gardener – Gardens. Travel. Life.

Posted on July 30, 2025 by happyretiredblog · 5 Comments

Feels like Summer

So July you have had some great highs but some spectacular lows! A month I’ll be glad to see the back of. Great weather for the first two weeks. Poorer the last two. Visits to two very different A&E units. Ian’s sister is a doctor and she once said to him ‘if you want to see all areas of life go sit in A&E. We did. In the heart of London and in the depths of Somerset. Two very different but similar experiences. One me. One ‘im indoors.

But the weather had been glorious until its not. The garden has been looking great which is weather related but also because we have spent more time in one place. We rarely go to Spain in August but this year it’s also been July for various reasons. But we did get a Spanish taste when our local village hall held their summer party with a Spanish theme. I think it was the best yet. Great food with flamenco guitar and dancer.

I had also been asked to do 12 jars of flowers for the tables. Which I was very happy to do. I nearly had a coronary on the day when I realised that the event was starting at 12.30 and not the 3.30 I had thought. So at 10am it was a little frantic in this household ! But we got there and it shows how manic I was in that I didn’t take one photo of the flowers !

Back to the garden.

I planted all annuals except for the 4 pots of salvia Nachvinder which I buy new annually. They are amazing planted either side of the front doors ~ yes plural. I’d like to say one each, but the cottage was originally two and we still have both front doors. His and His.

The plants were I have to admit cheap and cheerful. Bought at a very large outlet where on a bad day you can find plants resembling those you find at a supermarket or DIY chain store. Un loved, unwatered and unbought. We must have had a day when everything had just arrived. Good quality geraniums. Trailing lobelia. Some coleus ~ and yes I know they have a fancy new name but I still call snapdragons snapdragons. Largely because I’d be forever getting spell check to understand me.

The cosmos were part local garden centre and the large plant warehouse. Had I realised how well they would look I’d have planted more. I remember I’d grown yellow ones in London and they were pretty magnificent.

Flowered all summer. As long as you dead headed. Trained by an expert dead header ~ my mother that’s never an issue.

The benefit of the positioning of these pots is that they only get a half days sun. That means we get them flowering for longer and they in theory need less water. Which is good as jacks Shute is on point to dry out. I give it 3 weeks, unless we get a few heavy downpours.

Enough of the pots. I’m already planning tulips. Have I said I like tulips? But I’ve been planning for months. I now have to commit to my orders. Plural.

The back garden has two seasons. Summer and autumn. I don’t plant many bulbs as the ground in winter and spring is too wet. But in summer it’s a riot of colour. Even if I say so myself.

Surprisingly the canna which I heavily mulched have all come back despite the wet winter. Some a bit later than others, and the canna annei and canna Musifolia has spread. Which makes me a happy man ~ hard to believe I know. As well as that look at the new shed in the picture. That’s also a bringer of joy.

This is a new plant bought this year to add to the annei collection. It’s in a pot and is taller than me. I know that it’s not difficult as I’m no giant but it’s over 6ft and the flowers are gorgeous.

A brand new one this year ~ very tall and different shaped flowers. Big dangly red pink purply flowers on long stems. I’m intrigued.

Golden orb is another favourite of mine and I’m glad to see that I have another flower spike coming especially as I knocked one off.

Another favourite and yet another purchase from my friends Mark & Emma at Todd’s Botanics is Canna Panache. I’d foolishly left one behind when we moved so had to replace it. Of course I couldn’t just order this one.

There are more but I need to save something for August!

It’s been rose heaven. I butchered them this year on the basis they do or don’t. If they don’t they are gone. But it’s worked. Not for all. But the majority. Some have been in the ground for decades and need to come out. I have made a note which ones.

One grown in my parents garden. Gorgeous colour. Not a very healthy grower. A bit prone to disease. But it’s one of my favourites, and I’ll tolerate the disease if I can control it as best I can.

New last year it has flowered like crazy and is about to have its second flush.

I have quite a few of these rose ‘Unkown’ in varios shades shapes and sizes. I’m a rubbish labeller and every year I say I will be better. It starts well.

I replanted the border around a small pond this year. It’s been here as long as we have ~ 30 years and I think it’s leaked from day one. It’s on the list of things to do. And has been for decades. Next year. Along with the falling down greenhouse.

The wild carrot has self seeded and is spreading nicely. Salvia hot lips isn’t as hot as in previous years and Royal bumble isn’t as bumbly. Even Amistad is a bit slow to the party this year. I have planted a number of new salvia this year which hopefully will be in full colour in August.

I planted Persicaria polymorpha two years ago next to a clump of red persicaria which was here when we bought the house. Both have gone bonkers. In winter and spring the red looks like it’s totally dead never to recover. But it does. The polymorpha is cut back on a regular basis as it’s overpowering, maybe the wrong plant in the wrong place. I knew it was a grower but ….

There are a few plants I’ve had in the past which I had bought at the old Hadspen House nursery when it was run by Sandra & Nori Pope. The kindest and most generous couple in both their time patience and advice to newbie gardeners. This is a fabulous book and one that I never tire of going back to.

This year I’ve replaced the salvia as I had lost mine. I will get another to add to the bed.

A bit of a weird one. The flower buds are large and a bit spooky. The stems are a bit brittle. But large and such a gorgeous colour. And tall.

There’s also lobelia Hadspen purple which survived the winter but not yet in full flower. It’s a lovely colour and is strong upright plant.

You’ve got to love a flash of pink in the garden.

Bought off a plant stall in castle Cary two years ago this has gone mad. Bit catkin like with big fluffy pink tails wafting about. I had never grown it before but it’s a firm new favourite.

There are a few more sanguisorba dotted around but none as showy.

I planted some chicory at the bottom of the garden just above the river bank and it’s done really well. It’s a great colour boost. Little did I know that the flowers open in the morning and disappear at night. A great purchase from Pepperpot herbs

I’ve also put one in the top bed which has gone a bit wild. Maybe a move for it next year.

Last year I grew a lot of dahlia from tubers. It was a disaster year for me. It was slug city. I lost most even after I’d repotted fresh tubers. So I decided not to bother this year. Which was a mistake as it’s been so dry and slugs so far haven’t been an issue. I have only two of these, bought as large plants. I suspect I may buy a few more encouraged by my partner in purchases Siobhan, whose garden is fabulous and always has some new to grab my attention.

It’s not all been flowers. The falling down greenhouse that I was going to replace when I retired 10 years ago and which is stuck together with sticky back plastic has been saved for another year. Every time I think yes. Now is the time it’s time for something else first. But it will happen.

This year we have a glut of tomatoes and cucumbers. Cucumbers are like buses. You wait for one and then you get three at once.

Ian has taken to growing veg. He’s very proud of his onions ! Exhibition quality they are as well.

The renewal of the old circular table which never really fitted in to an oblong table that sits nicely on the terrace has been a game changer. For us and for Fred the geriatric cat ~ that and a dry summer so far has meant we have spent more time sat in the garden than we have ever done.

The use of an old French stripey bit of fabric to give some mid day shade has made Fred very happy. At 21 he can have whatever he wants. For a few years we have been saying that this maybe his last summer but he continues to amaze both us and the vet.

There is still more summer to come. But it does feel that we are weeks ahead of previous years.

Flowers have bloomed earlier. Yet some vegatables are not as far advanced as last year. We are only now picking our runner beans. It will be an interesting round of Horticultural shows this season.

Apples are almost breaking the trees. The thud of dropping apples is a constant. A new juicer has been bought as the local farmer has been putting out bags of early apple beauty of bath. Sweet and great juiced.

We have had a ready supply of plums from grandad who’s not my grandad. Like the roundabout that’s not a roundabout in Spain which I’m delighted to say has had its summer haircut. The fear of wild fires is real.

So another early morning sat in the garden listening to the rooks morning chorus with Fred the geriatric cat before a trip to Bath ~ the city not the tub later today.

Posted on March 19, 2024March 22, 2024 by happyretiredblog

The wet country

It’s been another wet few weeks. I don’t think there’s been a day without some rain. Some days more than others. Whilst in Spain there has been about 2 days only in the last few weeks. Mind you when it rains it rains. It’s not just on the plain either. One day last week there was 71mm of the wet stuff and they say the reservoirs will be collecting for the next 2/3 weeks. But it will only make a marginal difference to the levels. Whilst in Somerset aka the wet country it is the complete opposite. The ground is still soggy. The river flowing fast and dirty. The run off from the fields continues.

But first there was London. Not as wet. But wet enough.

It’s time to poo my plants. A bit earlier than usual but the plants are all in pots and I’m sure the constant rains have washed all the goodness out of the pots. So alpaca food for the Agapanthus it is. And alpaca nuts for the tree ferns. I have been bold and taken out the straw ~ so get your hats and coats ready. The weather is bound to turn around and get frosty. For now they will remain fleeced.

I’ve checked the straw. You don’t want icy straw. I am hoping the worst of the frosts have been and gone. But to be honest there haven’t been many, if any in the tiny London garden. It’s very sheltered.

Have I mentioned I like tulips. Maybe once or twice.

For the next few months I might mention tulips and agapanthus a fair bit. Before I start on dahlia and canna. Like a broken 78rpm. Ask your mother ~ She will explain the difference between a 78, a 33 & a third and a 45. Maybe ask your grandparents about the 78.

