succulents – Page 3 – Gardens. Travel. Life.

Posted on May 12, 2018May 13, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 2 Comments

Hola Hola

It’s been a funny old time weather wise. Not funny ha ha. But funny. Both here and there. Depending whether I am here. Or there. Or there or here. Here now is Spain where the words ‘mucho frio’ have been ringing in my eyes for weeks Because it has been. People have said it’s the worst winter and Spring in many a year. . Yes. It rained. We needed it. But the volume in such a short time. And the cold. Went on for ever. The good bit is that the reservoirs are full. And the hillsides are green. Oh And I bought flannelette duvet covers. Because. Mucho frio was a good description. It has been very cold.

So I’m back. Yep. As a friend said. Again? I am and it’s a pattern for the next few months. The hills and mountains are green. The verges are colourful. Wild flowers everywhere. Everywhere and in the back of the garden and on the roundabout. Which isn’t a roundabout.

The garden in three weeks I have been away has changed a lot. The weather has been ok. There has been sun. It’s been warm. This week positively hot. So hot the legs came out and will stay out now until November. Only in Spain though for now. Out came the gardening hat and sunscreen. I’m waiting for the return of the mozzies.

.There is an abundance of colour in the garden. And in the sky. A great ball of fire. For most of the day.

The gazania just love a bit of sun. They open as wide as they can and are gorgeous. There Are 8 flower spikes on the strelitzia – and the two that have opened look amazing. I love them.

But i was beyond excited to find that there is a flower on the black/blue/white Strelitzia. There is only one flower again this year but I’m excited.

The banksia rose is climbing the jacaranda tree and is full of flower. It looks great against the blue sky.

There’s been a bit of tidying to be done. The Vinca has been a complete pain in the posterior. It’s everywhere. Yes it looks pretty when in flower. But not when it’s strangling everything around it. I had a good clear of the bedding area at the side of the house and came across a plant I wasn’t sure about. Until I touched it. And got the smell of popcorn. There was no doubt. . This was a popcorn Senna. I have two on the bank which aren’t doing anything. This one at least had a fair bit of growth. And flower buds.

Now this plant is poisonous. Like a lot of the plants in this garden. The last time I touched a Senna didymobotrya I rubbed my eye. Yes I know. Basic school boy error. But we all do them. Don’t we? A quick visit to the pharmacy and some eye drops I was back. So I was aware of not touching it without my gloves. But I did. And my legs brushed it. So it was straight into the shower. So far. So good.

The alliums have shot up. More are on my list – the never ending list – for next year. These are from Peter Nyssen and they are loving the growing conditions here. I have dotted them all round the garden but need to be a bit more adventurous in the planting. I need to group them better next year. With a few different varieties in a great big drift of colour.. Makes note on order schedule. Right. Like I have one. Well this year I very may well do.

The white wall planter was crying out for colour. What better plant than the good old geranium. I bought pink. I gave them away. They were the wrong colour. They got lost in the planter. I needed bold. Brash. Bright. I wanted red. Now I know a lot of people don’t like them. Feel they are the staple of municipal planting. But I don’t care. It’s the right plant in the right place for me. And with a couple of permanent pelargoniums I think they look the business.

I have been cutting stuff back a fair bit. And I found a pomegranate. Yes. Found it. I didn’t know it was lost. Because I didn’t know it was there. But it was. Hidden. And. It has flowers. But will it bear fruit?. I’ll let you know. If it does. I’ll tell everybody. Because the other two don’t even look like they are going to flower and I believe that they have never fruited.

I’m assuming that these are flowers on the small palms that sit in the middle flower bed. Again I’ll keep you posted. Don’t hold your breath. I may forget especially if they aren’t photogenic.

The osteospermums get everywhere and I love this bit of randomness in the garden. Succulents and flowers.

Behind the house we have a steep bank. I’ll admit o occasionally I do climb down it. But I’m mad. You can easily slip into the transparante hedge below. There are some wonderful pines on the edge. A walk up the steep slope – the access road behind the house and you get a fantastic view through the trees to the mountains and in a clear day to the coast.

We found some nests of processionary caterpillars in the pines and had them swiftly removed and destroyed. They are lovely trees, a bit wonky. But like wonky veg there is nothing wrong with them.

I do and I don’t want the agave to flower. If it does. It does. If it doesn’t it sits there until it does. I like them. As long as they don’t get that bug that eats them from the base and they rot and die. That added to the destruction of the prickly pears from cochineal fly would be awful.

I have been out spraying the prickly pears I want to save with a water and neem oil mix. So far. So good. The prickly pears are doing ok. Me. I smell of neem oil. Maybe the cochineal fly and if I’m lucky mozzies will leave me alone too.

So it’s been a busy time in the garden. There is still loads to do. I haven’t touched the beds at the rear of the house. That’s for another week.

But I did have a chance to go and drool over my neighbours bee orchids. Which are small. Beautifully formed and gorgeous. Me. Jealous. Too right I am. I will just have to be content with the wild orchids I have in our own garden. Of which I have found another 4.

There is so much going on in the garden as things start to flower. There are flower spikes everywhere on the Aloe. The pelargoniums are in full flower. The orange blossom fills the terrace with wafts of its scent. The Viburnum opulus is heavy with flowers. This year there is an abundance of fat white globes hanging down. But the one I have been excited about is the one solitary flower on the Echium pride of Madeira. Wait till next year.

So I head back to London. But only for a week. Planning what next in the garden. Maybe. I’ll also have time to sit and enjoy it.

Posted on April 11, 2018April 11, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 6 Comments

Rain. Snow & a Spring. Garden

Another trip over. Another delayed flight back to London. But at least this one has left Spain with no overnight trip to Horrorleminos. Thankfully.

We have spent over 2 months in Spain. On and off. A trip back to London here and there. Had fun on a 2,000km road trip via Cordoba, Cacares, Toledo and Salamanca. Witnessed the spectacle that is Semana Santa. And a spectacle it certainly is. I was a bit Semana Santa’d out by the end of the trip. Its big. Its busy. Great marching bands. Huge traditions and a huge family event. Also a bit scary at times. But a fabulous spectacle.

Started Spanish lessons on a one to one with a spanish teacher in Competa. Nervous at first. Back to school. Rubbish pronunciation. But I’m getting there. Slowly. Some words I need practice on. One slip of the tongue and I’ll be ordering something off menu. Something very off the menu. Ian is scared. To be honest. So am I.

The trip was tiring. But an amazing adventure. . Cold at times. One minute in sunshine. The next driving through snow covered mountains wondering if we need be worried that there was a snow plough car park. The terrain was green. Very green. The rivers were flowing. Which is unusual after a few dry years.

I’ve said it before. The rain in Spain doesn’t mainly stay on the plain. It’s everywhere. Especially for three weeks here in Spain. It didn’t just rain cats and dogs. It was the whole ark. Great for the plants. Great for the reservoirs. Although some plants may have drowned.

So back to the village and home. Its always good to get home. Which ever one it may be. I’ve said it before a hairy gardener does! He knows who he is.

I’ve managed two weeks in the garden. Hedge cutting a priority. – I will never win prizes for my topiary. I realise that hairdressing is also not a new career choice for me either. I hate hedge cutting but needs must. Its like edges on a lawn.

I was so envious of the immaculate and straight lines of the hedges at the Alhambra.

Oh. Yes. Did I mention I’d been to the Alhambra. Again. To be fair it’s only the third time since Xmas. No 4 is in 3 weeks. I may as well get a guides job. But the uniforms not flattering enough. Oh. And that’s the last of 2018. Well maybe. The garden joy this time – fritillaria imperialis – they were magnificent. I may just try them myself. Next year.

