Thursday, 4 August 2011
A silver carpet you can walk on !!!!!
Sharing tips and information on gardening is always welcome, as I discovered today after meeting a very knowledgeable lady from South Africa. Just wish I had my note pad with me to write down the many plants that she was talking about !. But I managed to remember one which is so popular in South Africa, also parts of California too, because of limited water resources, thinking of plants that will survive long droughts is the way forward.
Above used as a barrier for weeds
Used inbetween flagstones and lawn replacement
Dymondia margaretae or Silver carpet is one such plant that will become more and more popular. A ground cover with a difference, unlike other ground covering plants, Dymondia has a deep rooting system, enabling it to store nutrition and moisture. Apparently because of the texture of the leaves its non slip when walking on it ! Yes it can be used as lawn replacement, although it might take some time, as its a slow grower. Better even between flagstones on a pathway, its tightly knitted together so great for prevention of soil erosion and stopping those dreaded weeds from coming through. Totally drought resistant, once the rains return it will spring back to life with small daisy like yellow flowers appearing. Silvery grey green in colour and grows in most soils, full sun or shade. Maybe you are already familiar with this plant and its many possibilities,for me its one to put on my list of recommended plants for the clients of Villa care. If any one living here in Menorca has this growing already, please let me know, lets hope its available at the local garden. See pics of this plant attached.
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Pics of plants for growing in shade or under trees
Plants for growing in the shade or under trees
There are a few plants that will grow quite happily in the shade or under a tree where nothing else seems to survive. One of them is a tough ground cover called Polygonum capitatum that will also grow under Pine trees. A client of Villa care who has had this problem of nothing growing under the trees can now check out the garden centres for the following to plant up. Vinca major a perennial is a great ground cover, perfect for under trees with its long tendrils rooting as it spreads with blue purple flowers, put it in borders as its great for keeping the weeds at bay, and being that its evergreen it will make good work of covering bare patches.
If you want something more bold and up right then Agapanthus is known for being tough, healthy and beautiful. Again it will grow well in the shade and among the tree roots, as it likes to grow in tight clumps, as its a bulb it should be divided about every 7yrs in order for it to produce the amazing blue sphere like flowers that stand on erect stems.It will grow perfectly in pots too, as it will thrive in a potbound clump. Just remember to get best results from Agapanthus plant them in a rich earth, preferably with leaf mould. Water regularly in Summer. See pics of the above attached.
If you want something more bold and up right then Agapanthus is known for being tough, healthy and beautiful. Again it will grow well in the shade and among the tree roots, as it likes to grow in tight clumps, as its a bulb it should be divided about every 7yrs in order for it to produce the amazing blue sphere like flowers that stand on erect stems.It will grow perfectly in pots too, as it will thrive in a potbound clump. Just remember to get best results from Agapanthus plant them in a rich earth, preferably with leaf mould. Water regularly in Summer. See pics of the above attached.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Wooden pallets in the garden
Garden furniture is an expensive outlay, so for a lady of Villa care who has been waiting several weeks for some out door seating to arrive. I put in a temporary solution which she has kept and likes more.
The solution is 8 wooden pallets, simply lay 4 down to form a square then put the remaining 4 pallets on top, cover with a colourful throw, add some large cushions and you have an instant place to relax, high enough from the ground without having to struggle to get up and retreive your drink. Use a bit of imagination and make a different shape, paint them, leave them out throughout the year, good as ever, for very little outlay for year after year use. I will try to up load some pics of dressed pallets so you can see the transformation. If space is an issue try a hammock, there are so many sizes from singles to grande, prices vary but still good value for money if you shop around.
The solution is 8 wooden pallets, simply lay 4 down to form a square then put the remaining 4 pallets on top, cover with a colourful throw, add some large cushions and you have an instant place to relax, high enough from the ground without having to struggle to get up and retreive your drink. Use a bit of imagination and make a different shape, paint them, leave them out throughout the year, good as ever, for very little outlay for year after year use. I will try to up load some pics of dressed pallets so you can see the transformation. If space is an issue try a hammock, there are so many sizes from singles to grande, prices vary but still good value for money if you shop around.
