As we all adapt to the new normal, we count ourselves as very fortunate to be able to self-isolate on the mountain block we call home. The block keeps us busy at the best to times, but is now also offering us healthy activity and things to do and focus on when our minds might otherwise wander.
A magnolia bud from down below.
We are gardening most days, hauling logs, building walls, growing seedlings and sprouting seeds, gathering flowers and just enjoying basking in the beauty that surrounds us.
It calms our souls.
Despite having removed our coffee plantation because of a nasty weevil infestation a few years ago; there are still coffee bushes growing around the edges of the block and they are bursting with coffee cherries (which have the beans inside them). We figure if things get really bad, we can start to process beans again...
The camellias on the terraces below are coming into bloom and wandering amongst them is like walking amidst pink and white snow drifts.
A bunch we picked on Sunday
And here are some camellia shadows on the water tank.
The veggie garden is beginning (we hadn't planted any as we were due in Scotland on 25 March...) and we are enjoying the daily collection and sharing.
Our climate is a very kind one - we can grow so many things. Avocados are coming on and limes have almost reached nuisance levels; but our entire orange crop has virtually just dropped which was sad.
But we have a beautiful place to occupy us and nourish us.
A magnolia bud from down below.
We are gardening most days, hauling logs, building walls, growing seedlings and sprouting seeds, gathering flowers and just enjoying basking in the beauty that surrounds us.
It calms our souls.
Despite having removed our coffee plantation because of a nasty weevil infestation a few years ago; there are still coffee bushes growing around the edges of the block and they are bursting with coffee cherries (which have the beans inside them). We figure if things get really bad, we can start to process beans again...
The camellias on the terraces below are coming into bloom and wandering amongst them is like walking amidst pink and white snow drifts.
I popped them in these little wee floating boat 'vases'; and set them upon window sills in the kitchen.
And here are some camellia shadows on the water tank.
The veggie garden is beginning (we hadn't planted any as we were due in Scotland on 25 March...) and we are enjoying the daily collection and sharing.
A few weeks ago I did a bit of a panic buy of seeds (only one packet each of about 6 veggies but I did feel a bit panicked) and we set them to grow and already they are bursting out. Barry prepared another veggie patch for them and that has been good to see.
Our climate is a very kind one - we can grow so many things. Avocados are coming on and limes have almost reached nuisance levels; but our entire orange crop has virtually just dropped which was sad.
But we have a beautiful place to occupy us and nourish us.
love seeing photos of your beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful place of respite and nature Mo. Go well.
Deletelove seeing your garden ... your photo of coffee cherries made me realize I know very little about how the cup of coffee I have at hand came to be ...
ReplyDeleteThe garden is such a lovely place to spend time and keeps us busy and active. The whole coffee thing is quite the process but also kind of fun to be able to do - very few food miles on coffee when we make it here! Go well.
Delete