I would be interested to see the bedding later in the year. It’s different to last year so maybe …..

Back to my garden. Highlight of Spring has to be the Peter Nyssen freesias. They have been brilliant. Tall and elegant. Perfumed and colourful. Unlike the short stubby tulips which I will add are not from Peter Nyssen. I think it’s a mixture of the weather and late planting.

I’m making my order list for the autumn already. I have just made another bulb order to add to the summer garden.

Some tulips are ok but overall I’m disappointed. The Belle Époque which were big bold and beautiful last year ( but in London) just haven’t done it for me this year. The brown sugar and Ronaldo are ok but a bit short.

The alliums are running away with themselves – I can’t wait to see them in flower. At least I will see some of them. The trouble is if you are away for a couple of weeks things can come and go and you think they haven’t flowered.

The pomegranate trees has leaves. Plenty. They will have flowers. Plenty. But no pmegranates. I refuse to believe it’s an ornamental. Or that both trees are ornamental. So I may have to go out with my tickling stick to encourage a bit of pollination when the flowers arrive. No photos please.

Who thought that in my retirement I’d be oiling my prickly pears. The cactus are shocking in Andalucia. Blighted with cochineal fly they are ravaged and it is such a shame. Further up into Granada they are better. Maybe the height. Maybe the cold.

The ones on our bank may not be worth saving but there are two at the side which are. So armed with a neem oil and water mix I have been out spraying them. It looks like it’s doing the job so now I will move onto some small ones on the other bank. Worth a try and exercises my balance on the slope.

I shan’t be oiling these though. In fact I stay well away. They have a habit of jumping out and stabbing me.

The osteospermums are spreading. And when the sun is out ( which occasionally it has been ) they look great. A bit of colour in the garden. The oranges are ripening. I find it strange that there is still fruit on the tree and there is also new blossom. Lots of blossom and the heavy rains have helped the new year fruit set. The scent on a warm day is breathtaking. We were in Malaga – which isn’t just a sun sea sand and tourist resort but is actually really interesting. I digress. But the scent of orange blossom by the Alcazar is amazing.

Back in the garden – the pine trees are doing well. We found some processionary caterpillar nests which we had removed. Nasty little blighters. There are plenty of new cones and the colouring is really cool. I’m only used to seeing the mature cones. Tip. Great for starting the log fire.

I uncovered some succulents from under the honeysuckle. This week I found them about to start flowering. Hopefully when we get back it will be in flower.

I planted two popcorn senna – Senna didymobotrya – on the bank a while ago. There has been little sign of life so I ventured up the bank ( or down) to see what was happening. The bank is steep. I’m not slight. And there have been a couple of slips. Not a pretty sight at the best of times. . Me. Not the bank thankfully. I found some new growth. And a flower starting to open. It will be a yellow flower. The whole plant indeed does smell of pop corn. Top tip. Don’t touch it without gloves. Top top tip. If you do. Don’t rub your eyes if you do. I did. Big fail. A trip to the pharmacist. She spoke no English. I spoke no Spanish. So it was Spanglais – before my Spanish lessons. But it meant I could pretend to be a pirate for a few days. The one eyed idiot from up the mountain.

The garden is definitely more a Spring and Autumn garden. The heat of the summer is harsh. Even I wither. Not literally but I used to think that villages were deserted. Shutters shut in the mid afternoon when only mad dogs and English men venture out. But they are being sensible. There were times in July I shut the shutters. . Turned on rubbish TV – I’m not saying what – and went back out when it got slightly cooler.

By cutting back the bank last year we have had some wildflowers come through. I found this glorious wild orchid on the roundabout which isn’t a roundabout.

So there has been colour. Glorious colour. There has been scent. Lavender. Jasmine. Freesias. Orange blossom.

There have been birds and bees. Oh. The birds and bees.

That made me think of my mother. You do know about the birds and bees she would say. Oh I did indeed. There has been rain. Sun. Rain. Sun. The succulents are coming alive. The seeds I had sown before our trip have shown themselves. The calendula art shade from Mr Higgledy are up and saying hello.

The poppies I scattered in their thousand have em. Done nothing. Still time yet but there are lovely red poppies on the road edges. Not that I look. You have to see the road to understand why I don’t. But I did when we were being driven by another. I’m hoping that if not this year then next.

You’ll get fed up of that plant they said. It grows like a weed. Huh. If its on the bank and is pretty it can continue and it has. Looks like a tiny sweet pea.

I’ve sown Tithonia spurred on by seeing some in a NGS garden in Camberwell last year. I am hoping they look like the ones I saw.

I have planted some Echium Pride of Madeira on the bank. Inspired by Jack Wallington garden – open last year and this for NGS . They are not the same as Jacks – a friend arrived bearing a gift of one. So I had to buy 4 more. Didn’t I? It will be interesting to see what flowers I get this year. I shall be off on the hunt for some different varieties when I’m back. They have settled in on the bank and if they will self seed I’ll be happy. Jack also identified a plant I had posted on Instagram – melianthus major. I had seen them in the Alcazar in Malaga and loved them. Another for my list.

There hasn’t been a lot to pick for the house and I refused to pick the freesias. But there was Mimosa.plenty of Mimosa.

Mimosa is abundant on the bank. Glorious yellow flowers and been a bit of a riot of colour on the way up to the house. A bit prone to wind snap but I’ll cope with that.

So there is colour. Lots. As its Spring it seems predominately yellow.

The fruit is ripening and setting. The loquats with their big leaves are starting to get fat and some are ripening. Please wait three weeks. They all come at once. Like the big fat black figs. Which are just leading up.

We have had a huge harvest of Olives on the one large tree. I don’t like waste so I have salt cured some. Apparently they are good. I’m not a fan but Ian and friends have tried them and say they are great. So I salted another batch. And brought some back to London to do the same here. Waste not want not. They will last 6 months in the fridge. Longer if you freeze them.

So. It’s London for the next three weeks. . Doctors. Dentists. Opticians and a haircut. Oh. And a visit to the Vets. Cats. Not me. Though it’s easier to get an appointment at the vets.

A spell in our London garden ( small rear patio) – its a mess though we have almond blossom out – before another month in Spain. Well nearly.

Life’s hard when you are retired.

Posted on February 20, 2018February 14, 2021 by happyretiredblog · 4 Comments

Botanical Gardens Malaga

Its always the same. Whenever you have visitors you make the effort to do things. To go places. Since we gave had the house in Spain we have done a lot. A lot of the same. I’m not complaining when the same is the Alhambra but sometimes is good to be encouraged to do something different. So with a new visitor in tow who is interested in all things garden we went to The Botanical Gardens Malaga .

I have been driving past the gardens for nearly a year – it can be seen from the motorway on our way to the house from the airport. Not that I have looked before – I’m always driving and my eyes are on the road ahead behind and sideways – why? Because I am driving on the wrong side of the road and it needs concentration.

The gardens are pretty central and were quiet – tickets inexpensive and a good cafe just as you go in. You just have to start with a coffee and a cake don’t you? I need sustenance for the walking.

Armed with a map of the gardens we were off along the date palm walk up to the cactus and succulents.

To be honest first impressions weren’t one of wonder. Yes. The date palms were impressive. There was a lake. A walk up to the cactus and succulents. It was ok- the three of us agreed on that. The cactus individually were interesting and there were some pretty fine specimens. But it felt unloved. It didn’t have the feel or look of Kew. Great individual photo opportunities and great viewed from the paths looking down.

Theres a great variety of cactus – great to see a few that we have in the garden!

