Winter come to an end... out of the dormancy of the land the slow emergence of our garden becomes apparent. Our personal winter bird population had an absolute field day on the abundant crop of prickly pear fruit. Particularly noisy most mornings is the green woodpecker who sits atop the hedge of prickly pear spraying droplets of water from the fruit and leaves in the early morning sunlight. Spectacular photograph – if he would let me take it.... .Instead here is a barbed bouquet of prickly pears.
The structural work on the delapidated cottages finally has been taking place and these two old peasant homes are at least waterproof and beginning to take on a certain charm. The need to clear away from the walls in order to repair them meant cutting back through ivy and . This also changes the gardening dynamics. My gardener's brain and imagination has started taking off in unexpected areas.
The winter seems to have been long but without any real extremes at our height of 740 meters.. The almond trees' abundancy of flowers promises much and there have been no serious winds or frosts at our height to threaten the crop.
Five years ago these valleys were absolutely stricken by severe frost while the sap was rising and devastated many of the limited amount of trees in this semi arid region. It just shows that time and more fortunate weather can reap fabulous benefits on the landscape. It is our own nature for
neatness and tidiness which is really suspect. The landscape this spring is stunning and trees one thought had had it are draped with bridal veils of white, pink and a host of other variations according to almond type. At their feet there are swathes of early wild flowers – weeds to some.
I am spending money at the tree centre as this is when I have the opportunity to get a few more trees in. The ground is actually soft enough in which to dig large enough holes. Our tiny vegetable patch has a few beans planted and courgettes this year. There is this small window of opportunity to grow some things before the middle of summer fries everything in sight that is green. Last year was the learning curve on this....
We are also blessed by a wonderfully verdant supply of a wild spinach. Last year I was pulling it up as “weed” but in the last few weeks it has been our staple vegetable.
A little aside: Jason Webster the writer of Duende has a new book out on the creation of a garden up in the hills of the Castellon region on very ancient terraces. Listening as I do to "Excess Baggage" I heard him say that he has planted oaks with truffle spore. A really good money spinner except for one thing - the boars hve found them too.
Lots of discussion around as to how to stop the wild boar mashing one's garden. Pee ing , human hair hung from fences - anyone want to add to the list?
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