I planted the London pots a bit late. But they are coming along fine – these photos were early March ~ they have grown a fair bit in the last two weeks. Better than the ones in the window box. I’m not sure who has poo’d in the window boxes. It’s either a squirrel or a fox and the jury is out which one. Cyril the squirrel is partial to a dig but I’ve never known him poo in his own pantry. and if it’s him he’s a pretty big squirrel.

So onto the wet country. Wet wet wet. Love is all around. Not in this garden. I’m not loving the wet soggy ground. The constant weeds. The squelching noise as you walk down one end of the garden to another.

The one thing other than the weeds which are doing well are the tulips. I always worry about them ~ will they grow. Will they flower. Will the colours be ok. So far the growth is fine. A little early but fine. I must remember to water them if we have a dry spell. Even though there may be a little rain in the next two weeks it doesn’t always get right into the pots. A hint and a tip from a fellow insta chum.

A reminder of last year’s pots of joy.

I planted this outside the kitchen years ago and kind of forgotten about it. It’s been a bit spindly. A bit unimpressive until this year. It’s full of bud and flowers and is fabulous. I kept saying it’s a Daphne. It’s not. It’s a viburnum. Gorgeous buds and colour as they open.

There have been a few things I have loved and lost in the Somerset garden. A few pairs of secateurs. Glasses. Gardening gloves.

I have said it’s a wet garden. When we first arrived at the cottage 30 years ago ~ I know. We were young then. Sort of ~ there was a lovely yellow ball buddleja in the garden. To be honest I didn’t know what it was then but loved it. A great pollinator and was a mass of flowers. At some point over the last few decades it disappeared. I replaced it with a white one. But I have found both an orange ball buddleja and a buddleja sungold and both are now planted. We used to have a Philadelphus Belle etoile. Lost. But now a new one has been planted. I love the deep coloured throat. And the scent. Hopefully it will survive.

I’ve had a delivery ~ now there’s a surprise ~ from Peter Nyssen ~ dahlia, particularly a selection of Honka, some bessera elegans, Gladioli The Bride and a load of Acidanthera. Which I hate planting. Small bulbs shouldn’t be allowed. Or I should have someone else planting them.

All I need to do is plant them up.

It’s not been all work and no play. We have been for a few walks at The Newt. Cold and damp walks to be fair.

A visit to the first Rare Plant Fair of the season at the Bishops Palace Wells. Great plants from a number of sellers. Did I buy anything? Of course. Two climbing roses, 3 papaver Pattys Plum , the Philadelphus so just a few. But they have all been planted on the day I bought them. That’s a first.

A wander around the palace gardens and the gorgeous colour of the Edgeworthia red dragon. This one goes on the ever growing list of wants. I need two columns. One for the want. One for the where.

There was much more than these two pics. Oh. I forgot the glorious magnolia.

I am hoping for a few drier weeks. To dry out the grass. To cut the grass. To bring on the new shoots of the perennials. And to stop the backbreaking monotony of digging out the bindweed and ground elder. That’s not too much to ask is it?

So a few days in London. No soggy ground. No weeds. But plenty to do in the garden for sure.

Posted on February 11, 2023February 26, 2023 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

A cold & wet Mediterranean garden

Another eventful trip done. A trillion miles walked ~ OK that’s a bit of an exaggeration but that’s what it feels like when you squeeze as much into 4 days as you can. Am I complaining. A bit ~ I need to learn to pace myself better. I’m not as young as I was. Or as I think I am. I was reminded that I have shoes older than some of the people on the paella lesson we had in Valencia.

We were lucky with the weather in Valencia. Warm days but cooler nights. We knew that when we got home and up the mountain it would be cooler. First we had to battle the obligatory boarding chaos that seems to happen often. I blame cabin baggage and the fight to stuff as much as you can in the overhead lockers before anyone else can. We were away for 4 nights only but still had a carry on. A bag that is. When we come straight to La Casa we can travel with a tiny bag.

The drive from Malaga home takes an hour. The main roads in Spain move freely nearly all of the time and this route skirts along the coast of the Costa del Sol with glimpses of the sea and the mountains. It also means that on leaving the airport the temperature was 16/17* When we arrived 2,000 ft up the mountain the temperature had dropped considerably. Some 8 or 9*.

The campo houses aren’t built for winter. They were primarily used for the summer with the families spending winters in town houses. Poor or no insulation means when it’s cold it’s cold. Not ice on the inside windows which we had growing up but cold. Especially when all shuttered up. The sun warms the house during the day even in winter. But when the sun drops. I repeat myself a lot. So does Ian. He tells me often the same thing. Usually. ‘Andrew. You’ve already said that.’ But I’ll say this again. Good neighbours are worth their weight in gold. They are diamonds. We arrive home and there are the basics waiting for us. Bread. Milk. Biscuits for me. Orange juice. And because it’s cold the fire has been lit.

It’s a very small thing but to us it’s huge.

But once the tea is poured I have my own routine. The garden check. It’s been a month and even at this time of year a lot can happen in the garden. We have help. It would be impossible to maintain the garden if we didn’t. There are large parts which look after themselves but not the main area around the house. At this time of the year it’s pruning time. I have nether the knowledge or the time to do all of the pruning. But we are fortunate to know someone that does. We arrived to the grape vine pruned. A lot of the oleander pruned and the transparente cut back hard on a bank I just couldn’t manage myself.

There are two things I’ve learnt about having someone else do the cutting back. They cut far more than I would and two is that it’s ok. It grows back thicker and better. Unlike my hair. The gardener had cut back an Australian wisteria earlier this year. Cut it back to bare wood on the gates. I stood and stared and said to Ian. ‘That will never grow back.’ To be fair it had a lot of bare wood behind some green growth and flowers. Now we had twigs. I went out and bought a new one as I was so unconvinced it would grow back. How wrong was I. We arrived back and bingo ~ one side ~ the sunnier one showing great new growth. A lot. Lesson learnt.

The other thing you get is more light which means better growth for the plants. And a better view of the pine trees and the bank.

There’s no better place to deposit my money. Viveros Florena our local go to place to buy plants. To get advice from Lorraine. I may have told the story of the book. The book bought even before we had exchanged on the house. Expensive as I bought it on line in the Uk. When Ian rolled his eyes at my spending money on yet another gardening book only to unroll them when we arrived at the house for another viewing the book in hand to be told by the vendors that The author of the book was the owner of the above. 10 mins drive from the house. Quicker if you take the short cut. Which I don’t. The book and Lorraine’s advice has been invaluable!

Back to the garden. We have had rain. Some pretty cold spells with sleet and frosts. Expected in the Somerset garden. Not what I expect here. There have been times when the temperature has been colder here than in the garden in London. But it’s green. We both commented on the drive up the wiggly road just how green it was. That’s when I could see straight ahead. I still don’t take my eye off the road for one minute ~ sharp bends and big drops.

I love the variegated yucca in this bed. I much prefer them to the green. But I’m going to have to come to terms that we may lose them. There is a bug that has been attacking the large agave and it’s now moved into the yucca. Not just in this garden but all around. First it was the cochineal fly decimating the prickly pears. Then the large agave were dropping. With cochineal fly you could see them. With the agave and the yucca it’s hidden. I have remove a few smaller ones but I have to realise that these may go the same way. It’s incredibly sad that a lot of large mature plants will die. As you drive from La Casa to the town there are visible signs of the agave problems. We had an access drive with huge agave. Now all gone.

These were Ian’s request. The cactus that’s not a cactus ~ euphorbia candelabrum. growing in two smallish pots and tied to the railings so they don’t blow over. I love them. Good choice Ian. I keep thinking I should plant them in the garden but I don’t know where. They need to be pretty stable and not blow over.

The curry plant. Trimmed back last year which meant I lost the yellow flowers but it had gotten too straggly and pretty ugly. I may give it a slight trim this week to keep it in shape. The cold weather means no curry smell unlike the heat of summer. There are three under the olive tree which has hard a hard trim. It’s been haircut time all round.

It’s almond blossom time and it’s lovely driving through the campo and seeing the pink and white blossom. We have 5 trees at the back of the house. All planted before we arrived and one is flowering. The others are only just budding up. There are two different types of almond trees in the garden but don’t ask. I have no idea. I’m sure the question is in my list somewhere. I think one is a bitter almond. Every year I pick them. Dry them on a tray in the sun. And then do nothing with them. Talk about taking a hammer to crack a nut. I gave up the will to live.

The cape honeysuckle which originates from S Africa is flowering well. It’s at the back of the house up,with the almonds and I don’t get to see it very often. It’s a great evergreen autumn ~ winter flowering stalwart in the Mediterranean garden. I suspect it need a bit of a trim too. I have bought another. Along with a host of other things.

There is a very old banksia rose climbing through the jacaranda which has starting flowering since we were last here. very delicate yellow,flowers with even more delicate buds scrambling from the tree across to the white walks of the garage. A welcome sight at this time of the year.

I love the leaves of the loquat or nispero as it’s called here. The leaves are large and archtectural. We have two,trees with a third appearing over the last two years. There is fruit in the two,larger trees which is a surprise. Not because it dies t fruit but beaches usually the flowers go mouldy and the fruit dies t form. There is still time for the fruit to do the same. These trees are a fairly common sight in south east London on our walks and I can think of three that we pass regularly. I’d like one for the Somerset garden. Adds to yet another list.

