Well, I've had a lovely time in the garden centres lately. Very surprisingly, there were many plants in stock, unlike previous Januarys when there's been nothing - a sign of the warmer times. I understand that many of the varieties are grown and imported from Holland and Belgium, so care needed in acclimatising our plants to this area.

I've taken the plunge again and bought another hibiscus with beautiful glazed yellow and orange pot. About 1 m. high, with buds on. I just have to make sure I don't kill it with too much water. It'll stay on the patio for a while as we are expecting a cold snap this week.

Here it is, next to my gardinia, whose buds have been waiting to pop for 2 months - what's keeping 'em?! In front, with the celery type leaves, is the herb Lovage. I had great difficulty ever finding this in UK, so was over the moon to see it here, called Apio de montaña. Just 2-3 leaves chopped into salad gives a really great zing to it. Coriander (cilantro) is sitting behind the lovage. This was non-existent here when we arrived but can now be found in little bags in the supermarkets. It doesn't last long in a pot, well at least I can't keep it for long - it bolts in warmer weather.

We had rain today, after 5-6 weeks so the peas will swell a bit more and the radishes off to a good start. We've covered the lettuces with a blanket: something new for Yang to investigate and hide under.

I've had four carrier bags of Seville oranges given to me, so bought the sugar today and a new huge pot and will get started on the marmalade this week. I might be gone for a while......!