week is to order next years along with some more freesia which were some of the best bulbs I grew this year. Karen at Peter Nyssen – by the end of this week.

Allium Summer Drummer – tall and later flowering

I’ve been looking at dahlia posts on Instagram with dahlia envy. Dahlias as big as dinner plates. Huge flower heads. Big fat buds. Next year I’m choosing one. Just one to try in a big fat pot here in Spain. My only consolation is my big fat new leaf on the Strelitzia Nicolai. Unusual in that at this point it’s perfect. A little bit of wind and the leaves get shredded. When we moved in I thought it was a banana so it was a big surprise when instead of bananas we got stunning blue/black flowers. Three of them. AMaybe next year this plant will have flowers like the other one we have in the garden. One of my favourites this year along with the Strelitzia Reginae which had flower head after flower head.

Even when the flower heads have died back they still look amazing. This one looking very presidential. It’s the hair.

I watered late last night. As you can see from the following picture I don’t put things away. I could have left it out of the pic. Put it away. Taken it from a different angle but life’s not perfect. Nor is my garden. Anyway I forgot to lock the gate. Any burglar would have tripped over it in the dark – my excuse. A burglar deterrent.

I am fascinated by the stephanotis. Beautiful creamy white waxy flowers. A gorgeous scent. Surprisingly fruit. Yes. Fruit on a stephanotis. I say fruit and it sounds plural. Read one fruit. I also read that they are not generally edible. But they aren’t poisonous either. I shan’t be testing either points. . But there is a large fruit /seed pod that has split open. It looks like it’s full of cotton wool. Which if you interested is one thing I hate touching. I have to ask Ian to take out any cotton wool in tablet containers, I just can’t stand the feel of it. But I did stand and stare at this without touching it.

Earlier in the week a neighbour in London asked what a particular flower was as we walked to a local restaurant. It was oleander and was the first time I had seen it grown locally. Well locally in London and it was flowering really well. Just how hardy it will be in SE London I don’t know. They are still flowering here in Spain and I have to say are pretty lovely. Pinks,whites, red and creams. Some doubles. This year will be a major prune. I’ve seen next door prune hard and whilst I though ouch – they have come back strongly. Makes yet another diary note.

A mix of Oleander in the garden

Some are already sprouting their seed pods. Long slender pods which change to a reddish colour and open all fluffy. Interestingly. Some do. Some don’t. Depends on the plant.

We have grapes. I’m happier with the shade the two old grape vines give than the grapes themselves. But they are an added bonus until they fall – staining the floor and the sun umbrella! But next month I will make grape and rosemary jelly.

Some things have done well. The agapanthus have been great- both the new ones I bought and the original ones. I bought ten more in the nursery sale and have left them in pots to plant in October/November when the soil is easier to work. When hopefully we will get some rain. They have shot up in the last three weeks. I think I’m going to have a bed of them along with alliums. I’m also hoping that they will self seed around the garden and am leaving the seed heads on to dry and split. I know it takes an age for them to get to the flowering stage but this year in London 3 self seeders have flowered. The soil here is poor. Thin. Stony. You also begin to appreciate things we take for granted back in the UK. Like a delivery of garden soil from our local refuse collection centre in Somerset. Non existent here in Spain. I’ve been lugging bags of compost and putting it on the ground when planting. It’s a long old process.

The popcorn senna has finished flowering but the other Senna has had a second wind. Now I did know the name of this one but I have forgotten. Yes know I know. Label dear boy. Label. But these we’re here when we bought the house. But I now have new flowers. Old flowers. This years emerging seed pods. Last years seed pods drying on the plant. I think this one needs a bit of a trim too. Has gone what my mother would term as leggy. Obviously she wasn’t talking mine. Short and stumpy. But the colour is a joy when there is little colour about.

Note to self. Don’t wear shorts when wandering to the back of the house I grandly call the orchard. It’s dry. Very dry and the grasses make my leg itch. We have Almond trees (4) two figs and a Nispero/Loquat. The figs are still getting fat and need to go dark. I suspect that will happen when I’m not here. Or if I am I will be figged out – as they come all at once. Figs with homey and yoghurt. Figs with goats cheese. Figs with everything.

Ripening figs

The almonds are almost ready. The drupes are beginning to split so I need to be on my guard to collect them before they fall. Then dry them a little. The numbers are down on last year. But. I have loads left from last year too. I think I will grind them and use the ground almonds in my baking. My time line on Facebook reminds me that I was picking and drying them this time last year.

