Costa de la Luz Gardening

Name this plant

2008-07-03T15:36:00.004+02:00

We're stumped again. I saw this in Yvonne's garden nestling against several other plants and admired it. She didn't know its name. So when I saw one at the garden centre yesterday and it was labelled Clerondendron, I bought it and looked forward to enlightening Yvonne.

Blow me, it's in none of the books, no information on the various plant identifying websites, nor Google......so, please, if anyone knows the name, let me know. Maybe Clerondendron is the Spanish name.

2008-07-03T07:59:00.002+02:00

We went north of Cadiz (near Chipiona) yesterday to look for a paraguayos tree and hostas for the friends who drove us. We were resolved to buy nothing else! Of course, that didn't happen and we staggered out with everything but what we came for.

Here is a little slide show. We stepped into an Aladin's cave of ceramics, textiles, furniture, sculpture, tableware, candles.....then we tackled the plants. One section felt like the tropics so we had to repair to their bar/cafe for refrescos.

2008-06-30T14:29:00.007+02:00

I visited my friend, Yvonne's garden last week and many of hers are blooming nicely while ours seem to have gone dormant. She has many plants clustered together - as, for example, the two different lantanas and an hibiscus in the middle. I guess they're providing protection for the roots. The hibiscus here is the size of a small dinner plate.

I love this succulent, don't know its Latin name but it's known as Desert Rose....beautiful and I want one. Y. has promised me one of its babies and I will swap my incense plant with her.

Another Desert Rose set amongst rocks.

And this lethal-looking cactus type is beautiful, but dangerous. Click on to see the lovely red leaf edges and the very sharp tips. Other friends have something similar and bigger and found a use for all their wine corks by fixing them on the sharp tips. Must take a pic when I next visit and let you see. They call it "the cork tree"!

2008-06-22T14:33:00.003+02:00

32c in the shade....how to keep cool. Just spread out on your back on the cool tiles and let the air get at your armpits and groins! Me, I'm taking Yolanda's advice and sitting with my feet in a bowl of cold water!

2008-06-17T08:09:00.002+02:00

Titania in Australia here
has tagged me to write 6 random facts about myself. La Gringa in Honduras got me on this a couple of years ago, so this one will be different - simpler:

I love Latin American dancing and I just wish my old knees would allow me to learn the salsa.
My favourite occupation is flopping out with a good book
I miss Springtime in England so visit English gardening blogs instead
My little weakness is pastries, but they don't like me
I still miss my dog, Sheba, who died 12 years ago.
I keep a journal of memorable sayings, poems, extracts from books.

So, don't worry compadres, I'll not single anyone out for tagging....I'll leave that up to you.

On the garden front, we're harvesting our cherry tomatoes and damsons...delish. But all the apricots, nectarines and peaches have been got at by a little black beetle and I'm doing what I can to salvage edible bits.

It's been very hot for June and many of the plants are wilting, while others are revelling in it, unlike me as I feel like a beached whale!

2008-06-14T08:21:00.002+02:00

ASPERGILLUS.

Many of you may know about the dangers of Aspergillus but I'm posting this to raise awareness.

I came across the condition in the West Country in the 1970s with a patient who had farmer's lung from mouldy hay. I understand that leaves saved in black plastic bags for later mulching could pose the same risks.

"Gardeners have been warned about a mould, called Aspergillus, that grows on compost and decaying wood following the death of a middle-aged man.

He developed severe breathing problems after working with rotting wood and plant mulch in his garden.

Medical journal The Lancet reported that the man, aged 47, died despite hospital anti-fungal treatment.

An expert said a dust-mask was a good idea when moving large quantities of mouldy bark chippings or compost.

This should not be a problem for your average small-scale gardener who is using small quantities of compost at one time
Professor David Denning
University of Manchester

The Aspergillus mould is very common in UK gardens and is better known as an allergy trigger, but serious illness linked to it remains relatively rare.

Lung inflammation

The case of the Buckinghamshire man dates from May 2007, when he arrived at hospital with worsening shortness of breath, a fever and muscle pain.

The results of the X-ray meant that doctors at first thought that pneumonia was the problem and gave him antibiotics.

These had no effect and tests suggested the inflammation in his lungs was getting more severe.

By now he had been transferred to the intensive care unit, but even this made no difference, and he was transferred to a bigger hospital for a last-ditch treatment to get oxygen into his body.