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Zero watering
Water as we know is vital to our lives as well as our crops and using it sparingly is a global issue. So using it to a minimum is essential for all our sakes. So heres a real gem of a plant, that requires NO WATER through summer at all. Fremontodendron californicum is a beautiful free flowering plant that will grow to about 15ft with bright yellow waxy flowers throughout the summer. It will survive on rainfall during the beginning and end of the year. In fact if you did water this plant it would die within a week or so.
Iv suggested this plant to a holiday home owner of Villa care menorca who has a dry garden with zero irrigation, it will give the rest of your planting a splash of colour , an attractive ornamental tree that certainly deserves a place in everyones garden. There are two other cross species of this plant, which are called California glory and Fremontodendron mexicanum. Plant it behind a border of blue lavendar or Rosemary latin name Rosmarinus officinalis to compliment the strength of colour. Pics of this amazing plant attached.
Iv suggested this plant to a holiday home owner of Villa care menorca who has a dry garden with zero irrigation, it will give the rest of your planting a splash of colour , an attractive ornamental tree that certainly deserves a place in everyones garden. There are two other cross species of this plant, which are called California glory and Fremontodendron mexicanum. Plant it behind a border of blue lavendar or Rosemary latin name Rosmarinus officinalis to compliment the strength of colour. Pics of this amazing plant attached.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
More on Trees......
The humidity of the last few days has taken its toll on me, as I forgot to mention two fantastic looking trees to the blog yesterday.
The first is of course the Jacaranda tree, or mimosifolia popular in many countries because of its beautiful pale blue lilic flowers that cover its branches in the early part of summer. Its also drought tolerant, once established it needs little or no water. Its not as rapid in growth as the trees mentioned earlier, but well worth planting one for the amazing mass of colour it delivers.
The other tree is the Chinaberry or bead tree or latin name Melia azedarach, this does grow rapidly and produces lilac purple fragrant clusters in spring a lovely tree for creating a shady place to sit. In winter bunches of pale yellow berries hang from the branches, which were once used to make rosary beads.
Back tomorrow with more gardening info from Villa care menorca, but now Im going to cool down in the sea.
The first is of course the Jacaranda tree, or mimosifolia popular in many countries because of its beautiful pale blue lilic flowers that cover its branches in the early part of summer. Its also drought tolerant, once established it needs little or no water. Its not as rapid in growth as the trees mentioned earlier, but well worth planting one for the amazing mass of colour it delivers.
The other tree is the Chinaberry or bead tree or latin name Melia azedarach, this does grow rapidly and produces lilac purple fragrant clusters in spring a lovely tree for creating a shady place to sit. In winter bunches of pale yellow berries hang from the branches, which were once used to make rosary beads.
Back tomorrow with more gardening info from Villa care menorca, but now Im going to cool down in the sea.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Rapid growing Trees
Trees are vital to our planet, without them you and I would not exsist. They produce oxygen, filter the air we breath. They absorb the pollutants such as carbon monoxide, storing and changing them into less harmful forms,not adding to the green house gas effect. They also give us shade thus helping to reduce the evaportation of moisture. They can act as a wind breaker and planted in strategic places can reduce noise reduction as well as a stone wall.
At the beginning of the year we planted out some young trees called Albizia julibrissin. I suggested them to the client of Villa care menorca because of their drought tolerance, and their array of pink feathery blooms in summer. The leaves have a feathery fern effect, an ornamental tree that grows quite rapidly, but can also cope once its establised on very little water in the hotter part of summer.
There is also the wonderful Pepper tree, with its knarled looking trunk, again within 4yrs from a young tree, you would be able to stand underneath its arching branches that are simular to that of a weeping willow, but not invasive in any way. Crush the leaves and the peppery aroma is released and when the tree matures you may be lucky to have peppercorns that grow in clusters from its branches.
Lastly the reliable Mimosa a fast growing tree that will reach 15 ft within the first 4yrs, again with beautiful feathery panacled leaved branches spreading out. In late spring they produce either pink or yellow/green florets which in turn produce the seed pods for future trees. See pics for all three trees.