I was hoping this mimosa tree would be flowering when we arrived but I think it will be another few weeks. This wasn’t here when we bought La Casa ~ 6 years ago ~ there was only the remains of the old one. A dead stump. Now we have a sign I can’t tree which will cause more sneezing than I would like. It’s pollen is a real hay fever starter. But it looks absolutely glorious in full bloom.

I have been trying to save this prickly pear for the last 6 years. It was going well until lockdown and we have had a bit of a set back with the lockdowns when we weren’t allowed to travel. It’s a hard task but I’m determined. You can just see a bit of the white fly ~ cochineal fly. Tomorrow that will go.

I mentioned that the oleanders have been cut back hard. Except one or two. This is one and it still has last years seed pods attached. They are fascinating setting off as red seed pods and when ripe bursting to throw the seeds out into the garden. Everything in the Mediterranean garden seems to be poisonous. The oleander particularly so. three years ago I had a run in with one. Don’t ask. I don’t know which one but I rubbed my eye when gardening and it swelled up badly. A singularly unattractive look.

The glorious melianthus major standing tall in the back or front of the border. Depending how you look at it. I pas a large clump on my way to Peckham Rye station in Holly Grove gardens and have wanted some here. These were bought last night and flowered. When we weren’t here. I suspect that will happen again this.

Echium candicans. I’ve tried echium before and last year was my first success. It looks like there will be flowers but not this one as I only planted it today. Along with 5 others. Why leave 5 back at Viveros. When I can find a home for them. Mostly disease free.. Tall. Drought tolerant. With lovely blue flowers. Great. If I get them to flower.

Maybe the massive violet carpenter bee will be attracted. The bee is big and beautiful with gorgeous wings when the sunlight catches them. You can hear them coming. They have the noisiest buzz. A common sight in the Spanish garden.

The sun comes down on another trip. It’s been a busy one. Meeting up with friends. Lunched and suppers. Gardening. More gardening.

Who said retirement would be boring!

Posted on October 25, 2022October 25, 2022 by happyretiredblog · 5 Comments

Here. There. Over here.

So I’ve had a break. Yes I know I’m not long back from one. But this time it was solo. 7 nights at la casa. Alone. When we first had the cottage I’d occasionally go there on my own. My mother, who rarely went anywhere on her own in the nearly 70 years that my parents were married, would say. ‘ But won’t you be lonely.’ My reply ‘ No mum. I’ll be alone. That’s a totally different thing. To be fair Ian and I haven’t been together for 32 years by spending 247 together. Ask him how we have got this far he will say ‘ at first different counties. These days different countries. To be fair. He’s right.

It was an eventful flight over. The flight was full. Totally full. I found myself getting cross at some of the passengers. Then realising I was probably older than the ones I was getting cross with. The flight was 65% Saga and 20% 16-18 ye olds on a school trip. The first group was a Saga group which I was reminded that I am old enough by a long way to be a member. I’m a ditherer whenever flying. Checking the whereabouts of my phone. My passport. Ian. But multiply that by trillions and it was this flight. Not helped on arrival where we had to board the bus. Sadly I remember travel where you had to stand alongside the plane as the luggage was offloaded and you had to pick yours out. These days I rarely put luggage in the hold. It’s amazing just how light you can travel.

As usual I digress. But a quick run to pick up the car hire bus. Not pick up a bus. That would be silly. But the bus to take me to pick up the car and I was away up the mountain. Up the wiggly road whilst continually thinking just how dry everything was. Crisp I think was the word that went through my head. Still no significant rain. And still no sign of it coming. Oh and still we don’t have mains water permanently. This trip I gave up trying to work out what day we got it and what days we didn’t. Or even what times of the day.

I still get that feeling as I pull into the drive at the house. Usually the feeling after the drive up the wiggly road of needing the loo but always the joy of arriving to the gate. No. It wasn’t open for me ~ this was taken after the toilet stop.

When we first bought the house I had arranged to have a lock put on the gate. We completed and had a flight booked for two weeks later. Did I wait? No. Two days after completion I was here. No lock on the gate. I woke the next morning to find the gates being put into a pick up and about to be driven off. I went to the gate and realised they were going off to have the lock fitted. I asked in my Spanglish when they were coming back. How rude when the driver stuck up two fingers. Until I realised he knew my Spanish was pants and was trying to tell me that they’d be back at 2. They did come back. Not at 2. I realised at that time the meaning of the word manana.

The name of the house has this this year been accurate. Casa Verano Eterno. The house of Eternal Summer. This years summer has and still goes on. And on. And on. A bit like me to be fair but at some point the weather has to turn. Speaking of turning. Years ago I was having Accupuncture. My mother knew I hated needles. ‘What are you having that for? ‘ she asked. ‘To make me a nice person’. Really? She replied. ‘Does she have enough needles’ Apparentlyq not!!

The garden is so dry and it’s amazing what does and doesn’t survive. It’s such a huge learning curve for me. I keep saying it. There are drought tolerant and there are drought tolerant plants. I’ve lost things like gaura which have burnt to a crisp. The leaves on the agapanthus are scorched. Some salvias have survived. No flowers. But still alive. At this time of year there would normally be rain and there would be a further flush of colour. But there’s no rain forecast for at least another month. We are still on a day on few days off mains water cycle. But it is getting easier now the summer demand for water is reducing.

I’m always staggered at these ferns. They get some water but not a lot. They are in bright hot sunlight. Yet they are pretty magnificent. I’d never be able to replant them in new pots ~ one I’d never move them and two they are big enough. Three. I can’t actually be bothered. There are other things on the agenda. On Ian’s lists. Yes. They still appear.

The one thing about the heat is the slight whiff of the curry plant as you walk past on the heat of the day. I hacked these back pretty hard in Spring on the basis if they died they died. But they haven’t and have become more bushy. . Very few yellow flowers this year but I can live with that. They are under the large olive tree and the soil here is pretty rubbish too. But they do well. I did consider a curry path. But….. it’s not really the scented path I imagine.

There were very few grapes on the vine this year but the little there have been were eaten by the birds. I’ve realised I have the last two years vine prunings in the garage. They are great for lighting the wood burner. I’ve you bought any kindling this year. Is nearly doubled in price. Sadly we sing have grape vines in Camberwell.. I know nothing about vines and we had the Gardner from Vivero Fkorenas to prune for us. He’s Spanish and knows his stuff. We said we didn’t think it had been pruned for two years. He looked and counted. He said 5. He was right.

I spent most of the week in the garden. Weeding. Dodging the mozzies. Driving back and forth to the garden centre to collect compost feed to add to the soil. The soil on the garden is pants and needs work. I think I carried 21 bags back. Not literally. But in the boot of the car in a couple of trips. On Saturday I realised that I needed to go and get some more as the garden centre is closed Sunday and Monday. I had one bag left on the path. I thought I’d worked really hard lugging the bags around. So I headed off. Bought 4 more bags. Two more Clivia. And said to Lorraine ‘don’t worry. The car is down the ramp I’ll put them in the boot.’ I opened the boot and there were 4 bags. I hadn’t even taken the last lot out! Anyway. All bar one has been scattered on the garden. But look at the bags. To be honest I didn’t know whether to smoke it or scatter it. I’ve cautious. So I scattered it.

I did manage a short sit on the chair in the sun but I’m not one for sitting and getting burnt!

The view looking up the curvy path. I’ve lost the lavender again this year. So I’m giving up for now. It had two chances. And used them.

The creeping rosemary is doing so much better so I will continue to replant that. I have lost two very large rosemary bushes but I suspect they were pretty ancient. This path had some gaura. All gone. The agapanthus. The Clivia. The birds of paradise all doing ok. I have planted a new sesbania ~ an ornamental shrub with reddish-orange flowers. It has deciduous leaves and grows to a height of 15 feet. It says it likes water but the one we have already gets some but not a lot. The garden centre had some of the seeds from me and have grown them for me. Fingers crossed.

I make no excuse in including yet another photo like this. Growing in pots. With a fabulous view to the coast. As long as you don’t look at the dodgy hedge. I think we need some more for the bank. Not a cactus. A euphorbia.

Have you ever tried stripping the leaves off these yuccas. Well not these ones in particular but to be honest I’m very happy for you to. A bit of a nightmare especially without gloves ~ which were sitting on the shelf in the garage. But it cleans them up and I officially love the variegated yuccas.

There is always time for a cuppa and a piece of cake. The only trouble is that once I sit down it’s an effort to get back up. Sometimes I just don’t bother and stay there until I can. Watching crap tv. Or just loving the view. From the sofa. Especially on a solo trip.

A reminder of my years living with my parents. Except this plant is in the garden. Not in a pot in the house with the obligatory rubber plant and the spider plants. There are swathes of these monstera ~ Swiss cheese plants in the Botanical gardens in Malaga. And they look fabulous there. I’m not keen in the garden. In Malaga they are magnificent. But as long as it survives it stays. So far it’s done 5 years.

To be fair. Don’t feel sorry for all the hard work. All work and no play and all that. I did venture into Cómpeta. A few evenings at favourite restaurants. A walk around town.