Almonds

Don’t mention the loquats. Ugly looking fruit. Don’t store well and all come at once. This years weather wasn’t kind to the one tree we have. I was going to make jam. Honest. Oh. I’ve just found another sapling tree.

The olive crop ( grander than it is ) is down on last year. But then so is most of the fruit. We have one quince. Last year I had enough for Quince jelly but didn’t make it. Determined to this year but I have one only. What can you do with one very large quince.

The Pineapple guava is way behind last year and is smaller. I’m not so worried as we don’t pick them. No one is that keen on the taste. The oranges are down this year too. The weather was fine. Then very wet. Very cold. Now baking. There are some but not great numbers.

The lantana at the back of the house has some more flowers on it. At the same time as berries from the last batch. The one at the back of the house where we rarely go is nicer than the one in a pot on the terrace but that has gone over.

There are seed heads forming already on the rock rose (cistus) which flowered very early. These will stay put for months now but I’m going to have to do some cut back. If it doesn’t work then it doesn’t work.

My favourite agave my foxtail agave is doing well and I have one other in a pot ready to go in when the ground is accommodating. Which it’s not at the moment. Think concrete. Hard set concrete.

So an inspection of the garden after three weeks away. I’m happy. Things are still green. One or two fatalities but that’s down to me and planting things in the wrong place. One brugmasia wasn’t doing too well. So I potted it. It’s done even worse. The other three aren’t dong well either. Two are in the wrong place. Not enough sun. The others ok but not great.

In comparison the bank is as dry as a bone. There is no watering there. The wildflowers are now dried flowers the grasses tall and dry. I’m yet to go and check out the roundabout. Which as you know isn’t a roundabout at all.

There is plenty to be done this week. I have a week here on my own so I have to get myself off the sofa and into the garden. Early morning. Late evening. To deadhead. To weed. And to water. I may even get chance to sit down. If the mozzies feel like they can leave me alone.

Oh and as long as the temperature doesn’t get back up into the 40″s.

Posted on July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 5 Comments

Summer loving.

It’s the end of another trip and boy it’s been a hot one. The weather that is. It’s been a scorcher. Like the UK I’m having to water. We do have an irrigation system which comes on every other day but I’m giving the beds a bit of a soak as well. I’m not a great fan of these drippers. Great for individual plants where needed but as a general water supply they can be pants.

We are lucky – we had tremendous rain here in the Spring – to be fair it didn’t stop and the reservoirs and reserves are sufficient that there is no prospect ( yet) of a ban on water for the garden. We do get regular cuts in the campo. But we have a massive water deposit under the terrace for emergencies.

It’s interesting. Some things were early or roughly on time others are a couple of weeks late. I thought we had no figs this year but on closer inspection we do. Loads of them. All will ripen at the same time and maybe when I’m not here. That’s another interesting thing. I can be away for two or three weeks and I miss things. Flowers are in bud when I leave and are gone when I return. Here today. Gone tomorrow. A bit like me really.

But the garden has been a delight. We weren’t here much in July last year so it’s good to see what is and what isn’t flowering. Oh. And what has gone over. Like the alliums.

The Alliums were glorious this year. Bought and shipped to Spain by Peter Nyssen they have been such a delight in the garden. The soil is poor – as Georgie the Flower Farmer said when she was here in March ‘ you need a ton of top soil delivered’ I’ll be back to help!

But the flowerheads are now sead heads and look great as they dry. Karen from Peter Nyssen says she picks hers and sprays them to prolong the interest. For now they can stay where they are !

But there will be more Allium next year. A lot more. I’m lucky that I can get them shipped direct to Spain. Makes life easier as it’s more difficult to source them locally. You can but not the varieties.

Just as I return to the UK the stephanotis comes into full flower. The plant is grown in a pot against the wall of the house and I haven’t done much with it. The plant not the house. Some water. A bit of a feed. But this year there are loads and loads of buds. Many of which are now opening. Such a glorious scent. It’s no wonder it’s called bridal crown as it has been a popular favourite in bridal bouquets . I learnt something new last year when I found a large seed pod on there. Apparently quite common in a hot summer. This is one of last years. Obviously.

