LATER......and if there's anyone out there reading this, you might like to see the three facets of the new cylindrical pot with the rose theme.
















A terracotta grout was used for the roses, then these were masked while either a black or a white grout were used on the rest.
In some areas, copper or silver mirror tiles were used. We are becoming very fond of these.
I particularly like this section with its lovely curved swirls.

What do you think? 

September 22nd. Here are the first signs of the potatoes and now, apparently, I have to stop watering and start earthing up.

Out of the blue - or grey, rather - we had a great cloudburst and an hour or so of rain. I rushed out with some patio plants - bay tree, gardenia and a ponsettia which I've nursed since last Christmas, hoping the rain will spur them on a bit more.
Below you will see how the trumpet vine has now grown round to the new pergola in just over three months and has started rambling across it. It really is a vigorous plant and its flowers will keep arriving for
another couple of months. D's new cylindrical pot can be seen on the path. 

SPUDS AT LAST.

Well, it's a whole different way and time for planting potatoes here. I was dreading it when my neighbour insisted a few days ago that the bucket of seed ones he had for me go in "Ya" (NOW). No, no, preparation necessary, I said, thinking I'd have to dig a trench and put manure etc. in in the teeth of the Levante wind and temperatures of 38+. But no: he laid a punched hole hosepipe in two rows, opened the water to see where the drips came, made a little hole and plopped a potato in. Done in 10 minutes. Water every two days for the first month, then stop when the green appears and start earthing up. Ready to harvest by end October/beginning November. Marvellous. I'm going to try my hand at brussel sprouts and parsnips next month, plus cauliflower and broccoli.