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.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
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.
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