Early morning light over the roundabout that’s not a roundabout. It was all cut back at the end of the summer and I’m hoping it will be awash with the wildflowers again next year. There are still wild fires happening around Spain which are worrying. That’s why I have the roundabout cut back. It worries me.

There are few flowers in the garden at the moment. I must ask what the first one is. It’s written down somewhere. UPDATE ~ you know when the owner of the local garden centre qheee i but my plants in Spain has read the blog. You get a message. ‘And the Red flower is jatropha integerrima’ Thanks Lorraine.!

Whilst there is little colour in the garden there are plenty of interesting leaves. Colour. Shape and texture. The large leaves of the black and white bird of paradise. Strelitzi Nicolai The gorgeous texture of the Colocasia mojito.

No garden post would be a Cómpeta post without the fabulous foxtail agave. I have replanted two and this pot contains a few more that need moving.

When we were in Cómpeta the last time we went on the fabulous Cómpeta Art Walk and Ian purchased these great black and white prints from our friend Dave at Cómpeta Portraits. These aren’t in their final place ~ maybe they are but Ian will need to decide. Along with two more that Dave has just framed for us.

So the week is over. A glorious last night view from the terrace down the mountain to the coast. An early night and an even earlier morning.

What idiot books a flight for 8.10 from Malaga for a Tuesday morning. Yep Ian. But for me. To be honest I don’t mind. I was up and out 4.45 to drive down the mountain and I met two cars untilI I got to the main road.

Back to the UK where a young boy with his father was at passport control and his father was joking with his son about the lady behind the desk saying she knew everything as she was friends with Father Xmas. ( sorry. Mentioning Xmas when Joseph doesn’t even know Mary is pregnant yet)

I couldn’t help myself. When it was my turn I said I couldn’t help overhearing that you are friends with Father Christmas. Could you do me a favour. I’ve been a good boy too so can you ask him to sort my b***y passport out. It never works on the E gates and I’m always sent to this naughty step! She laughed. ‘ sorry. I’m border control. If I was from passport office I’d love to help!

As I arrives back I get an email to say a parcel has arrived for me at the shop where all our mail is delivered. That will be my Peter Nyssen bulbs. I have returned home to boxes upon boxes of tulip bulbs. I may be quiet for a while. ( No chance).

Posted on September 30, 2022October 1, 2022 by happyretiredblog · 1 Comment

Hello Andalucia.

Well it’s been a while since we have been to Spain. We were due to go in July but it was too hot. Yes. I know it’s Spain. I know it’s the med. Whilst I like the heat when it’s so hot it’s unpleasant. We always avoid August but this year July was a no no too. I was there in a lockdown two years ago unable to travel back because of quarantine in August. I spent most of the time indoors in my pants watching Netflix with the aircon on. Too hot. Too expensive and not attractive.

The journey started badly. Half way to the airport our flight is cancelled and we are rebooked on a flight the next day. Generally not a disaster but we were travelling with a friend. She had been put on a flight that evening. The disaster was they had also changed our airport. Not hers and her car was already in Heathrow. We also live an hour up the mountain. The car was in my name. I’ve praised our neighbours before and I’ve always valued good neighbours. He’s the best. Drove down the mountain at 11pm. Drove her home. Made sure she was in safely and we arrived the next day. A new flight and delay compensation. Not a great start to the trip but it didn’t matter. Friends for 35 years and she bypasses the house rule. Ian says guests are like fish. They go off after 4 days. Mary stayed for 12.

It’s been dry in Spain. Very dry. There has been little rain. A local reservoir supplying Malaga has been declared dead. I feared the worst of the garden. We hadn’t been in two months and driving up the mountain it was clear just how dry it was. Parched landscape. The campo had been on water restrictions. One day on. One day off. In Spain that could mean anything. We are lucky to have a large deposito which fills when we do get water and we then have to pump it into the house. The garden had been watered but not as much as usual. It really hits home just how precious a resource water is. Washing up water has been used to water pots. The washing machine only used when full. The roundabout that’s not a roundabout had worried me all summer. The wildflowers had died back. The grasses were tinder dry and there had been wild fires around the edges of the village so we had arranged for it to be ‘cleaned’. Arranged two months ago I wasn’t sure if it had been done. Of course it had. The water position has changed. We now get mains water. Every three days. If we are lucky. I’m not moaning again about hosepipe bans in the Uk.

The planting is pretty drought tolerant. But I’ll be honest. Even drought tolerant plants need some water when the temperatures get into the 40’s. Every day. The garden path plants looked ok. A bit sad in parts but when and if we get some rain and cooler days they will come back. Some have died or won’t recover. I’m giving up on lavender. Planting number 3 was doing so well up to July. Now it’s very patchy. Most gone over and won’t recover. The creeping Rosemary has fared much better. One or two lost. But a massive Rosemary at the rear of the house Is dead. I must have anticipated as I’d planted two more smaller ones to take over in Spring. Looks like they will survive.

The curry plant ( Helichrysum italicum) which is in poor thin soil has fared better and I was tempted to plant the whole path with it. Not the path ~ the borders along the path. But it does give off a whiff of curry in the heat of the day and I’m not sure, as much as I like curry I want to be sat on a sun lounger at two in the afternoon smelling curry. It’s not quite the effect I want.

Thankfully the foxtail agaves ( agave attenuate) seem to be doing well. There are some to split in one of the pots and these will go on the dry bank once I don’t need a pick axe to dig them in. Seriously. A pick axe. I was surprised to see the colocasia mojito. It’s in a pot and is looking good. I love the silky leaves and it’s colour. But to be honest I never expected it to be alive. We have quince on the one tree we have. A plentiful crop but very small. I’m hoping enough for quince jelly. The gorgeous aeonium also in a pot has survived. Another plant that has surprised me is the canna. There are two large ones in pots. Despite the heat and the intermittent watering one was still in flower. And the leaves were huge.

The agapanthus have done well and I plan to plant even more. I’m lucky that they self seed although it takes a while to get to flowering. I can wait. I’ve cut some of the flower heads and left others if the seeds are about to be scattered.

I love this time of year in Andalucia. Cooler days and spectacular sunsets. Clear nights where you can see the coast of Malaga from 2000ft up the mountain and also the mountains of Morroco. When stars are clear in the sky. And hopefully the mosquitos are dying.

The two cactus which aren’t cactus but euphorbia candelabrum are in pots and are tied to the railings to stop them getting toppled over by the wing. Needless to say they are drought tolerant. Needless to,say they are still Ian’s favourite plants in the garden.

Whilst I spent time in the garden it wasn’t all about the plants. It can’t be otherwise I’d drive Ian mad. There was cake of course. Lots of cake. Cake for us. Cake for the neighbours. Cake for our friends Ruth & Dave. Whenever I use this cake stand it reminds me that a lot of these things came over in a suitcase. Usually Ian’s when he travelled without me as he knew I wouldn’t risk the breakages, but he happily tells the tale of when he was past Airport security and was called back to check in. Escorted down the stairs by security he was asked to explain what was in his case. “ That” he said “is a large solid glass vase. Alongside it is solar lights for the garden.” “And that” he was asked ~ “the organic matter alongside it all”. “OH Barry’s tea bags” . They suggested next time he checked in anything like that he may want to explain at check in exactly what it was. They saw the contents as a security risk. Looking at it I can see what they mean but it’s good to know that the system works.

There was eating out. We are fortunate to have so many good restaurants locally and we visited our favourites more than once. We also had the annual art walk over the weekend ~ local artists; photographers and all very talented folk exhibiting. We came away with some great black and white prints of local people scenes from our friend Dave and some amazing cards. The prints are being framed and will be hung when we get back. The cards are a mix of cards for the dreaded C word and birthdays. If I can let them go. They are beautiful.

I’m nothing but predictable at the local restaurants. They know what I’ll order before I do. This is one of my favourite starters from the amazing Cortijo Paco. Beetroot & avacado timbale. Beautifully presented and delicious.

Lunch on the coast at El Camarote overlooking the marina is another favourite just down the mountain at Caletta de Velez.

Lunch on the beach at Chambao de Vicente
La Herrudura

It wouldn’t be a trip if we didn’t go to Nerja at least once. Or three times. Lunch overlooking the small beach and a wander through the small streets. With a visit to the bank for a small withdrawal.

It was a busy few weeks. We had a holiday within a holiday ~ a weekend trip to Cordoba to have supper with friends visiting from the Uk. The visit is worth a blog of its own and guess what. There will be one. In Competa there was the Dia del tourists y del residente where our friends NIcky and Paul received an award ~ Residente del Ano ~ from the Ayuntamiento. Nicky and Paul have three holiday rental properties in Competa ~ Competa Escapes and they work tirelessly to promote the pueblo Blanco on social media and within the community supporting the events that happen regularly. A well deserved award.

I’m hoping for a drop of rain and a topping up of the deposito before I’m back. I have a week on my own booked which will give me a chance to get a few things done in the garden. We are lucky to have help looking after the garden when we aren’t there which I’m eternally grateful for.There will be logs delivered for the winter. Chimney sorted. Some wine to be brought back to the Uk. And the inevitable watching of Netflix. But as it’s not August I will be well wrapped up with a nice fire.