At the beginning of the year we planted out some young trees called Albizia julibrissin. I suggested them to the client of Villa care menorca because of their drought tolerance, and their array of pink feathery blooms in summer. The leaves have a feathery fern effect, an ornamental tree that grows quite rapidly, but can also cope once its establised on very little water in the hotter part of summer.
There is also the wonderful Pepper tree, with its knarled looking trunk, again within 4yrs from a young tree, you would be able to stand underneath its arching branches that are simular to that of a weeping willow, but not invasive in any way. Crush the leaves and the peppery aroma is released and when the tree matures you may be lucky to have peppercorns that grow in clusters from its branches.
Lastly the reliable Mimosa a fast growing tree that will reach 15 ft within the first 4yrs, again with beautiful feathery panacled leaved branches spreading out. In late spring they produce either pink or yellow/green florets which in turn produce the seed pods for future trees. See pics for all three trees.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Pics of cullinary delights
Cullinary delights at your fingertips
You dont need a large area to create a display of cullinary delights, as I experienced for my self when I visited one of the clients from Villa care menorca. The balcony of her apartment was a feast for the eyes, crammed full of various salad supplies.
Even in the smallest space you can grow all you need for your salad requirements. Hanging baskets are perfect for growing trailing cherry tomatoes, look so good too. The spanish cucumbers are so tasty and are easy to grow with trailing tendrils of beautiful yellow flowers,which can also be lightly battered then deep fried, delicious. Lettuce can be grown in a window box, just tear off the leaves as you require ,as it will keep on growing. Dont forget the herbs, a tub of Basil, Corriandar, Chives, all add that extra taste to a salad and dont take up much space when growing .So you will still have room to sit on your balcony and enjoy the fruits of your labour at your fingertips.
Even in the smallest space you can grow all you need for your salad requirements. Hanging baskets are perfect for growing trailing cherry tomatoes, look so good too. The spanish cucumbers are so tasty and are easy to grow with trailing tendrils of beautiful yellow flowers,which can also be lightly battered then deep fried, delicious. Lettuce can be grown in a window box, just tear off the leaves as you require ,as it will keep on growing. Dont forget the herbs, a tub of Basil, Corriandar, Chives, all add that extra taste to a salad and dont take up much space when growing .So you will still have room to sit on your balcony and enjoy the fruits of your labour at your fingertips.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Pics from cool in the shade Bignonia rosea and Campis radicans
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Making a statement with Palms
Phew its hot........Yesterday I felt like I had cement boots on, every step became heavier as the day went on, and we are only just getting into the hottest part of Summer, thankgoodness we are never far from the sea here in Menorca, after finishing work its a hop skip and a jump, litterally into the sea . Now Im refreshed and ready to swap some gardening news with you.
If your feeling energetic and want to make a statement in your garden,(no dont strip off and scare the wild life) this is the best time to plant Palms of which there are thousands of varieties, but here in Menorca the most common is Phoenix Canarias (date palm) . Truvi garden centre is the best for selection and price. Yesterday we planted 12 date palms in a garden that Villa Care Menorca is looking after. Make sure the hole you dig is twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough to cover to the top of the root ball. In the coming weeks when its hot water frequently, so that the roots become established but remember palms dont like sitting in wet soil . Also remember that when they are young they may be perfect next to a pathway or your house, but they will grow, either in a pineapple shape or fat trunks but they are aiming for the sky so respect their space. A smaller but actually my favourite of the palms is the fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) we planted 9 of these around a swimming pool of another property that Villa Care have taken on their books. Again remember plant in groups of 3 resembling triangle shape. Fan-tastic looking palms, very hardy, clump forming and perfect for that mediteranean look. See photos for both of these palms.
