There’s a lot happening in the garden at the moment so it is demanding a lot of care and attention. This week I did not know where to start for the Six on Saturday garden update, so I decided to show how some areas of the garden are evolving as we head from spring towards summer. We still have some rain but not enough to replenish the now depleted water butts.
1. Vegetable area
Once I have harvested the peas, cabbages, onions and broccoli the raised vegetable area will have a revamp. At the moment the only way to access the whole bed is to climb up and walk on the improvised brick path. As climbing up onto the garden is not practical for someone with dodgy knees, I am going to redesign into horse shape so I can sit on the wall and access all areas from a sitting position.

2. Waterfall Rockery
As this area remains in the shade all the winter I decided to scrap the pot idea and placed a small Budha garden ornament there instead. Now the sun is higher in the sky at least the rockery benefits from some sun. The white succulent seems happy for now, although flowering time is limited.

The Budha is also visible from the lounge window and certainly brings light to a dark corner.
Revamping the waterfall rockery was on my gardening To Do list for 2019
Rockery pictured January 2019.

3. Succulent and Cacti Garden
I started planting this succulent garden in 2017. I am really pleased with the results. Last time I took stock of the plants, I had over 50 different types of cacti/succulents.


4. Rear Garden
We continue to add points of interest to the rear area of the house and with the addition of the ‘neat’ cold frames that the OH made and the extension of the succulent and cacti garden – still work in progress- I am really pleased with the result.
For anyone who is interested in creating their own Tippy pot display please see the previous post.


Although we have sunbeds I can count on one hand the times I’ve used them. I get bored sunbathing and rather be ‘doing’ than lounging.
5. Pool Rockery
The pool was built at a lower than the house so we could develop the area to add interest and give the feeling of an oasis which we continue to develop with interesting plants, pots and features.



6. Front Terrace
I love this area especially as the bougainvillaea has flowered continually right through the winter.

That’s it for this week, folks.
Please don’t forget to click over to Mr P’s Blog to check out some more Six on Saturday gardeners.
Do you happen to know what species of yucca are there. The big ones look like common Yucca elephantypes. I can’t identify the others.
LikeLike
What a delightful house and pool and garden you have created, have you lived in Portugal long Piglet? The terrace and Pool Rockery are especially nice, a work of love! I’m not sure I’d be bothered to grow veg out there, I imagine the summers must be very hot, but herbs and a grape vine would be good 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jude, we started the garden in 2004 but the original layout bears no resemblance to its current design. The vegetables are a challenge but there is nothing better than harvesting salad crop straight from the garden. Next year we will cull many options, such as rhubarb, as they are too problematic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree about salad leaves, and do grow them, in fact winter leaves are even more successful as they don’t bolt so quickly. And homegrown tomatoes are the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the tour of your garden. Your sunny pictures reminds me of our holiday in Portugal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you stay in the Algarve, Brian?
LikeLike
We stayed in Lisbon travelling to Mafra for a family wedding, then returning to Lisbon for ten days in total. This was our first visit we loved it and the people.
LikeLike
All looking very lush and lovely, you must be very pleased with it. Although I bet if you sit down you are up again 30 seconds later because you’ve seen something that needs doing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, Mr P. There is no rest for the wicked 🙂 I turn my back for a moment and the bugs and whatever move in.
LikeLike
Those wild animals! We have wild boar in Sussex nowadays, escaped from farms and breeding in the woods. Not had one in my garden yet, but a badger came in and ate all my strawberries one year, bet you don’t get them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Olly, while we have our share of wild critters I’ve not seen any badgers… the mongoose, however, are partial to strawberries 🙂 OH also informs me they eat snakes.
LikeLike
The succulent bed is looking good. Great idea with the buddha statue in the shady corner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I was rather pleased with the inspiration to move Buddha. I am glad I did not try and plant up a container only to have it in deep shade all the winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A most attractive garden, PiP. Your efforts have been well rewarded. 👏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your garden! Especially the succulent area -perfect in your climate I expect. Happy gardening!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the succulents have proved an interesting challenge.
LikeLike
I can imagine all the work that’s gone into your garden. I’d love to have been able to start from a blank canvas – maybe when I win the lottery 🙂
Love the little Buddha area, and the succulents.
LikeLiked by 1 person
starting from a blank canvass had its downsides… we had no mature plants to give structure and the garden was a beach…no soil just sand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The hard work has paid off, it looks lovely 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how your garden keeps evolving. We see the photos of the moment, it seems like this is the garden, but telling us how it develops to suit you, plus the before & after photos, it becomes a personal living space.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YEs, it evolves as we make mistakes. Some plants refuse to grow and I am learning to let go. It is always interesting to look back and see just how far the garden has evolved. .. at times it seems as it is an uphill job.
LikeLike
We are all in love with your pool area! I wonder why? Your cacti and succulents look wonderful. Your veg plot sounds very productive.
LikeLike
Thanks, N20. I love gardening as it is always work in progress. My OH says I always have a job list for him. Well, that’s what retirement is about, yes?
LikeLike
Your yard is absolutely gorgeous! So much time, effort and love went into it all! it shows! I just keep looking at all the pis, they get better every time, lol. I bet living there is so peaceful and calm with all the nature surrounding you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, 40. a LOT of time and tears have gone into the garden. Yes, we have a lot of nature around us and some join us in the garden…including snakes and foxes. So far the wild boar have not gained access and that is always our biggest fear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ack! I didn’t think about all the other creatures that may appreciate the beauty you have created too,lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
People discount cactus and succulents sometimes, but they have the most amazing flowers.
Your pool area is just wonderful! Especially the bougainvillea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lisa. It was a friend who alerted me to collecting cacti and succulents. It’s now got to the point I am obsessed by them and can’t go by a garden centre without taking a look at their new stock
LikeLike
Buddha looks settled enough there. Water looking very inviting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, hopefully, I swim soon 🙂
LikeLike
Your garden is beautiful! I wish we had lots of sunny weather here in Scotland to have a pool x
LikeLiked by 1 person
but Scotland I am told has stunning scenery which can only be if you have a lot of rain. 🙂 The pool came much later when I realised the sea on the West coast is too dangerous to swim.Our local beaches have rip tides and strong undercurrents. Fine for experienced surfers but not casual swimmers, So a small pool was a must for m.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes we definatly have alot of rain! Our scenery is very beautiful x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your garden, the terrace and the pool are very attractive! I love all …For me it looks like a holiday home. It’s just missing a few degrees here in the north .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Fred. The garden has evolved over thirteen years and has seen many changes, especially failures. IT started as a patch of sand as we had the house built. IT’s been an interesting journey,
LikeLiked by 1 person