April Garden Diary – A Tour of My Garden (part 2)

Last week, I shared an overview of the South garden and pool area in my post April Garden Diary – A Tour of My Garden (part 1).

This week, I focus on the east, west and north gardens, which include a small terrace and vegetable area. We try to keep it tidy, but it is always seems to be ‘work in progress’. Right on the cliffs and subject to a constant salty sea breeze and humidity gardening here can pose quite a challenge.

SIDE GARDENS

The house being built in the middle of the plot means we have two narrow side gardens: East and West. The East garden, flanked by a Melaleuca privacy hedge, was initially designated as a succulent area, but other plants self-seeded courtesy of the birds and the wind. As the plants added colour, if they can survive with minimal water, I let nature have its way, and the garden has evolved.

The West Garden, another strip of land flanked by a thirsty Maleuca hedge, also evolved. It has Yuccas, succulents and small palms. Unfortunately, the unsightly containers for the recycled swimming pool backwash water are stored here. We don’t waste a drop of water.

NORTH EAST TERRACE

The back terrace faces the northeast, but due to the prevailing sea breeze, it is often too windy to enjoy. I’m hoping the large white strelitzias (Strelitzia nicolai) will flower this year. That garden area enjoys full sun and is protected by the Maleuca hedge.

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VEGETABLE AREA

The vegetable area is always a work in progress. We are currently preparing the large pots and raised beds by digging in manure, wood ash, and compost in readiness for the aubergines, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, and yellow peppers.

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I am also gradually replanting the vertical strawberry planter. This time, I have changed the watering system and planted only a couple of layers. Once the plants are established, I will add further layers. More on that another time.

This bed is a thorn in my side. Last year (2024), I employed muscle to dig it all out. Mr. Piglet relined it and replaced the earth; we thought the problem was sorted. Nope. The roots from the hedge have once again found their way up into the bed, and the soil is a matted mess. This year, I have decided to cover the soil with black plastic and use pots and grow bags instead. Maybe I will turn it into a mini greenhouse.

Dare I say, so far, these beds are okay.

BEE GARDEN

This is the wild area. I let the weeds, lavender and rosemary grow at will here, and the bed is buzzing with happy bees, especially in February and March when the bed is full of Bermuda Buttercups, which the bees absolutely adore. I also have some thyme and oregano growing in there somewhere.

I try not to think about snakes.

NURSERY

I can NEVER throw a plant away. When a plant is poorly I move it here to recover. Cuttings are also stored here, so I always have a steady supply of succulents etc.

WORK AREAS

My potting bench and project area. Mr. P rescued the two chairs, which we will repurpose as plant stands.

That’s my six for this week’s Six on Saturday gardening meme. Do pop over to the host to check out other gardening bloggers.

Related Posts:

April Garden Diary – A Tour of My Garden (part 1)

and of course the moment I walked in the garden this morning to take more pictures I am greeted by ‘Lucky Jim’ my pet mosquito.

Mosquito Poem: Lucky Jim