I’ve mentioned before that there is a steep bank behind the house which has an access road between the bank and the roundabout which isn’t a roundabout. Just on the edge are some awesome cacti. Some rather sad looking prickly pears and another cactus who’s name I don’t know but should have looked up – has borne some flowers. A glorious yellow flower which is very short lived. Well it appears to be short lived. I don’t go to that part of the bank often and it was sheer luck that I was there to see this. Makes notes go there more often.

A new purchase this trip and planted under the large olive tree in the dry bed. Ptilotus Joey – Australian descent with pretty plume like flowers.

It’s drought resistant and a bit of a semi succulent. If that’s a term. I like the flowers but as a plant I am not sure. The jury is still out. I’m not sure how drought tolerant it will be. It was 32* under the shade of the olive tree yesterday. I melted.

This Spring brought the wildflowers out in abundance. Along the road verges and on our bank. They have all gone over and have turned into some beauties. This had a lovely yellow head when in full bloom. Now it’s crisp, spikey and golden. And looks great. The bank is a bit of a worry to be honest. We had it cleared last year after we moved in – the banks very steep & uneven and my balance too unpredictable for me to do it. I think we may have to do it again. But for now I’m enjoying the dried grasses and wildflowers. From a distance.

Don’t you just love a bit of Daucus carota – wild carrot? I scattered some seed from Mr Higgledy which have germinated. The flower heads are tiny. Now that’s nothing to do with the seed. They were sown late in dry ground. Hopefully they will all self seed for next year.

I know I witter on Twitter about the Strelitzia Reginae – Sorry not sorry but I can’t help myself. Even when they’ve gone over they have an air of beauty. A bit of a raggedy orange dodgy hair style kinda way. My presidential kinda flower head. I’ve cut most of them back but left one or two to remind me.

I need a reminder too that this pot is getting overcrowded. Not with the strelitzia but the self seeded agapanthus which has flowered this year.

I have birds of paradise both in pots and in the ground. I’m coming round to the thought that pots may be better for flowering. Adds to the never ending list. Buy more pots. Dig up. Replant.

I have a love hate relationship with the jacaranda. Beautiful in flower. A gorgeous colour. Really interesting seed heads. But. There has to be a but. The flowers don’t last that long on the tree. A whiff of a wind and they are off. Onto the path. Which needs sweeping constantly. Yes. It looks like there’s been a bridal party. Looks like there’s confetti on the ground. But. Thanks. No thanks.

It also needs a good prune back. It’s got really really tall and as we get a bit of a high wind at times – we are 620m above sea level in the mountains up that wiggly road so I do worry that one day you’ll hear a loud crack and it’s down on top of us. Adds “get tree man here in the Autumn” to the list.

Behind the house is a bed that needs minimal attention. Which is just as well as that’s what it gets. There are some smallish agaves growing along with my favourite the foxtail agave which I’ve posted before. There are two on the way into the town that have flowered. My oh my. They are pretty stunning though alive been told they die after flowering. That’s a hard one. Plant or flower. At this stage I’ll keep the plant.

There’s a straggly lantana there which is flowering but after the summer will be gently cut back. ( I mean hacked). I did it to one in a pot on the terrace and it did it no harm. My thought if it harms it I will replace it.

The pineapple guava has finished flowering and the fruit is beginning to set. It’s an easy growing plant and the flowers are interesting. The fruit as I’ve said before is an acquired taste.

The Durante repens continues to flower but It’s not as good as last year. That is also the case for the jacaranda and the olives. I’m just hoping it’s been the weather. Really wet. Then really cold. Now really hot. Like me.

We won’t get “Chateau Verano Eterno” but despite the lack of pruning this year there are a lot of grapes. They are black grapes and quite sweet. A nightmare on the terrace when they drop but it covers the pergola to give us the shade needed. But there should be at least enough for some grape and rosemary jelly.

I’ve planted this hibiscus in a pot. It wasn’t doing very well in the ground as it wasn’t getting enough water. Potted. Watered and given a good talking to it’s now blooming lovely. A gorgeous colour. Full of buds and brightening the terrace.

Behind the house on a more level patch well kinda level we have some Edibles.

The big fat leaves of the nispero against the blue sky. The leaves are pretty big. The fruit isn’t the prettiest of fruit and this year was damaged a fair bit by the weather. The fruit doesn’t keep and doesn’t travel well so I guess that’s why there isn’t a market for it in the UK. Even when in the shops locally or at the market it doesn’t look too inviting!