At this point, the laboratory found Aspergillus in two samples and talking to his partner revealed that the day before symptoms started he had been engulfed by clouds of dust while he shifted rotting tree and plant compost.

Unfortunately, although anti-fungal treatments were then given, he died a few days later.

The speed of his decline surprised doctors as, apart from smoking and a job as a welder, he seemed to be in good health.

Alerting doctors

David Denning, of the University of Manchester, said that while Aspergillus itself could be found in many gardens, it would generally be dangerous only if disturbed in large quantities and the resulting dust inhaled.

He said: "This should not be a problem for your average small-scale gardener who is using small quantities of compost at one time.

"However, if you are moving it in very large amounts, then perhaps wearing a face-mask would be advisable."

Prof Denning said that the key to recovery in severe cases was rapid identification of the problem, and prompt anti-fungal therapy, as many doctors would not see any cases of "aspillergosis" in their career, and try antibiotics first.

He said: "This article aims to alert doctors that this may be a possibility when patients present with these symptoms."

Story from BBC NEWS:

2008-06-08T19:37:00.002+02:00

WATER CRISIS IN SPAIN.

After reading about the shortage in northern Spain, so much so that water had to be brought from France by container ship to Barcelona, and the crises on the Costas threatening the ban on water for swimming pools, we jumped at the chance for two more 1000 litre water containers.

We had to wrestle them off the back of a trailer and dismantle the metal cages so's we could manoevre these big tanks into position at the back of the green shed and the back of the house. The containers had to be rolled and lifted - what a lark for the two of us, who had to stop for frequent rests. The cats looked on in amusement.

We had to paint over the surfaces then so that the water didn't go mildewy and then lift the containers back into the metal cage mounted on pallets. Pheww. Some more guttering has to be erected at the back of the house now, and the tube modified at the back of the shed. We probably won't have any significant rainfall until October but it's a comforting feeling that we will eventually have 5000L of rainwater.

2008-05-28T10:30:00.005+02:00

MOSAIC URN.

This is the latest project that D has started and it's going to take some time. The tiles for the black swirls are tiny and he needs hundreds of them.

Here is the start of it, with the larger tiles in copper mirror in a single fluid line on either side of the urn. To break up the black swirls, we decided some ordinary mirror tiles will accentuate the design.
I'll do some updates as this progresses.

Meanwhile, it's gung-ho in the garden again as we've had regular rain and sun. The black fly have appeared in their hordes and settled on the apricot and nectarine tree trunks. Now if only I could encourage the chameleons over there they could have a banquet - a real good blow out, so much so they'd probably fall off the tree!

2008-05-26T23:25:00.003+02:00

PALM TREE.

As promised, here is a good example of the artistry that goes into the trunks of palm trees. This one is about 8M high in the courtyard of a hotel where we go quizzing every fortnight.

It looks to me as if it's hand-sanded when the coir is removed from the grooves. I wonder if the age of the tree can be deduced from the rows of grooves, rather like the rings in other tree trunks.

2008-05-22T14:06:00.005+02:00

PLANT IDENTIFICATION - help please.

This deep red leafed plant says "Euphorb Cotin" on the pot with no other instructions. Cannot find it anywhere. Euphorbias all look like succulents or cacti. This has a slender stem.

This is a close up of the leaves, which fan out into a kind of coronet, rather like poinsettia and minute cream flower in the middle.

Any ideas anyone. Click on pics for close-ups.

2008-05-21T17:29:00.005+02:00

VOLCANIC GRAVEL.

We planted a palm tree 5 years ago in a block surround raised bed. The palms need regular trimming and the more you trim, the higher they grow.

This is the same tree last October and see how the osteospurmum was getting squashed and tatty.
Here's the palm a year before.

Recently we dug out the osteospurmum, removed the blocks and gave the palm a real good trim to properly reveal the patterns in the trunk. Today we placed the volcanic gravel round its base. It's supposed to retain moisture and provide nutrients, so most of the herbs grown in pots are now round the palm.....let's see how they do.

Caring for the palm tree trunks is a work of art here. When the exposed wood is mature enough it's trimmed back further, all the fibrous matter is dug out and the trunk sanded down to provide a smooth finish. They look really beautiful and I will look around the area and find a good example and post a picture here.