Posted on July 22, 2022July 24, 2022 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Hello Heatwave. Hello Somerset

Well it’s been a bit of a hot one. Ironic really as we cancelled a trip to Spain as the temperatures there were forecast to be too high for comfort. I spent 9 weeks there bordering July and August in in one of the lockdowns and I swore never again in August. Yes I know it’s July but it was already August in Spain in June. If you get my drift.

There is no point in getting to Spain only to spend 2/3rds of the day indoors in my pants watching Netflix with the air con on. I can do that in the Uk but without the air con. London was hideous this week when the thermostat hit 30. No air. No air con and no patience.

As soon as it cooled I headed down to Somerset pre the school holiday traffic and avoided the holiday route. I had driven past a roadside cafe that was kind of hidden and this time decided to stop. Oh joy. It was quiet. The pathway was dahlia filled. The omlette was delicious.

Somerset gardening beckoned. It had been over three weeks since we had been here and I had three days on my own to try and break the back of the weeding. Whilst breaking mine. As I drove into the village looking at the car temperature gauge I marvelled. how could the car temperature on Tuesday show 38 in the car park at Sainsbury’s and only 20* the next day in Somerset. It’s bonkers.

We had a good spring display of Tulips again this year and it’s always a difficult one on what to plant for the summer. We are here a little more often as we don’t go away in August and early September but we are conscious of watering at the front of the house. geraniums are always a good bet. They can cope with the sporadic watering and I am lucky that my goddaughter is available and willing to do the watering for me.

I always try and get my geraniums from Columbia Road flower market as both quality and price are excellent. This year is no exception and the decision on going for one solid colour against the warm stone of the cottage is looking good. The only issue we now have is that Jacks Shute is running dead slow to virtual,stop making watering from the spring a tad difficult. I won’t mention the last year it dried up according to Grandad Martin. But it was 1976. A date that has been mentioned a lot this week.

Despite the lack of rain the garden is looking good. Even if I say so myself. It’s had very limited water whilst we have been away and some things were struggling. Largely against bindweed which is the most drought tolerant plant in the garden here. It’s impossible to dig it out at this time of the year. So I cheat and just get rid of what I can. Out of sight out of mind for now. But it’s the biggest single problem we have.

The grass was largely green but was in need of a haircut which is the first thing I always do. I can then do the edges which makes it all look better in my eye. My eyes head to the edges but avoids the weeds. Diversion tactics.

I must do better for Instagram. I should put the garden hose away before I take the photo. But it’s not perfect and it never will be. It will be better when we love here more but until then I’ll struggle to do more than I do. I have come to accept my limitations. Of which there are many. Not just in gardening.

The photo makes the grass look harsher than it is. But we have had a bit of a soaking and it will green up with a little more. I never water a lawn. I’ve never know for it not to jump back after some rain. This lawn needs levelling and redoing l. We have been here 30 years and it’s as is. Uneven. And not Wimbledon perfect. But I like it. It goes with the cottage.

I need to plant more echinacea. We have one and this year it’s looking fabulous. Adds to list.

I only planted these last year and they are a stunning addition. Sanguisorba. I’m not sure if it’s Squirell tails or pink elephant. I’d look in my book if I had written it down. But. I haven’t. So it’s a pretty Sanguisorba If you are asking.

This came from some friends and is a particularly gorgeous dark agapanthus. It’s particularly stunning as the flowers open which I think is my favourite time of flowering. It’s dark and sultry.

Day lilies are gorgeous. This clump has been in the garden for over 30 years. And also seems to have been divided out before that time as it appears in at least 4 other gardens in the village. I have an issue with the plant. It takes up too much room for such a short flowering period. It’s a day Lily. And that what you get for each flower. A day. Very beautiful but the clump needs splitting. Makes a diary note. ( in my head) ~ but I suspect it will be another 30. Months not years before I get around to it.

This clump of persicaria has also been here since we moved in. Decades ago. This one has been split a few times and newer varieties brought in. I love them. Dull to start but with a great colour flower spike and great leaves. Great for picking with other flowers for the house too.

The persicaria polymorpha is very different in flower and leaf and a bit of a bully. In the right place it’s a great statement. Adds a note to split. There’s a lot of notes.

This years biggest self seeder . Evening primrose. Followed very quickly by borage. I had planned to make a dahlia bed again this year. But time and energy ran out. So I left it. The gladioli in that bed have come up again. The borage has self seeded in that space so I’m happy. But. There’s always a but. I’d be happier if I had got myself together and had a lovely dahlia bed filled with big blousy dahlias. Next year it’s either a dahlia bed or a rose bed. Decisions. Decisions. Oh bugger. Both. But I got my dahlia fox this year on the TOdds Botanics stand at RHS Hampton Court.

Last year was the first year I’ve managed to keep the Verbena bonariensis going into a second season. A neighbours self seeds everywhere but she does have a gravel area which helps. Mine – Doesn’t. And the ground is so wet in the winter. Unlike now.

The acanthus is good but not as good or as many as the ones growing in a bit of guerrilla gardening along the road from us in London. But it is better this than last year. There need to be more to make a statement.

The honeysuckle on the arch goes on and on. And with a white jasmine on the fence which this year is flowering like crazy the scent in the garden on a warm day is delicious. Interestingly the Jasmine hasn’t flowered in years. Or maybe it had and I’ve ignored it. How rude of me.

I remember planting one of these last year. So how come there are 4. The lovely yellow giant scabious. Would you believe me if I said I hadn’t realised it was there. I was sat at the table just gazing out and it was there. I’m sure it wasn’t there the day before. But it towers above everything. It’s like walking along LOndon streets. Always look up. The architecture of the buildings is great and you moss do much if you just look at street level.

There’s nothing like an incentive for rain like me putting up the sail. Which fills with water when it does rain. I did. And it did. I could have entered the wet t shirt competition when I went to let the water down. Hideously cold water and laughter from my godson who has called in after work as I misjudged where the water would go. I’ll get my own back on him.

A door with a view. As long as you don’t look left where if you do you will see the calor Gas canister’s. Why they can’t make green ones is beyond me. I suspect it’s a health and safety issue. But there need to be an aesthetic issue too. There again why haven’t we built a cover or bought the green cover to go over them.

The grape vine had virtually grown over half of the door so it’s been lightly pruned. The vine. Not the door. Not only to expose the door but also to expose the grapes to get them to ripen. Not quite chateau Pitcombe vintage but they will be made into grape and rosemary jelly later in the year. If the birds don’t get them first. They have had most of the red and black currants and the gooseberries already. I dream of a fruit cage. Along with a weed free garden. A new greenhouse. Less arthritic fingers and a six pack. One can but dream. Some are achievable. Some can be bought. Others would be miracles.

One interesting fact. Maybe as a reminder to me but not to you. There was a vineyard in the next village when we moved in. Vintages were patchy but when it was good it was good. Sadly no longer there. Castle Cary vineyard. I remember drinking a decent bottle at a wedding reception of the couple from whom we bought no 4. That’s over 22 years ago. That’s scary.

A black grape. Origin unknown.

The reality of the house and garden. Normal household duties continue out of sight where possible. But I love the fresh smell of clothes dried outside ~ and let’s be honest it’s as cheap as chips.

The borders have filled up well. Not surprising with how much I stuff into that space. Too much really but it looks great. Great places for the slugs to hide and the birds to pop in and out of. I can’t stuff much more into there but I will try. Some of the roses need replacing. Some dividing needs to happen. A little better planting planning. Say that after a few glasses of summer rose. It’s not easy. Planting planning.

The perennials are doing their thing. As are the gladioli. I planted these two years ago and whilst I love the colours I won’t again. They are a faff with staking. The poppies are about to pop their seeds over the garden. Note that I need to get some Lauren’s grape to sow soon.

Apples and pears. We need to coordinate our time here to pick them. They are too good to miss and I hate waste in the garden. There’s a plan to plant more fruit trees and that’s for another day. There’s a fence to be sorted first.

We have looked at the bottom of the garden. Out of sight. Out of mind. It’s like closing the door to that spare room. Two parts are in a bit of a mess. Under the rambling rector and an area behind the greenhouse.

All in good time. For now I have tulips on my mind. I have made grids of ones that have taken my fancy. More than one grid I’ll add. This is one. If I told you how many grids ………

I may be some time.

Posted on July 8, 2022July 8, 2022 by happyretiredblog · 1 Comment

Social Media is a funny thing and Flower Shows

Ian has no social media presence at all. Nothing. He doesn’t get it. Especially when visiting an open garden in Somerset when I saw from a distance someone making a bee line for him. Apparently she had recognised him from my Instagram posts. Which if you follow me you will know quite how hard that would be.

The majority of the photos are taken from ten feet behind him and rarely are there any of us together. What’s this go to do with this blog? . I tell him he doesn’t know what he’s missing. Yes. You can go down that rabbit hole if you aren’t careful and never should you get into a Twitter spat. It’s just not worth it.

But. Through social media I have made friends. Friends in real life. Friends who have introduced me to others. Which brings me to the point. I wouldn’t have been at Hampton Court Flower Festival on the Master Growers stand had I not met Georgie from Common Farm Flowers Who introduced me to Lou Archer from Arches at the Larches. Who in turn introduced me to Todds Botanics and Mark and Emma MacDonald.

