Growing a Fence and Digging a Trench...

Now that it looks like we are likely to get neighbours again, I have been wondering what to do with the diamond mesh fence between the two properties at the back of the kitchen. Further down, the fence is being covered with Star Jasmine creeper and very pretty it is too. It will be awesome when the creeper completely covers the fence. It is an evergreen plant and the only things it drops are the sweet smelling flowers when they are spent. It almost looks like confetti on the ground, blissfully bride-like.

Where the perimeter is still bare and open, we have started planting the ice-cream bush (also known as fire and ice) both sides of the fence. It will not need much water and the ground looks very healthy, rich and dark and sufficiently crumbly. Before too long the green fence will start growing. The bush grows thick and does well with regular clipping.

On the side of the house a trench has been dug along the fence line and filled with rocks. This is to disperse the torrential rain water that comes rushing through the yard in summer. The trench will lead the water to the gardens at the back. It is a great way to use the stones that came out of a demolished garden wall.

The paw paw tree is bearing fruit. What a delight. The lemons on the three trees are plump and filling up with juice, ready for a new batch of home-made lemonade. The sweet potatoes are waiting to be planted after full moon and I shall plant one packet of lettuce seed tomorrow at full moon, as well as coriander. These will grow in big pots outside my kitchen door. They are ready and waiting.

There is room in the back garden for about two more fruit trees. Choices, choices! I fancy a litchi tree and a creamy Hass avocado tree. Kiwi fruit grows well in the mountains as do blueberries.