If your feeling energetic and want to make a statement in your garden,(no dont strip off and scare the wild life) this is the best time to plant Palms of which there are thousands of varieties, but here in Menorca the most common is Phoenix Canarias (date palm) . Truvi garden centre is the best for selection and price. Yesterday we planted 12 date palms in a garden that Villa Care Menorca is looking after. Make sure the hole you dig is twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough to cover to the top of the root ball. In the coming weeks when its hot water frequently, so that the roots become established but remember palms dont like sitting in wet soil . Also remember that when they are young they may be perfect next to a pathway or your house, but they will grow, either in a pineapple shape or fat trunks but they are aiming for the sky so respect their space. A smaller but actually my favourite of the palms is the fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) we planted 9 of these around a swimming pool of another property that Villa Care have taken on their books. Again remember plant in groups of 3 resembling triangle shape. Fan-tastic looking palms, very hardy, clump forming and perfect for that mediteranean look. See photos for both of these palms.
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Less is more.................
The expression "Less is more" takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to gardening, especially as the heat from the sun takes its toll on the plants at this time of year. You can still have all year round interest by planting Yuccas they have shape structure and depth of colour. Totally drought resistant and in group planting really give your garden that mediteranean feel. They vary from shape to leaf size and simply thrive in any soil. Just avoid the baynet yucca, as its leaves are sharp pointed needles that can leave a painful puncture to the skin.
Another beautiful looking plant is the soft leaved Agave, again very little or no watering required for an amazing display. Put this amongst your yuccas, or in front of them for all year round show.
Lastly for ground cover aound your yuccas, plant out some Aloe Vera. In early spring and late summer they produce spears of orange flame flower heads, no watering required.
At Villa Care Menorca where the owners are not resident this type of planting is becoming more and more popular, not only for the low maintenance but because its simplicity is so striking, so remember sometimes less is definately more. See pics for above.
Another beautiful looking plant is the soft leaved Agave, again very little or no watering required for an amazing display. Put this amongst your yuccas, or in front of them for all year round show.
Lastly for ground cover aound your yuccas, plant out some Aloe Vera. In early spring and late summer they produce spears of orange flame flower heads, no watering required.
At Villa Care Menorca where the owners are not resident this type of planting is becoming more and more popular, not only for the low maintenance but because its simplicity is so striking, so remember sometimes less is definately more. See pics for above.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Be cool in the shade
Well now its hot hot hot, getting up at the crack of dawn to get the gardening jobs finished before the intense heat of the day. Having a shady place in the garden is a must for the mediteranean climate, plus its just so inviting to relax with a long cold drink under a canopy of lush green leaves instead of retreating indoors.
At on old farmhouse that Villa Care are looking after, we have just finished putting in a pergola.In Autumn we will plant out around the posts a vigorous climber, called Bignonia Rosea, which has masses of pale pink trumpet shaped flowers that thrive in the sun and is drought tolerant. Iv attached pics. Really is fast growing with a twisted vine affect around posts, its deciduous so you can still sit on your terrace and enjoy the warmth from the winter sun. The flowers start to appear from middle of June onwards, its really at its best in September with a blitz of pink flora.
If you dont want a pink showy climber, then try Campis Radicans another vigorous climber, deciduous, with orange trumpet shaped flowers that grow in clusters, again full sun loving, drought tolerant, that will easily cover a small terrace patio with one plant, but for impact and shade plant one plant per post. Then next year sit and relax under your very own canopy of coolness. See pic for this also attached.
At on old farmhouse that Villa Care are looking after, we have just finished putting in a pergola.In Autumn we will plant out around the posts a vigorous climber, called Bignonia Rosea, which has masses of pale pink trumpet shaped flowers that thrive in the sun and is drought tolerant. Iv attached pics. Really is fast growing with a twisted vine affect around posts, its deciduous so you can still sit on your terrace and enjoy the warmth from the winter sun. The flowers start to appear from middle of June onwards, its really at its best in September with a blitz of pink flora.
If you dont want a pink showy climber, then try Campis Radicans another vigorous climber, deciduous, with orange trumpet shaped flowers that grow in clusters, again full sun loving, drought tolerant, that will easily cover a small terrace patio with one plant, but for impact and shade plant one plant per post. Then next year sit and relax under your very own canopy of coolness. See pic for this also attached.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Evening scented gardens
Hooray looks like the warm summer nights are on the way. , now we can enjoy the garden at its best. A glass or two of Roja, and taking in the evening fragrances wafting across the garden. Our sense of smell is woven into our memory banks, and what better way of stimulating them than having an array of different nocturnal scented plants, Once the sun sets these amazing plants get to work, releasing their scent into the evening air.
