Artful gardens: our new gardening column

Do you dream of having a beautiful, vibrant garden, but don’t know where to start? Our new contributors, Linda and Steve, promise to offer advice and inspiration.

Do you like to garden, or do you simply like to look at gardens? Almost everyone does. In our dry, stony and windy landscape, knowing what to plant and where, can often leave you scratching your head and worrying about wasting water.

In the eight and a half years since we settled here, Steve and I have gradually learned to combine our Vermont gardening experience (que diferencia!) with advice and cuttings from friends and neighbours.

Mostly, gardening here takes time, patience and lots of trial and error. Selecting the appropriate gardening space with regard to water proximity, shade and/or plant hardiness can help you answer the question, “Can I grow anything at all?”

Of course you can! When you’re at a garden centre, florist or other greenery outlet ask for “plantas autóctonas”. That is, plants habituated to the area. These include beauties such as lavenders, santolinas, cistuses, salvias, phlomises, euphorbias, succulents and many other dry garden plants that we’ll discuss in depth in weeks to come.

Choose spots close to the house to guard against extreme elements such as high winds and strong summer sun; alternate tender plants in movable pots with ground planted species; use structural elements such as decorative iron or wooden frames, or build mini stone walls that can look artful while protecting a garden space.

How much garden do you have or want to create? Yours can be a few pots on a balcony, a veggie patch or a series of lavish garden rooms. It’s only a matter of how much maintenance and how much water these require.

I hope in the weeks to come we can share our ideas, views and vistas with each other while we learn and grow.

But first, think about the following, or pose some of your own questions: Do you want to learn about particular plants or pests? Are you interested in sharing your photos? Do you have advice to offer other gardeners?

I’ll be out in the garden hoping to hear from you!

Click here to email the editor with questions, thoughts, photos or suggestions for Linda and Steve. Or comment below.

Words: Linda Bradish. Photographs: Steve Bradish.

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