The walk from this area moved you through huge and by huge I mean huge trees, palms bamboos. Both tropical and sub tropical. An area of native plants. A historical garden. I wish I’d read the Malaga tourist board information before and not after I visited as it gives an interesting history of the garden and its walks. Still. I’m going back in April and will do my homework first.

I’ve seen a review which bemoans the fact that the paths are uneven. I think it adds to the experience. One of our comments as we walked through was that the palms and succulents hadn’t been cleared of the dead leaves in what looked like decades. But. In their natural habitats they wouldn’t have would they! I guess we are so used to seeing manicured gardens where everything is tended for viewing by paying visitors. Stripped of any sign of dead wood. Dead leaves. Spent flowers. Theirs weren’t.

But hey. What trees. What palms. The biggest Strelitzia I have ever seen. And it was the blue and white flowering one. Strelitzia Nicolai. Not that it was flowering now. Nor could you really get a picture! So you will just have to believe me.

The trunks of the trees were impressive. My mother once said to me ‘ you have legs like tree trunks’. Not like these mother! Massive. Gnarled. Creeping and in parts creepy. I wouldn’t want to be locked in here at night!

There was bamboo. Ive never seen such huge bamboo. invasive. Tall. Yet impressive. There was a huge area of black bamboo – the bamboo wood which covers over 1.000 sqm. Really thick really tall. The bamboo areas are over 150 years old. You’d never run out of bamboo canes would you!!

This Swiss Cheese plant – Monstera Deliciosa was indeed a Monstera. A huge Monstera. We have one our garden. Its a mini one in comparison. Look at the staking this one has. There were loads of them. Literally loads. Makes the one that sat in my parents house with the obligatory rubber plant look like a bonsai.

That and agapanthus. Not yet in flower. I’d like to see the agapanthus when in full bloom . I’m a huge fan of them. As Arnie said ‘I’ll be back. ‘

I was surprised to see some gorgeous clivia. I don’t know why I was surprised. But I was. Now clivia is one of my favourites. When we first had the cottage in Somerset – 20 odd years ago a neighbour, a horticulturist and ex Blue Peter gardener had a shop in the next town. She introduced me to unusual plants. Cornish daffodils and clivia. So these always make me think of her. In the UK I had them as a houseplant. But I’ve recently bought some for a shaded part of our garden in Spain so it was interesting to see swathes of them underplanted in beds beneath the canopy above. Shade lovers. So I have planted them right back at home. Phew.

The leaves are similar to agapanthus but a bit fatter and firmer.

What I haven’t seen before is such glorious seed heads. Lets see if mine get them.

I’ve seen some reviews bemoaning the fact that there are no flowers in the Botanical gardens. Well there are. Maybe not the flower beds you see at the Alhambra – which are being planted now with annuals. But this is a different garden. Oh. And there are flowers. A walk through the Hibiscus walk is colourful. Even when not in full bloom. .

We have one hibiscus – in a pot in out garden. Colour unknown. But I would happily take any of these. ( I didn’t.)

I love finding plants I’ve never seen before and this one – Justicab Aurea Schitd ( spell checked the last bit. Me and fat fingers an all that!)!! Brazilian Plume is a beauty.

There is a big wisteria arch which at this tome of year wasn’t in flower. But all along the sides of the arch on the floor was pot after pot after pot. Of aspidistra.

Despite my initial reaction I have to say I loved it. Not manicured to death. Trees and palms untouched – looking more like they would in their natural environment.

I will be back. In April!

Posted on February 16, 2018February 16, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 1 Comment

Hola again Hola

How time flies when your having fun. One week down and it’s been a bit of a whirl. Theres been a visit to The Alhambra. My first of 2018 and there are 3 more booked all with friends who are staying over the next few months. A trip to the Botanical Gardens in Malaga. Trips to the coast. Oh and the garden.

It’s amazing how quickly the garden changes when there has been a bit of rain. And a bit of sun. And a bit more rain. There has been both. So what’s new in the garden? Loads.

Well the Dodonae viscosa purpurea is looking mighty fine. The colour now is fantastic especially when the sun hits the plant. The leaves are awesome. Flowers insignificant. And it self seeds like crazy.

I believe this to be white lilac. The week before we arrived it was a bit on the colder side. Now the sun is out the lilac may start to unfold its glorious scent. I hope so.

My mother would never pick lilac to bring into the house. Our neighbour always said bringing lilac into the house meant bad luck. So I don’t either. Superstitious? Me? Never. I just get an ear worm – if she’s not saying ‘ your not like your father. He tidied up as he goes along. In the garden. In the kitchen’. Now she’s saying ‘ don’t pick your lilac! I always told her it was an old wives tale. So why am I listening!

I’ll be keeping an eye on this one.

There are still some seed heads on the Jacaranda tree. Funny looking things these seed pods. A real hard brown outer shell. Slowly opening like a mussel shell. I’ve just noticed a couple of green seed heads there too. The tree is a beauty but is on the large side. Note to self check for pruning back and when. Not a job for me though. Ladders. Me. Heights. Never.

The aliens are still doing well. It was interesting to go to the Botanical Gardens Malaga this week and to see many plants there which we have growing in the garden here. Not on their scale though – the Botanical gardens are huge and I have a feeling a bit of a blog may be coming on that trip. There were loads of photos.

So Plecatranthus It is Adds a bit of colour at this time of year and spreads.

I have had my eye on this plant Pyrostegia venusta – Brazilian Trumpet Vine – every time we go to either Nerja or the garden centre. Both have magnificent specimens. This one is the Nerja one and is mighty impressive. The colour is just amazing. The friend staying bought me one and planted it against the white garage to replace the bougainvillea which is not doing very well at all. So it’s planted. Fingers crossed. It generally is pretty rampant.The Australian wisteria is out in full force. A glorious colour and a huge attraction to the bees. Its growing over the gate into the garden and its a riot of colour. The colour purple. I had never seen it before we bought this house but I have now also bought a pink one. I have found out that there is a UK stockist Fibrex Nurseries who has said it is in their conservatory section and it would be ok in our London sheltered garden. ( the wonders of twitter)For london I’d go for the purple as its more striking. A bit more show off. It will replace a Trachelospermum which has died. My fault entirely. Hands up. I shall be ordering from Fibrex before we return to the Uk.

Osteospermum. What to say. Other than they are out in force and spreading. Lovely flowers. A few different colours. All welcome. Gotta love a self seeder.

The succulents are starting to flower. Please don’t ask. I don’t know! .

Its been a real bit of trial and error for me in this garden. I certainly am out of my comfort zone but its fun and I am loving it.

Last time I was here I planted this leptospermum. (Tea tree) Still looking ok. So far so good. Such pretty flowers.

Oh. What to do with the lavender. I love it. But its a but sad in places. Before xmas i cut some back really hard following advice from the twitterati. Do you know what? The ones I cut back are doing well. If only I had the courage to do them all. Maybe after next weeks visitors I will take the plunge.

We did s bit of clearing and pruning this week and came across these lovelies hiding underneath. Gorgeous little things aren’t they. In Spain. Being Welsh you have to love a dadfodil. A leek. A bara brith and a welsh cake. In no particular order. Well. The cake may come first.

You will know I am a fan of Peter Nyssen This year they delivered my bulbs to Spain. Allium. Freesia. Chionodoxa. All planted and the alliums are pushing through at various stages. The first of the freesias has opened and the rest have big fat buds. I am so excited to have all of these bulbs here and I am grateful to Karen yet again for her advice.

I am having some success as well this year with foxtail lilys. I planted six. Five are up and reaching for the sky. The sixth maybe too. I just need to remember where I planted it. I know. I know. Labels dear boy. Labels. I can’t wait to see those towering spires when and if they flower.