Soft lights and candles can create the ambience, but nothing compares to the lasting memory of the nightime fragrances of the garden. So here are a few which Iv just suggested to a client of Villa Care Menorca.
Lady of the night (Cestrum Nocturnum)
This is the strongest fragrance of plants I have come across, as the sun sets the creamy white flowers of this evergreen shrub burst into life. Describing the fragrance is not easy, as it conveys many complex notes, a musky jasmine, with a hint of cinnamon, very sweet and intense. Plant it north south of your garden, not near your terrace, so that it is carried in the evening air. An amazing plant that just keeps on through the summer nights.
Jasminium Sambac
This is part of the Jasmin family, native to Southeast Asia , but I didn’t travel that far to buy it, Truvi is the best garden centre for most plants, especially this variety. It’s evergreen with small clusters of creamy white flowers that are simply divine. Beautiful fragrance not overpowering, and the flowers can be used for a jasmine infusion. Plant it either in the ground or pot near to your terrace or outside a bedroom window, the exotic aroma is heavenly. Water little and often in the hotter months.
Nicotiana Tabacco plant
These are winners every time, in my opinion totally under estimated. A, profusion of colours from fucia pinks , whites, to yellows. Flowering from early summer to late October. When the flowers normally open at dusk the fragrance is subtle . On mass they are quite amazing, they will grow in any soil. Spanish locals often refer to them as a weed, as they will grow any where. In my mind they are a welcome site in any garden or patio pot and deserve more merit than they receive. Collect the peppercorn seeds when they flower, its quite therapeutic, then keep them until next spring and scatter them in those spaces where nothing seems to grow.
In the meantime try to keep out of the searing heat of the day and celebrate those nocturnal scented plants in your garden after dusk. See photos of the above plants attached.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Pics of drought resistant flora in blue colours
Drought resistant plants in various shades of Blue
What a difference a day makes. Clear blue skys and sun sun sun. Great for the Tourists not so great for the plants coping in the heat, so here are a few of my favourites that put on a great display for very little watering in return.
Solanum Rantonnetii (Blue potato bush)
This fast growing bush will always put on a display of beautiful purple blue flowers on mass, and most of the year. Plant it in full sun, water once a week in the Summer and watch it grow. It tolerates extreme heat and dry conditions. Grows to about 2m x2m. As its a perennial you will have all round interest.
Echium Fastuosum
A wonderful striking evergreen perennial with tall blue flowering spears appearing in Spring, again little or no watering required in the cooler months, when its hot once a week is enough, you will be rewarded with a beautiful looking shrub.
Plumbago auriculata
Another outstanding spreading shrub with clusters of pale blue flowers from the early part of Summer right through to October, again little or no watering in the cooler months otherwise once a week . Plant it near a pathway or near the terrace to enjoy the abundance of colour.
We at Villa Care are always thinking of our clients requirements, and by planting drought resistant plants is one way of keeping your water bills down, as well as helping the enviroment.
Solanum Rantonnetii (Blue potato bush)
This fast growing bush will always put on a display of beautiful purple blue flowers on mass, and most of the year. Plant it in full sun, water once a week in the Summer and watch it grow. It tolerates extreme heat and dry conditions. Grows to about 2m x2m. As its a perennial you will have all round interest.
Echium Fastuosum
A wonderful striking evergreen perennial with tall blue flowering spears appearing in Spring, again little or no watering required in the cooler months, when its hot once a week is enough, you will be rewarded with a beautiful looking shrub.
Plumbago auriculata
Another outstanding spreading shrub with clusters of pale blue flowers from the early part of Summer right through to October, again little or no watering in the cooler months otherwise once a week . Plant it near a pathway or near the terrace to enjoy the abundance of colour.
We at Villa Care are always thinking of our clients requirements, and by planting drought resistant plants is one way of keeping your water bills down, as well as helping the enviroment.