Then there are 4 mature almond trees. The blossom is gorgeous but this year it and wasn’t as abundant as last. But there are almonds. Next month I will pick them remove the drupes then dry the nuts. Then I’ll add them to last years collection. It’s all very well picking them but you have to use them.

Finally. Figs. Two fig trees. One large. One growing. I had despaired earlier in the year. I thought. No figs. But I was wrong very wrong to be honest. The tree on closer inspection has loads. All very small. All very green but there are figs. I suspect they will have ripened whilst I am away into that squishy black delight that you can pick for breakfast and drizzle with honey. Or. Leave them on the tree. Because by the time you get back they have gone over. Figs are like buses. You wait for one then they all arrive at the same time. I may be lucky enough to be able to make fig jam.

Did you know I’m a fan of agapanthus? Well if you didn’t I am. A big fan. Most are at the end of their flowering season. But a few are just coming into flower and a couple are still in bud. They do brilliantly here in Spain so with that in mind I bought 10 more at the sale. Five blue. Five white. I want some different ones and I need to find a supplier locally or one that ships to Spain. I’d like a few really dark ones. In London I have one. Black something or other.

Oleander. What can I say. A common sight in the central aisles of the motorway on our drive from the airport to the Casa. An easy grower and I didn’t realise just how many different shades and colours it comes in. The white in the garden is Almost translucent in the sunshine. There are pinks; reds, whites and peachy colours. Some looking like roses. I’m a bit of a fan for the colour they bring to the garden. But every bit is poisonous.

I bought this at the sale this week. I’d never seen it before but it’s Hibiscus moscheuos carousel. I”d like to be able to photograph the flower when it opens. But I guess I will be away. I’d also like to say that it’s raindrops on the leaves. But sadly not. I’d been watering again.

One of the hardest workers in the garden this year. I have cut back the dead flowers all bar one or two that still have some colour and they will be ready to burst into flower again in the next few weeks. Against the white wall they have looked great.

Back to a bit of Allium love. The drumstick alliums have been a revelation. They have grown in some dodgy places in the garden. Maybe because I had to plant where I could. I’ve loved them from the start of the buds right through to now where the colour is fading and they are going over. My other favourite this year was Allium summer drummer. Flowers later than the others I planted. Grows taller than any other I have seen. I must reorder for next year pretty soon. As they have done well here I’m keen to plant more on the bank.

I’d like to show you the Brugamasia but they have been so slow. Plenty of water. Sun. But no sign of flowers this summer.

I’m hoping that come the end of August the bananas I planted will be as high as an elephants eye. So no photos.

We have bougainvillea against the garage. A pinky red. That too is pants. If you want to see a gorgeous one look over our neighbours gate because I’m too embarrassed to photograph ours. I need to ask @fresh_bros and @podenco_squadencom how they do it. Oh. And they too have some glorious agapanthus.

I’m going to dig ours up. If I want to look at bougainvillea I’ll stand at their gate and stare. I’m already growing a lovely orange vine in its place. Bought for us by a friend in March. It’s sat there ever since not moving an inch until now. With a bit of sun you can see it move. Bingo. It flowers in winter/spring so we will get some colour. I think it’s bigonia Venusta.

I mentioned the plant sale. Our local – Viveros Florena – closes for the month of August. Sensible really. It’s too hot to plant. Plants need too much water to get established. Plus they need a holiday. The owners. Not the plants. So they close for the whole of August and have a sale of plants to reduce the number for watering. This is where I went on Tuesday. Nine o’clock on the dot. It’s a 15 min drive away. Quicker if you take the short cut. Which is fine as long as you don’t meet a local on the way. The road is narrow and is used by people who know the road. And drive faster than me.

You’d think after a year I’d have learnt some things here in Spain. Yes I do know they drive on the other side of the road. Yes I do know that the drivers side is different to ours. So why did I get into the wrong side of the car again at the petrol station and sit there like someone had stolen the steering wheel. Whilst the attendant and two car owners looked on in hilarity.

But I did have a car full of plants. So there.

Now I will never be selected to model. Unless maybe if it’s for shoes and gloves. If that’s the only part you’ll see. But. If you want a picture to put on your fridge door to keep people away. Then this is for you. Singularly unattractive.