Its also good to have a someone else cast a fresh eye over the pots. My friend Michael was here for a week and he made some suggestions. About the plants and the pots. Michael and I have been friends for over 30 years. I met him when he first moved to London and met him for lunch. His first words to me were ‘ooh allo’ and thats been his name ever since. Ooh Allo Mike.

So we have had a bit of a move around and it looks better. Its not the end. There will be more moves. I probably wont be moving a lot by the time I’ve finished. Iv already rolled down the bank once this week and trust me. Its not a pretty sight. Me. Not the bank. Anyone need a garden roller?

We have been having Spanish lessons. Ooh. Its been a hard slog this first week – one to one tuition for an hour a day. Three days a week. With homework. Ian is a glutton for punishment. He’s doing two hours a day.

So today i said that I would pop to the garden centre to pick up some liquid fertiliser whilst he had his lesson. On my own. Oh dear. With no Ian to stop me I filled the car. 3 Clivia – an awesome plant. One I first bought 20 years ago from my neighbour and friend Clare who opened a shop. A trained horticulturist and ex Blue Peter gardener she introduced me to quality plants. Clivia was one of them. Cornish daffodils another.

I added 3 lavender just in case – 4. Agapanthus as you can never have too many. Some iris. A lovely one called burnt toffee. Iris don’t seem to have done well here this year but I’m going to plant them but just not sure where yet. Two new Hardenbergia – why two I don’t know as I really only need one. And two sweet little pots for the garden tables.

I couldn’t hide them. The car was full. The accountant in Ian couldn’t help but say. ‘How much’?

The Clivia are planted. Two of the four agapanthus planted. The rest are soaking. Oh. Did I mention a brugmansia. Because I bought one. When we were clearing last week I found one. I know. How can you lose one? Not only did I find one. But I knocked the top off. I’m sure it will come back. More crossed fingers then. Great for my arthritis.

Ian has been the foreman this week. He has taken more interest in this garden than he ever did in Somerset. He loves the cactus, The succulents, the big palms and yuccas and has suggested- yes he has suggested – that we head to Torrox to go and see the large palms and the cactus as he has earmarked a spot for one. I’m practicing.

‘How Much?’

Posted on February 8, 2018February 8, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 4 Comments

Hola.

I admit. I was feeling a little bit smug. Not an interesting trait I know. But i was. I was off to Spain. From the cold of London. Where we have been having work done at the front of the house and the door step had a grille missing and the wind was howling through the cellar and up through the hall door. Hurrah I thought. I am off to Espana and I will be warm.

Let me tell you. No one likes Mr smug. So he gets his come up pence. He leaves on that jet plane. Knows when he is back again. He arrives in said Spain. And. As a punishment for his smugness his suitcase doesn’t arrive. Still hasn’t.

And its cold. Very cold. An unseasonal cold. People say they haven’t seen it this cold in years. Not since the snow 12 years ago. There is snow on the mountains. But that’s far enough away to look pretty. No snow in town and then there mountains are high.

I have ditched my smugness. But still no suitcase. According to the inter web and the airline website they have located a case that might be mine and they are verifying it. I am not sure why it is taking over 16 hours so far but if they want to try on my clothes, taste the coffee, out of the coffee set whilst perusing the photo book I packed then good for them. But please let me have the case soon. I have seeds that will need planting. Or reordering if they don’t arrive.

Did I mention that I am starting Spanish lessons. Well I am and I have. I have homework to do and verbs and tenses to learn. Yes I am tense! One hour one to one three days a week. I need to practise. Ian is worried ill get mixed up. Some words are similar but have very different means, and he’s bothered i will embarras myself. Mmmm so am I.

But I digress from the garden.

It’s amazing how the garden changes here so quickly. Two weeks ago I was lamenting the fact that our Almond trees were not in full blossom yet our neighbours was. I had blossom envy. But on our return we have some blossom on the three trees – no four – I found another today {careless of me not to have noticed before really} Each tree is at a different stage and I think that there are two varieties.

It’s a shame that its so chilly I am sure it suppresses the scent. The flowers are so delicate. So pretty. I picked most of the almonds last year and dried them. I have yet to taste. I will this week. If I remember.

The Australian wisteria over the garden gate is going great guns. I had never seen it before we bought the house, but then again there are a lot of plants in this garden I hadn’t seen before. Thankfully I have a great go to book to use as a reference which tells me that the plant is Hardenbergia Violacea. Drought tolerant. Will tolerate short spells of 0* – a bit like me then. But its pretty rampant and is a gorgeous colour. All I need to do now is cut a little back so I can actually open the gate.

I have tried to grow Foxtail Lily’s in Somerset to no avail. One year I planted at the wrong time. The following they didn’t appear. No I did plant them the tight way up. Well I think I did. So I bought 6 to plant here. Hurrah 4 have come through and are doing well. The other two well if I knew where I had planted them and labelled them I d know. But I am rubbish at labels. If they come through I will know then. But I am excited to see how they do. Two varieties. One is Cleopatra. The other is – I need to check.

The alliums are staring to poke through. Though where my tulips are is anyone’s guess. There are two just poking through one of the pots but this cold spell may shock them into a growth spurt. Fingers crossed.

Down on the access road and on our bank is a mimosa tree. I now know its a mimosa tree as its formed its flowers. Not yet yellow. Not yet in full bloom but definitely mimosa. We drive past it every day and to be honest I rarely walk that bit. So I am looking forward to it in full bloom. It’s a pretty sizeable tree and it is covered in what will be flowers. I understand that its not a great plant if you suffer from hayfever. That’s me done then and I need to stockpile the antihistamine. But some things are worth it.

The roundabout which isn’t a roundabout – its just someone’s (ME) childish name for a piece of land at the rear of the house and across the road is full of yellow oxalis and they look great. A bit of an acidic yellow but a welcome sight on the scrubby ground which has two fig trees which produce tiny tasty black figs – oh and the 4th almond tree which is flowering.

Remind me to stay away from spike. The unfriendly cactus. The needles look lethal – I am not getting too close. It’s on the bank on the way up to the house and again I don’t see it very often. Perhaps that’s the problem It feels unloved. I know nothing about cactus and I am learning pretty quick re succulents. I have to. The garden has many. Of both.

I planted 75 or 100 freesia in the garden and in Pots. I love the flowers and the scent but boy are they a pain in the proverbial. As well as a rubbish labeller I am also a poor staker. Yes I know Ive grown dahlias and they need staking. I am afraid I was rubbish at that too. I am getting better as I have tied the freesias so they don’t keep falling over like me after a sniff of ale.One of them is out already. Guess what colour. Yep yellow. But there are buds galore.

I had a bit of a panic this morning. It was cold when we arrived in the dark last night and I admit I had a late wander around the garden. But I couldn’t really check the two orange trees we have. When we left two weeks ago one was full of blossom. As well as hanging heavy with oranges. Not quite ready to pick, but nearly there. Had the cold spell killed off the blossom, had the oranges frozen on the tree. No. They are both fine. As is the single pink grapefruit which is scheduled for picking when two of the Dream Team arrive in two weeks time. Whether they like grapefruit or not.

This morning is the taste test. But it needs to warm up before eating. Just a tad. . But it looks good enough to eat.

Before I came away i made Seville Orange gin – the recipe a post i saw from Otter Farm and on their FB page. I managed to get the oranges at a local shop in Peckham. Local to me. Not to the oranges obviously. Try getting seville oranges in Spain. Little chance. Exported to the UK to make marmalade!

We have a second tree which I believe the oranges to be slightly bitter so after a taste test this week I will see if they will be ok to immerse in a vat of gin!

