Finca Days.....everyday life at Finca Leria

Over the last few days a minor
miracle has been taking place in the
courtyard of Finca Leria. These 2
pond plants have produced the most
beautiful flowers! In order to
appreciate what a miracle this is you
really need to understand the history of the courtyard pond. When Lisa and I bought Finca Leria(3 years ago yesterday!), the pond was teeming with goldfish - far too many to be healthy. As we were still living in London at the time we relied on 2 local friends to look after the house, pond and fish included. They did their very best, but over the course of 12 months all the fish died. It was very sad to see.
I can't recall how many times we emptied the pond, scrubbed it clean, filled it and waited for the water to be ready for fish - we never actually introduced any more fish, because the water kept turning dark green and horrible. Since moving here, however, Tim - easily the best plumber in Alora, kindly donated the pond plants you see in the photos. He explained that it was natural for the pond water to turn, first, dark green and then dirty brown before turning clear. And guess what, he was absolutely right. And not only that - we've successfully kept one goldfish alive and well in the pond for 2 months now. Fish appears to be very happy and healthy - greatly supported by Tim's plants - which as you can see are really beautiful. Thanks Tim!

All credit to our friends, Lynette and Dave, who recently spent some chill-out time with us at the Finca, for this innovative (and, as it turns out, highly appropriate) irrigation idea especially good for those dry pots. First, and easiest, drink a bottle of wine, preferably white. Second, sober up. Third, remove all labels for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance (the bottle I'm talking about!). Fourth, fill the bottle with cold water - and plunge it neck first into the soil surrounding a pot plant.

This excellent labour saving idea ensures that those beautiful potted geraniums etc receive exactly the water they require, when they require it. Just remember to keep filling up the bottles when empty.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! Alora has a new garden centre - a big, well-stocked garden centre - with a bar and views!! And we thought we'd escaped these wallet-draining dens when we left SW London for Southern Spain. Apparently not. We've done well, though. This gardener's paradise has been open for about 3 months and yesterday was our very first venture through the gates. But, boy, did it prove expensive. Two garden chairs (so.......... comfortable), one rock steady parasol, 4 geraniums, herbs, tomatoes and chilli plant, pots and pool stuff later we finally drove back to the Finca. Not before consuming a welcome cerveza at the trendy bar! We are going to have to drive past this garden centre blindfolded if we want to avoid bankruptcy!

However, the herbs have been potted and placed in the courtyard and make the house looked beautifully "lived-in". Tomatoes and chillis on tap now. Geraniums have been potted up and placed near the boules court - the start of the new garden-scape at the back of the house. The boules court there is great but very bright and white at the moment. We need to get some calming greenery and colour - and of course, another one of those rock steady parasols. Stand by your wallet!!!!!!!!!!

Here's where we're writing from - the front terrace of Finca Leria in Andalucia.