Ready to venture into the garden. Whatever the time of day my legs get bitten. I needed to do 10 mins work in the middle of one of the beds. There was no option. Lycra. Socks. Long sleeve t shirt. Oh and lock the gate so none could see me. They would have thought its Max Wall. ( if your young ask your mother. Or google it)

It’s not all been gardens and plants. Well most of the time it has. Whilst the boys were here I could hear their mother shouting ‘ watch Uncle Andrews plants’ ‘get off the garden’ followed by me saying the same. Usually there are only two of us at the house. With no toys at the pool. No Lilos. No volleyball nets. No goal posts. No footballs flying around the terrace. I say we have to enjoy it whilst we can. At least for now they want to spend time with us. A broken agapanthus. A crushed oleander – it’s worth it.

So. Another month nearly over. More flowers. More plants. More heat. Yesterday so hot I sat on the terrace with fans on. It was 32* in the shade. You could normally think you were going back to the UK for some cool weather: After all the schools break up today. Doesn’t it always rain at the start of school holidays? It used to when I was a boy.

I wonder what August will bring!

Posted on July 14, 2018July 14, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Six on Saturday – España again

I am still in Spain and the heat is searing. Earlier it was 32* in the shade. The ground is parched. Things have died back. Others are struggling. Me included. For months the locals were saying it was too cold. Unusually wet. Now it’s too hot. And they are right. I listen to the locals. Oh. And try and talk to them. My Spanish is getting better. Although there are certain words I need to watch. My Spanish teacher was laughing hysterically last week. It was a corker. No. Two.

The Stephanotis has finally opened. Just one bud so far but there are oodles and oodles to come yet. Most whilst I’m not here I suspect. But the scent is delicious. Truly delicious. No wonder it’s used in bridal bouquets.

The yellow of this hibiscus with its gorgeous red centre and beautiful stamens is in a pot on the terrace. The flowers are pretty luminous. Or. Pretty and luminous. I love the colours that these plants come in. We also have a red. In the ground. But not flowering as well. Probably as the soil is pants. I need to build it up. We know s song about that don’t we. Includes buttercups.

Durante Repens is a lovely colour in the garden. Not as showy as last year. But still pretty.

We have almonds. Not as many as last year. But there will be enough. Especially as I still have last years in the cupboard. Looks like I’ll be picking and drying them next month.

The pineapple guava is full of fruit. These are ripe when they drop off the tree. An acquired taste. One friend said they taste like germolene. Starts with a lovely flower. But I’m not convinced either with germolene. Or if I like them.

Back in the Uk I buy lemon grass to make a lovely cake. Coconut and lemon grass – a Ballymaloe cookery school recipe. Here I have this enormous ready to pick bush. How many times have I picked it? You’ve guessed. A big fat zero. Well I will tomorrow. And I’m promising myself that I will grow a pot in London.

Over and out with my six on Saturday. Next week will be a London one. If I have six things still alive when I get back.

Posted on July 7, 2018July 7, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Six on Saturday – España

This weeks six on Saturday comes from Spain. It’s hot dry and getting hotter. Tuesday is forecast for 41*. I’m already melting. More ice cream for the freezer!

The garden has largely drought tolerant plants but there are still many that need a bit of water encouragement. So it’s been very early or very late watering for me. But not too often.

What a surprise. An agapanthus. One from the pot on the terrace. I love them as if you didn’t know by now. I’m planning on a whole border next to the orange trees. There is a sale on at our local nursery at the end of the month as they close for August and most plants are half price. I feel a visit. But I have to plan the water as I am away for two weeks. It can be done.

Who knew? I didn’t. The seed pod of the Stephanotis. Hanging on in there from last year. I had to look this one up. I had never seen a seed pod like this but then in the UK I’ve only had stephanotis in a small pot.

The buds on the Stephanotis. In a few days they will be open and the scent will be heavenly. This does so well. It’s on a very large pot and is climbing – with help – up the wall.

The lovely blue of the Jacaranda. These are glorious viewed from a distance when the blues are really fab against the blue of the sky. It’s difficult to get a great pic. Lovely on the tree. But is an annoying dropper of it’s petals. Constantly.

A gorgeous yellow flower on an unknown cactus. Well unknown to me! I rarely walk the boundary of the house which sounds grander than it is. But this is on the bank behind the house. Yesterday I found it. The flowering cactus. Not the bank. We have a few varieties of cactus. I must look up the names. The only one I know is the prickly pear as I’m trying to save a few on the bank and in the garden from cochineal fly. Good old neem oil is doing the trick.

This is springing up everywhere in the garden and on the banks. Daucus carota – wild carrot. I love it – but now I’ve seen the pink I want that too. Looks for seeds now.