Today will be a bit of pruning. The neighbours have cut back a lot on the boundaries and its amazing the extra light you get even at this time of year. I may be a while …..

Posted on January 22, 2018January 29, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 1 Comment

Seeds Succulents & Stuff

So the end of another break here in Spain. The week has flown by. Its been a busy one. It’s not always a holiday! This week its been plumbers. Electricians. Sorting out a bill at the Town Hall.

But in all of that there has still been time for the garden. There is always time for the garden. Isn’t there?

Its now 8 months since we picked up the keys for the house and there are still surprises in the garden. New plants pushing through the soil. Now easier as there has been rain. Bulbs I planted poking through looking for a bit of sun. Seed heads appearing. Like the jacaranda seed head I found open on the path. I had seen a lot of them in the Autumn. But none open. It looks a bit like the mouth of a fish! A real hard outer shell.

The Oleanders had thrown long seed pods which were turning a dark colour on the plants. I had never noticed them open before. This one is fabulous. Absolutely stunning. Fluffy seeds. Probably looking its best against a gorgeous blue sky. I’ve hastily cut all the pods off as they self seed like crazy. And I have enough. Well unless I can get that lovely peachy colour.

The garden has some interesting succulents. Aloe. Agave. Succulents I have no idea of their names. Some have flowered. Some are yet to flower. They are spiky little blighters. I have been spiked. Scratched. A little bit of advice. Dont bend down anywhere near them. They move. I swear they move. I uncovered one from under a honeysuckle – it amazes me. Honeysuckle and succulents together.

I found a swathe of these under some vegetation on the bank. We have some in the main garden – but thenbank has a lot. I now know that they are a form of Carpobrotus – which one though still under discussion. Thank you Barbara Segall and Michele Chapman!

This is an euphorbia which I always think of as a cactus. Which its not. Its Euphorbia Candelabrum. An euphorbia. Not a cactus.

I can’t help but think that the flowers look like some dodgy presidential hairstyle.

I have been thinning out the thug. A lovely smell as I did. All clean and lemony. . But its a thug. There are two plants in the garden. Big fat clumps of lemon grass. Great for cooking. Great for a cake. Coconut and lemon grass cake recipe. . On my list for next visit. One we were taught at Ballymaloe cookery school on a short course and is a real treat. Ive enough lemon grass to feed the 5,000 though.

I went with a friend to see an old house that hadn’t been lived in for 20 years. After a look around the house – great potential – I had to look around the garden. As you do. This caught my eye. He said ‘ wild jasmine’ I said i’ll take a few cuttings if you don’t mind. He didn’t. So I did. Its a bigger flower than the yellow winter jasmine we have already. Flower is a bit more of an acid yellow and looks a bit like a double flower. So I have some rooting in the garage. Not as in the garage but in pots in the garage.

I have had almond blossom envy. Our neighbours tree is full of blossom. Ours is full of. Well nothing. We have three tress at the back of the house. They are bare. But we had a lot of almonds last year so I am hopeful. In the meantime I see these as I leave the house. For now. Thats enough. .

So we head back to London. I have a flying visit to Somerset. Then we are back here for a month. Spanish lessons arranged. Visitors arriving. More gardening. Maybe a visit to the Alhambra. Again. Or Ronda.

The freesias are in bud. Surprisingly the alliums are poking through. Some are way way advanced. There is no sign of the tulips though. Perhaps I planted them upside down.

I hope my aching joints and my dodgy back will be ready for another round with the bank when I get back. I have divided some yuccas and planted them and I have some wildflower seed to scatter. What I don’t miss here is bindweed which was the scourge of the garden in Somerset. Here there are other challenges. The heat. The dry ground. Finding good, Pretty, Drought resistant plants. Its a whole new ball game for me!

But do you know what. I pinch myself every time we drive up that wiggly road come rain or shine. Usually shine to be fair. So. We are leaving on a jet plane. But. We do know when we will be back again!!

Posted on January 16, 2018January 21, 2018 by happyretiredblog · 4 Comments

Hola Jardin Mediterraneo

So Christmas has been and gone for another year. So has New Year which was spent in Spain – a few days at the house and then a few days in Seville. If you haven’t you really should. It’s awesome.

Then back to Londinium to check on the builders – a quick trip to Somerset to check on the Estate Agents, a cuppa with the Flower Farmer and we are now back In Spain.

Sadly my old mans pass doesn’t cover all of the travel. I can only wish.

Having negotiated choices of front doorsteps, chosen tiles for the path and watched the front garden torn up we have left London with a bit of a bumpy ride with a keen tale wind to boot. A 2.5 hour flight where I didn’t get out of my seat once and was reminded of a bumpy flight decades ago where I had gone to the loo. Captain announced that everyone should return to their seats. Belt up. There was turbulence. There was indeed. I hadn’t realised I hadn’t actually fastened the door properly, i did when the plane went bumping along and the door flew open. With me regally sitting on the throne. That, in truth is the reason I rarely leave my seat on a plane. I was traumatised. For life. So I expect were the rest of the passengers.

So back we are. Driving up the wiggly road the first thing I noticed was that things were looking greener. Large green patches and swathes of yellow under the trees. It seems that we have had a fair bit of rain. Which is good news as I had left the irrigation system off for the last 10 days in anticipation. That and the fear of the water bill. Which hasn’t been paid by the bank and a copy of which we haven’t had, so I was hoping that we still had water when we got to the house. Hurrah. We did. Shame we had no electricity. A defrosted freezer. And the house was so cold! But it wasn’t long before the the fire was lit the wine open and the water heater on and I was in the garden to take some pics. I had bought a tripod. Mmmm. Best say nothing about that for now.

It was evident there had been rain. The ground was wet. Obviously. Things had started to move in the garden. Some bulbs were starting to poke through. Some I knew some I didn’t. If I was going to make a New Years resolution it might be label. Label. Label, but I didn’t and I haven’t. I know where I planted tulips and what they are. Brown sugar and Ronald in the pots. Belle Époque in the white wall planter. But they haven’t shown their face. Not yet. Another NY resolution might have been staking. It wasn’t. But today I have staked – well tied up the freesias that I planted. They have got really tall. They were the first thing we noticed last year when we were looking at houses. There was the delicious scent of freesias in the warm air. So I bought some. And much to Ian’s surprise. I planted them. All of them. Don’t tell him I have found some other bulbs – the stragglers I call them in the garage. Tomorrow. I promise. Not that I’ll tell him. I will plant them. Honest.

So the garden is getting a bit more colour. The garden is more a Spring garden. The heat of July and August oppressive and watering is not easy on ground that is as hard as a rock. So the cooler months bring colour. Not that there isn’t colour in the summer. Its just different.

This has been flowering constantly all year to be fair – needs a bit of a trim but the colour is a welcome one a grey day. Not that today was grey, sorry to mention that.

Another hard worker is the ostepsermum which is spreading like crazy. Turn around and another pops up. Great little fillers in a number of colours one of the few photos to be taken on that tripod.

Hello hello. Or Hola. We have one potted Bird of Paradise – strelitzia which is in the second flush of flowering. Today I counted the flowers waiting to emerge and there are 9. I love the colours and the shape and to have 9 on this one pot is awesome. Not to count a further 6 on plants there are in the garden which are doing Ok but not as large or strong as this potted one. I don’t know what I’m doing but whatever it is I am going to continue.

We also have a blue and white one – strelitzia Nicolas – which I have given a severe talking to. We had one flower spike last year. I almost missed it. The plant tries to pretend its a banana. It’s not. But the leaves are massive.