I had helped at RHs Chelsea in 2019 on Todd’s stand working with Lou as part of the Poo Crew. Manning the stand and selling plants and Poo. Some would say talking it too. In case you thought I’d made up the poo crew ~ Here’s our money bag. Nothing like poo advertising. Lou is the Queen of Poo. She has 21 alpaca and they all work for their living. Great dried and liquid alpaca feed. I’m already a fan and it works wonders in my garden. If it’s good enough for the nursery it’s good enough for me!

Plans were to return again the following year. But we know what happened next. No Chelsea in 2020 and Todds made the decision not to show in 2021.

Each year The RHS announces Master Growers for the shows and this year Todds was announced for the RHS Hampton Court Flower Festival and I was happy that I was allowed to be part of team again. So delighted I cut my trip to Spain back by a week. That’s dedication but it’s not something I’d miss. I can go to Spain whenever. It’s only the once I get to be on the Master Grower stand.

Meet Mark MacDonald. This years Master Grower for RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. You won’t usually find Mark in such a colourful flowery shirt. There is a story.

I met Mark three years ago for the first time when I helped on the stand. On day three I caught him rolling his eyes at a T-shirt I was wearing. A bit flowery. To be honest even for me. But it was Chelsea. We were selling plants. And poo. Later that week I told Mark I had seen him roll his eyes and he’d better be aware that should I get asked back I’d find him something suitable to wear. For the last three years whenever I’ve seen something awful clothes wise I messaged him. ‘ what about this?’ To be fair I’ve only sent him awful pictures. So awful I wouldn’t have worn them. Not even in the dark.

So it started as a joke but I did get him this shirt and to his credit and my surprise he wore it. But sensibly not for filming. With hindsight we should have sat alongside the beautiful pots from Vaso Toscano. Gorgeous Italian pots. Reminds me of The flowerpot Men. Bill & Ben. Someone said where’s weed. Trust me. There were none.

I’ve set myself another challenge for next time. He said that it wasn’t as bad as he was expecting! That’s a fail on my part. I should have got the matching shorts. That way I’d never be asked back.

The stand was beautifully designed and planted by Emma “ Mrs Todds” and Julie from the nursery. The Master Grower stand isn’t judged by the RHS committee but my medal would have been Diamond. It ticked all my boxes but hey. I’m not a judge. But the colours and the combinations were fabulous. The planting of dahlia alongside agapanthus and canna were stunning. What I like about these plantings is that they are achievable in your own gardens. Whole beds or sections or plant combinations.

This was a fabulous colour and planting combination. The gorgeous Dahlia Totally Tangerine with Canna Durban. The colours of the dahlia flower against the lovely colours of the canna leaf are a treat. Throw in a bit of verbena bonariensis and it’s magical. And it’s achievable.

Canna were a feature of the display with Tropicana Black, Durban, Pretoria, Annei and what had a huge interest was Canna Cleopatra.

I just wish the leaves on mine were as perfect as these. I had to keep reminding myself that I don’t have a show garden. Or the patience or skills to get there!

One canna that had a lot of interest was Canna Annei. From Todds Botanics website “ Canna ‘Annei’ is a lovely old variety bred in France in the 19th century. Annei is a very tall Canna Lily reaching above 2M. The flowers are a pale peach and are very pretty, almost delicate looking, they waft above the tall stems and slender leaves.” It really is a stunner. I bought one two years ago and it’s in a pot in the front garden in London. It’s a favourite of mine.

Let’s talk Dahlia. When I was growing up my parents grew dahlia. Nothing like the ones we have these days. But they had a few. I hated them as they were full of earwigs. If I was asked to pick them I’d always shake the the flowers to get rid of the earwigs. I’d get into trouble as I would shake them so hard I would snap the heads off. I’ve grown to love them following getting flowers from Georgie at Common Farm Flowers. Mark & Emma had varieties I’d not seen before. But I will again as some have found their way to my garden!

Dahlia Fired up was a stunner. Friquolet like a raspberry ripple. To be honest I’m not a lover of yellow dahlia but Holywell Lemon ice was a beauty. Two out of the three will be in my garden.

Throw in Honka Fragile. Totally tangerine. Sam Hopkins and Grenadier a Bishop of Auckland and big love and you have some stunning dahlia with a great colour mix. Oh. I forgot David Howard and Karen. Another hotly requested plant.

The stand also had the gorgeous pots of Vaso Toscano ~ one planted with Friquolet and salvia Amistad just at the entrance to the stand. A pretty eye catching combination. Great hand made Italian terracotta.

I’m not a gardener. I garden and I’m always in awe of how gardeners and garden designers plant. I’ve never been a lover of grasses until recently so I loved the planting of the grasses in the beds here. They softened the large dark leaves with structure and movement. Stipia Gigantea was a huge interest to many people. ( but a nightmare to photograph so I didn’t).

It always amazes me at the shows how quickly the bees find you. The single flower on Dahlia Roxy was buzzing. A great pollinator for the garden.

This photo shows how colourful the planting was on the stand. A mix of the dahlia and canna. Agapanthus and grasses.

As Master Growers the stand has photograph of the nursery and of Mark & Emma and a video on continuous loop taken at the nursery. It’s an interesting insight into their work at the nursery.

There is a lovely segment on Gardeners World with an interview on the stand with Joe Swift which is definitely worth a catch up on BBC iPlayer.

Posted on April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 by happyretiredblog

Here there and everywhere

It was an interesting trip to Spain this time. We had rain. More rain. And even more rain ~ add the hideous Sahara dust and you hay a bonus. So back to the Uk where everyone had been enjoying shorts weather. And then the weather changes. But back to a very different garden.

I always forget that I have these planted in the pots with the two bay trees. They flower and then disappear for the next ten months. I think they are Muscari peppermint. Maybe?

The tree ferns have come through the winter with nearly all of last years fronds. I have unwrapped them. Taken out the hay. Hay because I forgot to ask Farmer Martin for straw ~ out of the crowns and given them their first feed of Alpaca poo. Ian keeps reminding me that when we move they are coming with us. We will see.

So here there and everywhere. A trip to Somerset for a few days. Just me which is something I haven’t done much of theses last two years. Me time. My mother could never quite comprehend why I liked to have some time on my own. Won’t you be lonely she’d ask. No mother. I’ll be alone. That’s quite different. People ask how we have managed to be together for 30 years. Ian’s answer. At times different houses. Or in the last 5 years. Different countries. I don’t think either of us bargained for the last two years.

A bit of a different drive to the cottage compared to Spain. 5 mins away from the cottage is the drive past the grade 2* listed gates to what was Redlynch Park. Which was built probably to impress George III who was a frequent visitor there on his trips to Weymouth. It certainly impresses me as I dive past. Unlike our drive in Spain up and down the wiggly or windy road this drive is through beautifully cut hedges. Not actually through the hedges obviously. I love it when they are cut and can be seen from above.

Back in the Somerset garden which at this time of year is a little neglected. We had had a great week clearing last years die back in January. All but one patch cleared. We had planned another week but after two years and three Jabs I Covid got me and plans were put on hold. Thankfully very mild but it put me out of action for 10 days. Which threw all manner of plans out of kilter. The work on the revamped kitchen had to be moved. A trip to Spain held in abeyance. Gardening in LOndon was ok as I went in the front garden early and late and the tiny back garden whenever.

I managed to cut the grass on the one dry day I was there. It’s cut for us when we have a few weeks away but I do like to cut it. The Lidl lawnmower I bought after last years lockdown started first time. Was a bargain and did well in the Which trials.

It always looks better but I didn’t have time to do the edges. Or to weed. That’s for the next visit. The honeysuckle could do with a bit of a shaping. Looking at my self haircut I think I’ll get someone else to do it. I don’t usually put trimmer to my hair but as I’d been quarantined and didn’t have a chance to get a haircut I had to. Don’t worry. I won’t be taking it up professionally. Sheep shearers have more finesse.

The patch on the right along the dodgy fence is one bit we hadn’t cleared. Full of spreading asters it was hiding bluebells and primroses. Sadly the Spanish variety – bluebells obviously. . As a child we used to walk along what we called the Rusty Line – an old disused railway line and I remember collecting primroses. That was decades ago.

At this time of year there are swathes of Pulmonaria which the bees love. A great early pollinator and it’s spread like crazy under this old rose.

One of the reasons for the visit was to check the tulip pots. Did I ever say I like tulips? I needed to check them and water them if they were a bit dry. A reminder that even if it rains you should still check the pots and the tulips could do with a bit of water as they are about to flower. A top tip from Harriet Rycroft who is the queen of pots. I want to be more Harriet. Her pot displays are awesome.

I was really pleased to see such a strong display coming through. Another two weeks and it should be full tulip show. I hope they flower well and that the eclectic colours work. If it doesn’t there’s always next year. I’m already making a note of tulips I see on Instagram which could be 2023 contenders.

I found my tulip planting list but I’m not sure I stuck to it. What I do know is that there will be Brown sugar. Ballerina. Flaming spring green. Black hero. Dutch dancer. Helmar. Some oranges. Some reds. Oh. Two new ones. Sarah Raven. And Istanbul. There are a load of others. It will be interesting. As I’ve mentioned I’m already making a note of new ones I see this year. Ready for the off in August to order next years.