2008-05-20T08:45:00.002+02:00

CAT MOSAIC POT.

Here is the recently-finished pot for our friend - a real girlie-girl, hence the pinks, lavendar and blue colours. The grout was a bit of a problem so in keeping with the colour theme, we used white with a blue dye. El jefe prefers doing abstract designs and found the cat extremely difficult. I've looked at many mosaics featuring animals and although they are good representations of the animal, it seems difficult to capture their individuality.

This pot is dedicated to Dermot (Dermy) a Burman, who has a shout like no other. He's getting old now and weak on his back legs but he lives in the lap of luxury with his own room, all his toys around him, steps up to the bed and we all hope he lives to an ever riper old age.....he is such a character.

VIVA DERMY.

2008-05-16T19:47:00.004+02:00

BOLD LITTLE FROGGIE....

We'd rolled up the awning to give the patio plants a shower after the dusty wind (didn't do a good job by the look of it) and I went out later to have a chat with the bourganvillea. Look what I found sitting on a stephanotis leaf. Both plants are winding themselves around a bamboo pole.

Here he is in context
and again.....
We've had some lovely showers today and all the flowers, fruit and veg are standing up straight.

2008-05-14T15:33:00.001+02:00

Would you believe it - I've not only got a handle on the date, but I'm a day
early for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. There's so much blooming at the moment, I thought I'd do a slide show for you. Enjoy.....

2008-05-10T18:59:00.004+02:00

HOOPOE.

What a thrill.....I was just on my way out, early morning shopping in the car, and this little chap/ess was strutting along the unmade road at the bottom of the lane. I didn't dare get out of the car in case s/he vanished so got off a couple of quick snaps. So sorry, the quality is poor but you get the idea of this beautiful bird with the funny little crest on top.

The chameleon made an appearance too this week, plus little green frogs, lizards and centipedes. The snails are ever present, so the ducks can have a daily banquet and rush to the fence when they hear my voice. It doesn't seem to deter them that I'm speaking in English! Food is food, right!

There's not much going on in our garden that might be of interest to others, hence the silence here for a while. It's one long round of watering, weeding, dead heading and trimming up the palms.

El jefe has started his new mosaic work, about which I'll post when it's further along.

2008-04-30T20:16:00.002+02:00

LUSCIOUS LILIES - Zantedeschia elliottiana.

We couldn't resist these when we saw them - yellow with a coppery exterior and rim, with those wonderful mottled leaves. I hope they like their new home in a giant yellow ceramic pot by the long pergola, close by where we can enjoy them, fuss over them and have a chat!

2008-04-25T07:00:00.003+02:00

GUERILLA GARDENING.

I came across an article in the Guardian this morning which reminded me of a post by Sue at the Balcony Garden in Milan: all about people who go gardening in the small hours to beautify public spaces. Sometimes, ironically, they face prosecution, as in Reading borough where a public space was cleared of needles, broken glass and rubbish, flowers and shrubs planted and the Council have tried to prosecute the "guilty ones" under Health and Safety Rules. (What a mad world we live in).
Anyway, here the link to more information about these unstoppable "renegades" .....
http://www.guerrillagardening.org/

2008-04-22T15:59:00.008+02:00

Try as I might, I could not get an angle to eliminate the shadow, which obscures some of the wording. Here it is: To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.

This is the main reason we chose this model: that and the lion.

And this is where it sits - on top of the mosaiced pot. I really don't know why we wanted this. Neither of us wears watches and are not governed by time but it just seems in keeping with this very rustic garden.

As well as not knowing the time, we rarely know the date so I always miss the Bloggers Bloom day in the middle of the month. So here's my little April 22nd treat - marvellously dazzling colours of just two of the plants at the moment.

2008-04-20T12:03:00.002+02:00

Thunder, Lightening AND Hailstones...

What a racket as they thundered down on the terracotta roof and onto the tiled patio. My log box is outside the kitchen door and as they pounded on that, it sounded like a roll of drums out there. Hailstones the size of peas - whatever next in April. Here is a picture through the "rejas", the wrought iron railings which are traditional on many Spanish houses.

I think this is called "goto frio" in Spanish, not an unusual occurrence in late April/May.
I hope our poor little tomatoes and new bourganvillea are not traumatised.