The lavender path is still flowering. To be fair it hasn’t stopped. I took advice from my gardening friends on Twitter and cut a few back really hard. I didn’t have the courage to do it to the whole path. But. The advice was right. The ones I did cut back ( hack) in November are doing really well. To be fair if I cut the rest back and its a disaster then I will just have to replant.

Now please don’t ask as I simply cannot tell. It’s top secret. So secret even I can’t remember. A recent purchase. A succulent. That I know. This is a bit that broke off and planted. I will look for the receipt _ I’m sure that I added it to my planting plan. Yep. Another failed news years resolution. An annual one. Label Label Label. Garden plan. There’s always 2019.

We had difficulty opening the gate yesterday when we arrived. The Australian wisteria – Hardenbergia violacea – had entwined itself over the gates and had started to flower. As bit earlier than I expected – its a lilac / mauve colour and actually quite pretty. It’s full of flower which I understand lasts quite a while not as showy as the English wisteria nor scented. A great colour though and perfect as its drought tolerant.

You may have heard me mention the roundabout. Which isn’t a roundabout at all. But a piece of land at the back of the house above the bank and across the access road. It has two figs trees, a scrappy almond tree and various succulents oh and sad Prickly pears. But since we had it strimmed last year the oxalis has taken hold and its about to become a sea of yellow. Is that a thing. A sea of yellow? I suspect not. But the yellow is a bit acid yellow. A few people don’t like yellow flowers. I will take all I can get on this bank. Believe me.

The bank at the rear of the house is steep and I’m mad to be doing anything on it. There’s enough to do in the main garden but I’m a bit of a butterfly. A rather heavy one at that but I tend to flit here there and everywhere in the garden., I need to be tied to a length of rope and allowed to garden in wherever that stretches to. But I suspect Health and safety would be an issue. My health and someone else’s safety. But the view from the bank is great. Provided you don’t stand behind the pine trees. Don’t get me started on the pine needles. There’s a reason they are called needles. They are everywhere. But the fallen pine cones are good for starting the log fire!.

The house is nestled below. The large jacaranda tree towering above. I love the tree. The blue flowers. The awesome seed pods. But the flowers drop like crazy and the path is a lovely blue. But it stains the path. Not for long but you are forever clearing them up. The poor old prickly pears are dying on their feet. I remembered to wear gloves as I was close to the Popcorn Senna. Last time I touched it I rubbed my eye and had to go to the Pharmacist and get some drops. Not easy in Spanglais believe me.

This cactus looks like its got measles. I know not what it is but we have two of them. I think we have two anyway. Yes I know I should know the Latin names but I often struggle with the English ones. Throw in the Spanish name and I’m totally confused. This is the better looking one. The more photogenic. Probably poisonous as well. Like everything in this garden.

There’s a spiky lemon tree at the side of the house. I never knew there were so many varieties of lemons. But there are. I k pow because I have a book that says there are. This one did nothing last year but has some flower buds this. Just the two so far but that will be enough for a couple of gin and tonics. Along with the one lime and the two grapefruit we have growing. A pink grapefruit at that. We have oranges a plenty and we are looking forward to them when we are here in Feb. One of the orange trees has an abundance of orange blossom. The trick will be in keeping it going and getting this years fruit to set. Tips on a postcard please.

So a day and a half here and its been a garden fest of sorts. There is plenty of clearing to do. Leaves to rake. Some light pruning. Some choices of some new trees for the patch where we have the almond trees – which have no sign of flowering at the moment. A visit to look at plants. Not buy. That comes in Feb when we are here for more than a week. We’ve swept the terrace. Twice. Watered the tulip pots – yes. There has been rain but pots still need a drink – don’t they.

The electrician comes in tomorrow. I go to the Town hall to sort out the water bill. Friday we have logs being delivered. So No. We are not on holiday again! There is work to be done.

Posted on December 14, 2017December 17, 2017 by happyretiredblog · 1 Comment

The Rain in Spain

Its a myth you know. The rain in Spain isn’t mainly on the plain. Well it certainly wasn’t on Sunday night and Monday morning. The rain and the wind was up in the mountains. Whistling around the house. Lashing on the roof. Overfilling the gutters. I know. I was outside. At 4am. Checking the gutters. Whilst Ian slept soundly through it. It continued as I drove him to the airport later. The rain. Not his sleeping. Am i complaining? . Not about the drive to the airport. Certainly not about the rain. We need it in Spain. For the garden. For the reservoirs. And we need more.

What it meant was that the ground was workable. With a spade rather than a pick axe. Time to finish the planting of the alliums. Plant some foxtail lilies. Move a plant or two. Which I did.

It’s still exciting seeing what plants are popping up around the garden. What’s flowering now. Whats to come. The excitement of knowing that there are bulbs coming up. When we were looking for a house back in March – was it only March! – some of the houses we walked past had the wonderful scent of freesia. So I have planted 50 around the terrace and the path. To add to those that there are already there.

I have planted tulips in the white wall planter. Last year in London I had a great display of Belle Epoque. So I have planted them here hoping for a similar show. Amongst the red trailing geraniums which continue to flower and which you can still buy and plant. So strange but they are better in the Spring – summer just gets too hot. A bit like me really. I’m a spring flower.

The pots have the lovely Brown Sugar and Ronaldo. I can hear someone moan. Not more pots. Yep. More pots.

The bank at the rear of the house was cleared in the summer. Largely as I was paranoid of fire and the temperatures were soaring. Which has meant that some of the plants that are there have been growing steadily now the grass and weeds have gone. I have moved some of the baby agaves to the bank in the hope that they will take. I think they are on their way. There are some massive ones on the bit i call the roundabout. Which its not. But is a piece of ground that we have behind the house and across the access road. We had that cleared too and it and the bank at the front of the house is now covered with oxalis. So the roundabout will hopefully be a blob of yellow. I’m slowly weeding them out of the the main garden as it will become invasive.

I’ve also been tidying around the various succulents generally whilst being stabbed by most. Checking the cactus. Even the cactus which we call a cactus but is actually a euphorbia. I have said it before. And I’ll say it again. I wasn’t a huge fan of cactus and succulents. But you can not love them when you have a mediterranean garden. In Spain. Which has many.

Someone remind Ian please I need new gardening gloves! I swear these plants see me coming and ever so gently move. To stab me at every angle.

The citrus are doing well. At one point in the summer I thought we may lose the orange trees. It was so hot. I watered. Never sure if it was too much. Or too little. But the fruit has set and will be ready to pick in the new year. Just as well we are there for a month in Feb! They are also now quite heavy with blossom. I can’t wait for them to open. A bit of a warm day and the scent of orange blossom. Bliss..

The pink grapefruit I planted is heavy with fruit. Well. Heavy with two fruit. Admittedly they are fat. We have one lime – not on the grapefruit tree. Obviously. We were advised to take off the fruit this year. But I had to leave one. The potted mandarin has a lot of fruit. I think it will be ok. Big schoolboy error when I forgot to check that the new pot had proper drainage. It didn’t. Whispers the last bit and hides.

The winter jasmine is just starting to flower. A welcome bit of colour. Such a shame there is no scent. I only realised there were buds when I found some fallen flowers. The garden has a number of Jasmine. Whilst I love the colour of this ideally I prefer a scented one any day.

There has been lots of colour in the garden – mostly leaf colour but the flowers are starting over.

The fallen leaves of the grape vine driving me mad. The lovely colours of the leaves of the non fruiting pomegranate. Lovely on the trees. Not so lovely on the ground. The unusual blue of the plecanthrus suddenly flowering in abundance. The berries of the myrtle. My huge excitement of the strelitzia all in bud. I have counted nine. I love the rich colours as the flowers get fatter and are getting ready to open.