I planted this viburnum a good few years ago and it’s never been so lovely. It’s full of flowers which change colour as they open from soft pinks to white. Maybe my absence during lockdowns has allowed the garden to grow instead of my innappropriate pruning. I didn’t see it in 2020 or in 2021.

I can’t ever remember so many flowers on it. I must make sure it’s supported against the fence.

There is blossom in abundance in the garden. This ornamental cherry is heavy with blossom. It’s the only thing that saves the tree. It’s pretty useless than the the flowers but the branches which have bird feeders hanging on them. I am surprised that the frost hasn’t got more of the blossom to be honest. There have been some pretty hard frosts in Somerset

I pruned the gooseberries and the currants this year for the first time in years. It looks like I haven’t killed them and the red gooseberry in particular is showing good results. We had a spectacular harvest of redcurrants last year. But no matter how many you have you need more. I made redcurrant jelly. The amount of jelly v redcurrants is sad. The red gooseberries I just eat straight off the bush. They are sweet and delicious .the one above is the one above is a Rokula. A new German raised Mildew resistant with apparently high yield. I’ll let you know. That’s if the birds don’t strip them first.

Spring flowers. Pulmonoria or lungwort. which are great. Alkanet which I hate. It spreads like crazy. The hairy stems irritate and it’s as tough as old boots. Primroses and bluebells hiding in a bit of the garden which we hadn’t cleared. I did clear a fair bit so the bees at least could get in. The bluebells are Spanish. I like them but a proper real gardener who said she wanted to see the garden said if we had any Spanish bluebells we should rip them out. Thankfully none were out when she visited.

The top two tulips are previous years randoms in previously planted pots. I must have missed them when replanting the pots with agapanthus. The bottom two are this years pots.

I pruned the roses as well. On time. Last year I was late to the party. But a shout out on Instagram brought in advice. Which when it comes from a legend Rosarian it was advice I heeded. This year on time it looks as they have survived. Some great growth.

Spring has certainly spring. New growth on lots of trees. The apples. The pears and the plums. And on the Cornus which last year was spectacular. I tiedied up the shape after flowering and I’m glad to see new growth this year. I’m surprised at the plum blossom. We struggle with plums as they are usually hit badly by late frosts. Looks like this year the flowering is later. Fingers crossed though.

This mahonia has had a reprieve. It’s never really done anything and this was the year I was going to dig it out. Maybe it heard me saying just that but the flowers this year have been great. It’s at the bottom of the garden next to the river and is another area that needs a tidy. Behind it are some raspberry canes and the patch where we grow our runner beans. I might even be more like my father this year. Growing up it was my job to dig a trench for the beans. Which would be filled with newspaper and vegetable waste. To be fair they have done ok for the last 30 years without bit every year when I plant I hear his voice in my head.

Here and there. There and here. Back in London and the tulips here are ahead of somerset. Well some of them are. I don’t know why. These were planted later than somerset but this spot does get some good morning sun. This pot is tulip passionale. I think. It’s a new one for me and one I ordered from a different supplier this year as they had tulip Brown sugar which was one I wanted. But I saw this and thought I’d give it a try. Maybe a bit shorter than I like but I’d grow it again.

I’d forgotten how much I love Tulip Brown sugar. It’s a fabulous colour. Has a scent. Is tall. What more could you ask for.

A couple of pots of left over tulips for the front door. Maybe. Just maybe it will keep Frederick Fox away from the front door. There are plenty more to come out and they will but usually in their own time.

One thing is guaranteed. When they do you will know!

Posted on March 22, 2022March 24, 2022 by happyretiredblog

Oops I did it again.

Another week. But what a week we had last week. Some sun. Some rain. More rain. Clima. Torrential rain. So Clima. Yep. The arrival of the Sahara dust on the Costa del Sol. The worst here in our pueblo Blanco that anyone can remember. The Pueblo Blanco is now a Pueblo Naranja.

It was a pretty eerie sky as we headed into town to pick up a takeaway. A definite yellow/orange hue. Like we were in some sci fi movie. The white walls have all been covered in the dust. The dust dumped in the pools and the terraces caked. I have hosed the terrace. Hosed the walls of La Casa. Then it rained again but didn’t make much difference. Now we are waiting for round 2. Which may or may not happen. But there is torrential rain forecast. Which is fine as we need the rain. Just not the dust.

The garden was covered. The plants were covered and it’s taken days to make a bit of a difference. But thankfully we were here otherwise my paranoia would be in overdrive.

The rain is welcome and to be honest it’s perfect planting weather. I think for the first time since we bought the house I have been able to dig and plant without a pick axe. You think I jest. Trust me ~ I wondered when I’d ever use the tools we had acquired with the house. Various sizes of pick axes for one thing.

But this week I can dig deep. The ground is wet and I can plant properly. So I have had to buy some plants to try it out. One has to really.

So we headed to our local garden centre. I’d be lying if I said this was our first visit this trip. I’ll be honest. It was our third. The first to collect the roses I had on order. The second to collect the 10 lavender I had ordered. Of course each time it wasn’t just the roses. Or the lavender. I added to the list. So today Ian said if you are only collecting compost I will wait in the car. After I was taking too long he came and found me.

But . I saw the lovely salvia x jameensis fuchsia. I love salvia and had already picked up two others on the earlier visit. But I loved the colour so it fell in my bag.

This was a new one on me. Looked like a digitalis so I thought I have a spot for that. But looking closer the label said it was a digiplexis. A what? Who knew. I didn’t. It is a hybrid plant and is the cross between a foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and Canary Island foxglove (Isoplexis canariensis). It will be interesting to see a) it flower and b) will it survive. I’m sure if it does there will be photos.

I also bough 12 gaura to add to the ones that I already have planted. 6 white. 6 as above. I love them. They are tall like dancing butterflies above the other plants. I have planted them all around the various beds. Guess what. There is room for more.

When we moved here the path was a fabulous lavender path. But we lost a lot of it and I tried starting again. Wit was a disaster. So I planted a Rosemary path. Mostly creeping Rosemary which whilst it’s done well I wasn’t that happy. ~ I can hear Ian saying ‘No change there then’ So I decided to remove every other Rosemary plant and plant a lavender in its place and to have a mixed path. Time will tell as to how it works. But I’d be happy if it did. Back to square one if it doesn’t.

We have a number of these around the garden. They have grown bonkers which is surprising as some are in the brightest sunniest part of the terrace. When it’s sunny which hasn’t been this week. Two have decided to break out of their pots so it’s into larger ones for them. A bit of a tidy up for all of them and a bit of a feed. Given the chance Ian would have Tree Ferns. He’s still adamant that they will leave London with us when we sell. But not to Spain.

The Osteospermum are starting to flower in force. They are so reliable though a little late to the party this year. They spread a fair bit but that’s fine for where they are growing. Two years ago I bought some fancy new colours. They lasted a month. I hated them. I’m happy with these.

I was late to the party planting my tulips in Spain. We were due here mid December but that was cancelled so it wasn’t until the end of January when they were planted. This is the white wall at the end of the pool. In summer it’s planted with geraniums. Bright red Common old garden geraniums. For now it’s a tulip mix. If I remembered what they are I’d tell you. Every year I’m determined to label. Every year it’s a fail. But. Hopefully we will be back in time to see them out. There are a number of pots dotted around the garden which are heavily planted with tulips. It’s a joy that I can still get bulbs from my friends at Peter Nyssen shipped here. Direct from Holland.

The orange blossom is out in force. I’m hoping that we don’t lose it and that we get oranges again this year. It’s a bit hit and miss but the help we have has pruned and tidied the growth and I have done a feed. It’s fingers crossed. But I love the blossom and the smell is delicious. Oranges aren’t bad either. When they form.

Hola hola. I’ve repotted and moved this large aeonium twice. I love it and it’s almost alien looking. It was worse for wear when we returned after a 12 month absence and one of the larger bits had snapped off. That is now planted direct in the ground and is growing well. I still can’t get used to being able to leave these out all year round. I have green ones in the ground which really look like aliens.

In a pot on the terrace this is finally in flower. Opening with the sun it’s a lovely shade of orange. Would go well with this years Pitcombe tulips which has a bit of an orange theme. Well I think it does. A great succulent which I may be Malephora or maybe Lampranthus. Either way it’s flowering!

A walk outside the main garden and out through the gate. The roundabout that’s not a roundabout which is lovely and green with a splash of yellow. Strimmed back in the Autumn as I worry about the dying back of the wildflowers catching fire ~ been rejuvenated with the rain. The Oxalis pes-caprae are starting to open. I’m hoping for a sea of acid yellow by the end of next month. Known by a multiples of names ~ African wood-sorrel, Bermuda buttercup, Bermuda sorrel, buttercup oxalis, Cape sorrel, English weed, goat’s-foot, sourgrass, soursob or soursop;

I know it as the yellow weed that spreads like mad but looks great in the spring. I’d rather have this than bindweed.

The roundabout that’s not a roundabout is a large area across the access road from us and above the pine trees. The large pine you can see isn’t ours. It doesn’t look much but I can’t strim it myself it’s steep and my balance on it would mean I’d be tumbling down the hill to the bottom of the road. Walk up that access road which is a dead end and you get great views to La Maroma. I know. I’ve done it once or twice in 5 years.