Friday, 10 June 2011
Almost the end of another busy week.
Well I know the weather has not been very kind to the tourists who have been here this week but, for me it's been so good.
No scorching sun in your eyes or your back.
This morning we at Villa Care have been working on a clients garden at Torri Soli Nou that's right next to Son Bou.
The lady wanted what we call a dry garden so, some time ago that's exactly what she got complete with Yuccas Date Palms and ornamental Cacti.
Today I have planting up succulents these are what I call great value for money plants.They come back year after year and the colours are so vivid that they will brighten up any garden.
Virtually no water and they seem to bloom for an eternity.
We will be finishing up this afternoon so I hope to try and upload some of these photographs.
No scorching sun in your eyes or your back.
This morning we at Villa Care have been working on a clients garden at Torri Soli Nou that's right next to Son Bou.
The lady wanted what we call a dry garden so, some time ago that's exactly what she got complete with Yuccas Date Palms and ornamental Cacti.
Today I have planting up succulents these are what I call great value for money plants.They come back year after year and the colours are so vivid that they will brighten up any garden.
Virtually no water and they seem to bloom for an eternity.
We will be finishing up this afternoon so I hope to try and upload some of these photographs.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
The 8th June 2011 near Binibeca
This morning it has been pouring out of the heavens not typical weather for this time of year in Menorca but, never the less the work needs to be done.
A garden that we at Villa Care Menorca have been putting in order, has been the order of this morning.
It is in a country area just outside Binibeca, an old Menorcan house that has newly came onto our books and that had been left for quite sometime without any TLC.
Before the real heat of Summer comes in, our clients asked as well as the landscaping that was being done they would like in irrigation system installed because watering this amount of garden can be a real chore in the Summer.
So that's what this morning's work intailed the installation of SOLO RAIN.
A very clever system that can be set on a timer to come on as many as 3 times a day.
Excellent for a house like this who's WISH LIST includes a lovely green and soft lawn.
Something that here in Menorca,can be difficult to achieve without a watering system.
All I can say though, is it would made life a lot simpler today if the rain had held off.
More on this garden to follow.
A garden that we at Villa Care Menorca have been putting in order, has been the order of this morning.
It is in a country area just outside Binibeca, an old Menorcan house that has newly came onto our books and that had been left for quite sometime without any TLC.
Before the real heat of Summer comes in, our clients asked as well as the landscaping that was being done they would like in irrigation system installed because watering this amount of garden can be a real chore in the Summer.
So that's what this morning's work intailed the installation of SOLO RAIN.
A very clever system that can be set on a timer to come on as many as 3 times a day.
Excellent for a house like this who's WISH LIST includes a lovely green and soft lawn.
Something that here in Menorca,can be difficult to achieve without a watering system.
All I can say though, is it would made life a lot simpler today if the rain had held off.
More on this garden to follow.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Hello.
Hi my name is Sarah.
As I am sure you are aware I am potty about gardening.(excuse the pun)
When Villa Care Menorca asked me to write a BLOG at first I was very hesitant saying what on earth could I write that would of any interest to anyone.
But after a while the idea grew on me.There are so many people who ask me questions about gardening.
Why won't this grow? Is it the right time of year to plant this? Where is the correct position for this particular shrub.?
I decided maybe I could write something of interest.!!!
Hopefully I will be able to keep Blogging on a regular basis as, at Villa Care at this time of year we are very busy.I will keep you up to date on gardens we are working on and show you the progress.
As I am sure you are aware I am potty about gardening.(excuse the pun)
When Villa Care Menorca asked me to write a BLOG at first I was very hesitant saying what on earth could I write that would of any interest to anyone.
But after a while the idea grew on me.There are so many people who ask me questions about gardening.
Why won't this grow? Is it the right time of year to plant this? Where is the correct position for this particular shrub.?
I decided maybe I could write something of interest.!!!
Hopefully I will be able to keep Blogging on a regular basis as, at Villa Care at this time of year we are very busy.I will keep you up to date on gardens we are working on and show you the progress.
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