Ive been out on the bank collecting fallen pine cones from the few pine trees that we have. The contrast of the pine and the sadness of the sick prickly pears. I have managed to save two at the side of the house. Which are pretty cool.

Tthe autumnal feel of the colour in the garden continues with the colours and seed heads. No doubt poisonous as everything that you seem to grow in a mediterranean garden is!

Its not been all work. I have stopped and sat and admired the garden. Ate chocolate biscuits. A whole packet. To myself.

The groundwork and major planting done by the previous owner. I’m just adding things and tweaking to suit our use. To suit the lack of water and the fact we aren’t there full time. It does feel like it though.

We also managed a walk out along the road. Its just that once we are behind the gate we rarely move. Well out of the garden. I do actually move. But venture out we did. For a walk. And the views were great. We found quince fallen from the tree just off the side of the road. Makes note for next year to add to the six fruit we had in the garden.

Looked back at the house from a different angle and realise that we are well hidden!

So I am excited about the Spring. The bulbs. The colours. The almond blossom on the three trees we have. The fig trees getting their leaves back. The nespera fruiting and being able to pick them this year. The soon to be planted new pomegranates near the almond trees. To plug a gap.

The excitement of not quite knowing what the garden will bring from now until May when we will have done a whole years garden cycle.

The town is gearing up for Xmas. We had the fair at the garden centre. A great place and the owner is the author of my go to book for identifying the mediterranean plants in the gatden. We have had the fair in the town. And the town itself. Covered in poinsettia. Which I view often as I sit in the Plaza Almijara drinking coffee.

The steep road up to the square has a wall covered in bright pots. Filled with poinsettia . With more along the railings. I like the plants. But only for two weeks over Christmas.

I have closed the gates at the house for another two weeks as we head back to spend Christmas in London. To return for our first of what I hope will be many more New Years.

Posted on November 6, 2017November 6, 2017 by happyretiredblog · 8 Comments

Here comes the rain

Well I’m back. Not as Gary sang Back for good. But for two weeks. To be honest I’m approaching the last few days of this visit. And the rain that was forecast has arrived. With a vengeance. We drove into town last night in fog. Friends gripping the door handles as we drove along the bits of road where there is a sheer drop. A lovely supper and it was clear by the time we left but with thunder crashing in the distance and lightening cracking away. . We just managed to get the cushions off the garden furniture before the heavens opened and the storm hit the mountains. Boy. Did it rain. It persisted. All night. And was pretty torrential. Am I complaing? No. I have planted bulbs seeds and some plants this week!

I have also made a huge school boy error. I dont like gardening in gloves. Somehow i have rubbed my eye after planting and its swollen. I kook like I’ve done 5 rounds in a boxing ring which is stupid. I wouldn’t even get in the arena. A quick trip to the pharmacy. A bit of Spanglais as neither she or I spoke the others language and I had antiseptic eye drops. Lesson learnt? I doubt it.

In between visitors I have been cutting back, pruning, tidying. Unlike Somerset there is no real weeding to do. No ground elder. No Bindweed. But an enourmous amount of leaves from the fruit treees and fallen olives. The olive trees are heavy with olives. ( obviously) and I fear they will all go to waste.

I have taken the opportunity of tidying the bank. Climbing up and like a mountain goat. Well thats how our neighbour described my efforts. A bit of lopping here. A hedge cut. The access road to the house was once a dirt track, now thankfully concrete and easier to navigate. The bank on our side has some large trees.some scabby prickly pears and cactus bordered by a hedge and the smattering of oleander along the drive. I have scattered poppies on the bank. Let’s see what comes. I have struggled to get native Mediterranean wildflower seeds. But I’ll continue trying.

I have cut back the oleander from the gate to expose the two pillars that are there -if they are there why not show them! I have also been tidying the opposite bank behind the house and to the front. There are a couple of pines which are protected in Spain. Not that I’d want to.

I have cleared a lot of the pine needles so that any wildflowers that may be lurking in the ground have a chance to appear. But I now understand that the pine needles are a good mulch! A bit late as I have collected barrow loads of them. But I still have a barrow full.

I love seeing the garden at different times off the day as the light is so very different. Except the dark. It always looks the same. Dark. This was taken from the area where we park the car. Pines. Cactus. It’s a favourite of mine.

I’m yet to attack the roundabout – that piece of land we have across the road other than to cut the tips of the end of the agave leaves that were threatening to stab anyone that walked past. Not that many people do but like a Boy Scout you have to be prepared,

There are some pretty big agaves at the bottom and a number of baby ones growing. I need to dig the small ones and to replant. Something else to add to my list. At least this list is my doing and not the ones that Ian gives me. To be fair. I should say lists. There are three. Some are being reduced. Bit the attic is still to be tackled.

I have at long last – 5 months in – managed to cut the hedge, its been so hot that the growth has so far been slow but I was warned not to cut it in the heat. Or it may die. To be honest so would I if I’d tried in the heat of the summer. I needed little excuse not to cut it. We have a hedge cutter but the route from plug to hedge is a long one. Around the edge of the pool. Which I could see as a recipe for disaster for me. So I tried to get a cordless one. Hmm try getting a cordless anything here along with a string of garden solar lights. Total fail. So I ventured on, and managed with a bit of stretching and cursing to have cut it. Please don’t venture to the side on the bank. It’s not pretty. I have also trimmed a bit of height off the trees in front of the hedge. Thank goodness for the big lopper. The view to the coast is a bit clearer. Especially when I Put on my glasses.

The town had 24hrs of rain the week before I arrived and it shows. The drive up looked a bit greener. Flowers were back out in the garden. A bit of colour. This Brazilian sky flower has been constant all sunmner. Throw in a background of yellow and bingo. Colour.

We have a bourganvellia growing next to the garage. It hasnt done very much in terms of flowering despite my govong it a good talk to and some encouragement. But there is one on the bank. The dry bank. No water. No attention. Dry. Sunny. And blooming lovely. Framed by the fig and the Nespera.

Talking of which the two trees that we have on the bank are flowering. They also have a nice scent. I was pretty surprised to see the flowers as i thought it a bit early. But apparently not. I’m hoping for some healthy fruit next year. Which no doubt will all come at the same time. Like the figs.

I thought that we had little or no fruit on the pineapple guava. But once again I’m proved wrong. Apparently they are ripen when they drop. So I have been collecting some every day. I like the taste. One of my visitors said they tasted like wait for it. Germolene. I hated the smell of that growing up. Along with TCP. I once worked with someone who I swear used TCP as an after shave.

The rest of the fruit is doing well. The oranges are ripening. Again I thought we may lose the trees in this years extreme heat. But there will be some ready for Xmas. There are two pink grapefruit. Still there. Still getting fatter.

An unknown fruit – maybe a sloe.

The 5 quinces remain and are getting uglier by the day. If I have time I will make that quince jelly I’ve been meaning to make. For ages. I think I’m being told to do it. One big fat quince has dropped to the ground.

The succulents are doing well. There are small ones appearing everywhere. I need to move some of them as they are in the wrong places.

I have moved the two cactus. I know that they are Euphorbium but Ian bought them as he wanted cactus. And they do look greatagainst the White wall of the house. .

You can tell we have had rain. These have suddenly unfurled from the tight coisednuo balls they were on our last trip. Looking glorious and majestic in the border. Not likethe aliens they looked like before.

I’m seeing new cactus I haven’t noticed before.

A view of the border at the back of the house. It’s pretty steep.

All of a sudden there are plants appearing in the garden. That’s the joy of a new garden. You never know until you get to the end of the first year what you will find.

I’m very excited with the bird of paradise plants. We had some flowers in the summer but they seem to have gone mad.

