Mediterranean Sun Circle

The Ungardener likes the African sun. Despite warnings from the dermatologist. So he wants somewhere to sit and lie in the sun. This bit of garden still needed developing. The wall faces North which makes it a sun trap. From there you look onto the Karoo Koppie with our succulents. And across to Ungardening Pond. A wide view across the full length and width of the garden, but without the mountain view. Started in September, while the garden was still green.

Thru October, he and Carlo laid out the last of the paths, with their brick edging, while the clay soil was still moist enough to dig! Then covered the path with a deep layer of crunchy gravel.

On the right you will see an elderly apple tree. Chopped down and dug out. Then replaced with a lemon tree. We also planted two orange trees on the left. A Mediterranean atmosphere needs citrus trees. And the orange blossom smelt delectable. We now have TINY oranges.

In November we bought a ‘York stone’ circle, made of concrete, but with a satisfyingly textured surface.

Finally planted with exotic (non South African) volunteers from the rest of the garden. Dusty Millers that were smothering the transplanted roses, and taking over the raised planters in the shade of the ash trees. A few lavenders, that had been scattered around. Some rooted cuttings of a salvia with raspberry red flowers, for some colour. And oreganum that had come up between the brick paving at the washing line.

We’ll see at the end of the summer if anything, except the three citrus trees, survives. And next March, April, May, with the winter rain, we will fill in the gaps with fragrant Mediterranean herbs.