2008-04-19T17:55:00.003+02:00

ooops, I spoke too soon. The wind and rain came back with a vengeance and coincided with the arrival of a brass sundial we'd ordered from UK. Since then, not enough sun at solar noon to get it calibrated properly and properly installed. It's a real beauty and I will post about it as soon as.

"Mustn't grumble" (a favourite English cliche, after folk have a good long grumble!)....the onions, peppers and tomatoes in the veg patch are grateful for the rain.

2008-04-13T19:10:00.006+02:00

GARDEN GIZMO.

Found this last week (snap, Yolanda!) since when, the rain and wind have stopped. Yes, it really did register 32C, but ambient temperature about 28C .....

Becky has set up a competition about tea. Now, while I don't want to enter, I couldn't resist sharing this little ode....

ODE TO TEA, Source unknown.

A little cup of friendship
With a bag of tea
When you drink this
Think of love from me.

I was lucky enough to win a gardening book from Becky some time ago.

We had 3 days solid rain last week so the new plants are in the ground and I'm talking to them daily to jolly them along.

These are the little blighters that Yin and Yang chase around the garden. They are enormous beige grasshoppers and dine out on all the new shoots in the citrus trees. Click on to see their exquisite patterning and strange eyes. Yes, they are procreating, so Yin and Yang had better get busy. (Photo courtesy of Yvonne, who is a great photographer).

2008-04-09T15:47:00.002+02:00

I'd like to pass on the Excellence Award and have the same dilemma as Sue in Milan - many of the blogs I read have already got them. I don't think the following ones have, so I'm nominating them for giving me so much pleasure when I visit:

Colin and Carol
at Mediterranean Gardening. They are further north than us and I find their blog informative and entertaining.

M
is in Sweden and has recently started blogging in English. I like the fact that he shares my enthusiasm for Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".

Vanillalotus
in Texas is a plucky young woman learning about gardening and what to do with her life and needs all the encouragement she can get.

La Gringa
in Honduras has kept me entertained since I started blogging. She has something to say about many things connected with her adopted country since leaving the USA.

Bill at the Throbbing Thumb
in southern Australia. I have learned a few things about Australian plants we have in common which obviously thrive in a Mediterranean climate.

Elderwoman
in UK - such lovely English countryside images and so lyrical and poetic a blog that I feel nostalgic.

Coresterra

in Portugal - can be translated into English. I just love visiting to see what's blooming over the border.

And finally, Zut Alors
in California for her sheer exuberance.

2008-04-08T17:44:00.004+02:00

AWARDS:

Sue in Milan here
has generously given me an award for excellent blogging as she enjoys reading this. I faffed around a bit learning how to put it on the blog and there it is on the right, just under my new widget of the cat. Thank you, Sue. Wish I could send you some duck eggs as a thank you, but unless they're hard-boiled, don't think they'd survive!

By the way, Yin and Yang cannot decide whether they like this interloper widget, who miaowws, purrs and moves her head when the cursor is moved over her. I think she's cute.

2008-04-05T15:58:00.006+02:00

GORGEOUS GAZANIAS.

Such dazzling colours. We intended to get tomato plants today, but they didn't have "rogesta", a type recommended by Gonzalo. Then we saw these and couldn't resist.

We've decided to move the deep pink bourganvillea from its pot under the pergola and resite it against a sunny wall. I dug a hole as deep as I could before el jefe would have to take over to dig deeper and popped away to get a bottle of rain water. My little helper, Yang, was busy filling in the hole by the time I returned! Just in case the pink bourganvillea doesn't take, we've bought a white companion and if they both survive will look lovely together.
Mathilde called me through to admire the deep, almost black, geranium I gave her last year: she'd planted it out and it was twice the size. Gonzalo then invited me to have some lemons, showed me his new cold frame with green peppers 1M high, celery, leeks and so many veg you'd think he was feeding the whole of Chiclana. I scrambled back through the fence with a huge bag of lemons, a sweet little red kalanchoe plant and some new-laid hen and duck eggs.

2008-04-02T08:19:00.004+02:00

HYPERACTIVE GARDEN.

We're running to stand still at the moment as there's a lot to do. Happily, the weather is kind enough to allow us to get on before the really hot weather arrives and we flop around like beached whales.

Becky is back from her travels in Mexico . Welcome back.

For her first grandchild, here is December 12th birthday.

Sorry, Becky, doesn't look a very inspiring entry.