There are a number scattered around the garden. One in a pot. Most have their Autumn flower spikes. The one at the side of the house strategically placed outside the bathroom window has theee large flower spikes forming. The one in the pot has three as well. And the ones in the flower bed have another three between them. To be honest. I wasn’t expecting that. But they are fab.

The good old lantana continues in the rear bed to give some welcome colour. The one in a pot had suffered a bit but has been cut right back and is sprouting new growth already. I have a policy of hack back and wish for the best. If it works. Bingo if not then there’s a shopping opportunity. Talking of which.

I called into the garden centre last week on my way into Malaga. . And ordered a load of plants for collecting later in the week. Which I did. And filled the car. Can’t you tell Ian wasn’t here. He would have said ‘do you need all of those plants’. Yes. I do. And more.

Some new lavender. Verbascum. Plectranthus. A plant whose leaves and flowers smell like popcorn. It really does. Senna didymobotrya. Oh and like so many of the Mediterranean plants is poisonous. Probably that’s what I rubbed into my eye!

I have cut back some of the lavender not being brave enough to do it all. I have replanted some slightly lower on one side of the bed so the lights to the gates shine a bit brighter for now. Yes I know. I should have taken the hose away to get the perfect picture. But it’s not perfect. The garden the blog the pictures are all a work in progress!!

There is still plenty to do. But it hasn’t all been gardening. We have had friends staying. Which means trips out. To the Alhambra. To the coast. To eat.

We made our third visit to the Alhambra

The gardens are going over but there is still some great colour.

Oh. It’s November. The mornings are chilly admittedly. But when the suns out it’s glorious. So you need a trip to the coast. And we made a few. Nerja. Torre de Mar. For lunch. For a walk.

Trips to the Coast – Nerja & Torre Del Mar

So Ian and the visitors leave today. I have one full day left on my own in the garden. To move the prunings from the pomegranate. The lavender. To plant the rest of the alliums. To go collect the tulips I have ordered for the pots. Ready to be planted on the next visit. To hide them in the fridge from Ian to give them a cold snap before I plant.

It’s getting colder. We had our first log fire in the new house on Saturday I’m sure there will be more when I’m back. In 12 days time!

Posted on November 1, 2017November 1, 2017 by happyretiredblog · 5 Comments

Casa Verano Eterno 6 months in

Has it only been 8 months since we viewed the house and 6 months since we collected keys and started this new adventure. Yea. It is. And so far what an adventure. Has it been worth it? Do bears …….

I have photographed. I have blogged. Wittered. . Instagrammed. Rambled on. And on. But I’m still not bored. You may be. I’m not. Asked how it’s going i smile and simply say fantastic. Because it is. And I absolutely love it.

We’ve had visitors. A lot of visitors. Which I love. We have more coming this month. Our friend from Somerset. My London neighbours – friends for nearly 30 years. Friends have been with the boys. Who spent the whole week in the pool- the pool I never wanted. Which is in the garden I didn’t want. I wanted a townhouse. With a terrace. No pool. No garden. In the town. Which isn’t what we found. The moment I walked through the gate my mind was changed. Instantly. Because of the garden.

The garden is a challenge. We are not there all the time. I worry, but I would worry if there was nothing to worry about. I worry about the watering. About losing plants. About planting. But that’s all part of the challenge. The garden will change. Will adapt to the way we can use it. For now anyway. The plants are largely drought tolerant but the weather has been hot. Even for Spain, so its been an interesting time to take over an already established garden with Succulents. Palms. Bird of paradise. Agapanthus. Plants I know. Others I don’t so I have to reach out to my twitter gurus for help. And they never let me down. The watering system works ok. And when it doesn’t it gets fixed.

We are slowly getting things together. Realising what we need. What we don’t need. Where to eat. Where to shop. The town has a great square. You can find me there often. For breakfast. For lunch. For dinner. My place of choice. Casa Paco

My Spanish is still pants. Ian can hold a conversation – he’s getting on great guns. I’m thinking of a crash course. I get by and do try. I haven’t embarrassed myself too much. But even Ian with his progress can get it wrong sometimes. He ordered a roast polish person at our favourite restaurant recently. Thankfully. It wasn’t on the menu.

The ground is still rock solid. I need to plant the alliums which have arrived from Peter Nyssen. A big box of lovliness delivered diret to Spain, How convenient is that!

I’m looking for some wildflower seed to scatter on the bank behind and in front of the house, I want to have an explosion of colour in the spring and early summer. Having cut back the banks for the first time in 6 years I’m hoping there will be some wild flowers there already.

I have tulips from our local nursery to collect and plant in pots for the front of the house and the terrace. I have ordered Brown Sugar again this year. They were simply gorgeous last year in London. And Somerset. . I have a hedge to cut which I have left all summer as I didn’t want to kill it. I may just have to do some acrobatic movements to cut parts. Parts of the hedge. Not my body parts. I hope not anyway.

So my next visit – next week will be a busy one. Rain is forecast for two days this week but I suspect not enough to be able to plant easily. I don’t like bulb planting at the best of times. Its backbreaking and my bones creak as it is, but at least it will still be warm. And dry. Oh. And try getting a bulb planter in Spain. A long handled one that will get through concrete soil.

Another challemge is pruning. What and when and how. We have a couple of pomegrante in the garden. Apparently they haven’t fruited ever, so they may be ornamental. But ornamental fruit in a large garden. Why? But our neighbours have some which do. Fruit. I have pomegranate envy. Who would have thought that 6 months ago I would be thinking of fruit like this. Admittedly the neighbours have small fruits but fruit never the less, I want them too. But then I want everything. And now.

There are a couple of figs with delicous black figs. Its a shame that they all ripen at the same time! There are only so many you can eat. For many reasons. There are a couple of loquats, whch again have a short season for fruit oh and not forgetting the Almond trees – none of which I have any experience of. I need to read up on Plumbago, jacaranda,lantana and bougainvillea. And on citrus. On palms. On yucca.

I don’t want to prune and then find I have no flowers or fruit next year as the plant flowers on the previous seasons growth. Fatal error…

I need to realise – oh and accept – I can’t grow all the lovely things I curerntly grow in the Uk, but have to adapt to a new Mediterranean planting. As I said. I want it all. I’m surprised at how well I have coped with change.

I’m going to be bold with the lavender path. Its gorgeous but has become a bit straggly in parts. So I have seen people recommend a hard cut back provided there is some new growth. I did two before I left last time and planted two new ones as well so I will see how they have fared. If it doesn’t work then I will replant the path.

We need to decide on the Prickly pears.

They have been ravaged again this year with cochineal fly. I have saved one by washing it down and removing the fly before they can take hold. but the ones on the bank are sad. They were all cut back two years ago in what sounds like a sceme from a horror movie. The red of the cochineal getting everywhere. I think I will find a man that does! Because this man won’t.

It’s not all been gardening. There has been some leisure time. A sit on the terrace. A drive down the wiggly or windy road – there are two options takes us to the coast. I’m not a great lover of laying on the beach soaking up the sun getting sand in places I can no longer reach. I get bored easily. But the coastline is gorgeous and we haven’t really explored it much. Nerja is a short drive away.

In the other direction Torre Del Mar. Both very different. Except for the weather. And people on the sun loungers. All lined up in rows. As the sun moves so do the loungers. Except at 1.30 there is a mass exodus of people. To the little bars serving sardines being cooked on the beach.

So I forgot that this blog was sitting waiting to post. I’m now here. And it rained last week. One set of visitors have been and gone. I’m waiting for the next and for Ian. There has been planting. Excursions. But I can’t stop. I have plants to collect. But don’t tell Ian.