When we bought the house there was a stump of an old mimosa on the bank. I eventually cut it right back but a shoot was growing about two feet away which I was too lazy to deal with. It has now become a large tree bearing amazing hanging branches of mimosa. I will give it a prune after flowering but it’s full of bees at the moment and frames the gate perfectly. Not great for my hay fever but I’ll live with it. Plus it looks great picked for the house.

‘ How are the cactus doing’ Ian asks. We don’t have any I say. Yes we do. The ones tied to the railings. Ah. They aren’t cactus they are Euphorbia candelabrum. Whatever is his reply. You’ve looked that up. Let’s stick with cactus. It’s less of a mouthful. Well they are doing pretty well. Once in a while Ian sees something he wants for the garden. These were one of those purchases.

The gorgeous banksia rose is a little sparse on the flower side this year. Climbing the jacaranda tree it’s such a pretty little flower. Makes note to give it a tidy up for next year.

I walk through a little shrubbery on my way to Peckham Rye station and they have some amazing Melianthus major growing. I didn’t expect to get them here in Spain but I have. Great plants from Lorraine Cavanagh where I buy most of my plants. When we made an offer on the house I bought a book on Mediterranean plants ready for the new adventure. When Ian saw the price (Amazon). He said how much? He changed his mind when talking to the sellers and I mentioned I’d already bought a book to help with the plants. Oh. That’s Lorraine. The garden centre is here in Competa. Lorraine has been invaluable these last five years and will message me to say ‘ we have had a delivery. I think you may like x. “ It’s one place Ian never minds going. Lorraine also has a book on citrus. .

As well as the gardening books Lorraine has written about Cómpeta in a book ‘ There are no flies. Only foreigners’ about Cómpeta and the surrounding areas. She has been here for 37 years and seen many changes. imagine no mobiles in the campo only walkie-talkies! It’s a really great read.

I know not where this came from. I can’t remember planting them but they are springing up around the garden. I’ve checked back at purchases but can find no trace. Maybe I bought them locally. But I hate planting small bulbs. I’m reliably informed it’s Allium Triquetrum but can’t recall planting it at all. The alliums I know I have planted are on the way up. Even the dreaded drumsticks. I love them. But as I said. I hate planting small bulbs. Patience is a virtue. Sadly not one of mine.

I’ve had a move around of the pots. Something I do occasionally. That’s the joy of them. . As long as they aren’t too heavy they can be moved around. I cut the pelargoniums back hard and they have come back stronger. I’m hoping they will flower better this year. And for longer. I forgot to photograph the society garlic. I could smell it before I saw it and it’s starting to flower already. Supposed to deter mosquitos. Not in this garden. They were hideous last year. I looked like a dart board. Or a dot to dot picture.

Ignore the dirty wall. it needs cleaning and repainting. A job for another day. . I had this rose arch made locally and fitted. All done without me being here. Our neighbour took in the sketch of what we wanted. Think a 5yr olds drawing. They came and measured and fitted without us seeing it. Perfect. I’ve finally planted a climbing rose ~ Rosa Zephrine Drouhin and a star jasmine ~ Trachelospermum jasminoides. When we first moved in I had to go and look at a rose on a house opposite. A gorgeous red rose which I thought was fake. It wasn’t of course. . But I was surprised that it was growing so well. Fingers crossed this will. Although it’s pink. And Virtually thornless.

More rain is forecast. More Sahara sand. And more planting. Tomorrow is another day

Posted on February 8, 2022February 15, 2022 by happyretiredblog · 4 Comments

Nuestro Jardín Mediterráneo

Well that was a short break. One of the shortest trips to Spain ever I think. But to be honest any trip is a bonus after the last two years. This time in 2020 we were just back and preparing for a trip to Mexico. With trips planned for the rest of the year. Little did we know then that in 2020 I would get about 6 weeks in late summer then nothing again until exactly a year later. 3 weeks. And then nothing until this trip. So it may have only been 8 nights but it felt like a lifetime.

If I was professional blogger that hose would have been moved as would have the plant holder. But I’m not ~ I say this is much a diary for me and not for publication! The garden has fared well in our abscence and we are so lucky to have great neighbours and a gardener who goes in once a month. It’s funny how I wandered around the garden for a week and then at the end of it realised what had been done. Without asking. The citrus had been pruned. The almonds had been cut back. All things I had meant to,ask for but didn’t. It was just done.

We spent the latter half of the week collecting leaves and just generally tidying the beds. Unlike Somerset we didn’t have to spend so much time swearing at ground elder and the multitude of weeds we get there. To be fair it’s been so dry here the weeds would have shrivelled and died. And the serious over waterer has been absent. But we still managed to fill bags of garden waste. We have room for a compost heap but I don’t want to leave heaps of dried leaves and garden refuse as I’m worried about fires. The area around the house has been cut back as I’m paranoid about it catching fire.

I was so pleased to see the prickly pear ( the plant not us) had survived the ravages of the cochineal bug which are commonly found on the cactus Opuntia. Boy. Are they prevalent here. When we are here regularly I can keep an eye on it but when we aren’t it goes crazy. There are very few around the area now which haven’t succumbed. This one even had fruit. Not that I have ever eaten one. if you squash the bug you’ll get covered in red dye. Try getting that off your red wall. Or white T-shirt.

last year the roundabout that’s not a roundabout was cleared of all of the dry vegetation. By now I’d expect it to be covered in the yellow oxalis pes caprae but the dry weather has put things back. There is a small patch at the bottom of the access drive which I suspect was watered from a water leak we had. Don’t ask. It was a big one.

The flowers are really an acidic yellow but en masse make a lovely colour splash. The roundabout which isn’t a roundabout then has a succession of wildflowers to add to its solitary almond tree and two small fig trees which produce very small figs. Tasty if you can be bothered to climb the bank. Which I don’t often. Not with my balance.

Let’s talk about pots. The two at the edge of the path have been filled with tulips. I ordered Tulip Ballerina. El Niño. Temple of Beauty. I think El Niño is planted here. Along the white wall I’ve planted Armani. All tulips which I had planned to,plant when we arrived mid December for Christmas. But we didn’t arrive so they have had to go in in late January. Hopefully they will be ok. I’ve also planted four more pots dotted around the terrace ~ Temple of beauty and Ballerina. I’m hoping we will be there to see them this year. I also moved pots around. The bird of paradise ~ strelitzia Reginae into a bit more of a sunnier spot. It has four flower spikes forming so maybe. Just maybe I’ll see them. Empty pots should have been moved to the side of the house. Looking at that pic I realise I didn’t do it.

To the other side is one of my favourites. The foxtail agave ~ agave attentuata ~ which has done really well, ~ probably better as it hasn’t been fussed over. The added benefit is that there are about four more that are growing in the pot which I need to replant into their own pots. Then later I will plant direct into the garden. But not this one. When they flower they have a fabulous long tail,like flower. Then die. So I don’t want this one to flower ever.

This spikey blighter is on the slope where we don’t venture. Which as just as well as it’s lethal. We won’t be having one of these in the main garden. Ever. But it does have pretty flowers. Just along from this are the mimosa trees. Huge. Usually full of flowers. Not yet though.

The almond blossom is out in abundance around the Campo. Except in our garden. We have five almond trees at the rear of the house and there is a little blossom but it’s always later than most. Don’t ask me if it’s sweet almonds or not. I don’t have a clue. I have picked the almonds. Dried them but haven’t cracked them. I have tried and failed. They are a hard nut to crack. But the blossom is a amazing.

We also have two loquat or nispero trees behind the almonds. I would grow these just for their leaves whicrh are huge. The fruit rarely ripens on the tree and when it does it has to be picked quickly. I find it doesn’t keep well and certainly doesn’t travel.

The border if I can call it that at the side of the house pretty much looks after itself. I have added a few things to the original plants that were there when we bought the house. Which I can’t believe is coining up to 5 years ago. 5 whole years and my Spanish is still not as good as Ian’s. I digress which I do a lot. Back to plants. The Swiss cheese plant is still alive and I’ve grown to like it. The trouble is that growing up we had one. Indoors. Along with the rubber plant. The Christmas cactus. The spider plant. Who knew they grew outdoors. Everyone but me. T have planted more agapanthus. That’s a surprise. Another strelitzia. Some Allium.

I’ve rescued the aeonium ~ replanted. Staked and moved to a better position. It could do with a wash looking at this photo.

I’m surprised just how much gardening we did. But you know ~ it’s never ending. I have a list already for our next visit. And the three after.

To be fair it wasn’t all gardening. A trip down the windy road to Nerja. A trip down the wiggly road for lunch in Caletta. Friends around for wine and cake. There has to be cake. I was surprised I didn’t get stopped with my pots of powder. Liquorice powder to make a chocolate liquorice cake. One pot for me. Two pots for friends. Along with eye drops for another. Friend. Not cake.

There was a little walking. Not much to be fair. We walked for miles on Sunday then realised it was all uphill back. An idiots mistake. Mine.

There were sunsets. I won’t bore you with the amazing sunsets from the terrace. I can do that with my Instagram posts.

But my favourite part is always the garden.

Until next time.