A Flower is Worth a Thousand Words. . .

A Thousand Words . . .

Beauty for the Balcony

Near my apartment is Valencia's Mercado Central. It's a huge farmers market that's open from about ten in the morning until the early afternoon when everything gets packed up and taken down just before siesta. Vendors set up their booths inside a gorgeous old building just across from La Lonja {Valencia's ancient silk merchant market}. Ever since we happened upon the Mercado my husband and I have enjoyed wandering through the market, experiencing all the different sights and smells.

The market is definitely a shock for the senses. There are stacks of farm fresh eggs in white and speckled brown. Huge containers of pickled sardines sit below dried squid strung on large hooks from the ceilings of the stalls. Tall, narrow bottles of locally produced olive oil catch morning sun streaming through the arching entrances, causing the amber liquid to sparkle. Baskets of warm, freshly baked bread, bunches of dried herbs and spices, and crates overflowing with picked-this-morning lemons and oranges crowd the narrow walkways. The other day as we finished picking out a watermelon and some freshly baked baguettes we stumbled upon a garden stall. That's when I saw her...

Bougainvillea has long been one of my favorite plants. I remember the first time I noticed its incredible hot pink color absolutely enveloping an arbor near Disneyland's Rancho del Zocalo restaurant. Ever since then I've been hooked on this climbing vine that's suited for more tolerant climates than my own. So when I caught a glimpse of this one as I walked past with my baguette, I couldn't help myself. I gave my husband my best Marcus pleeease eyes and for just €8 it was mine.

Our apartment happens to have the perfect exposure to support this blooming beauty: full and hot southern sun on our balconies. Bougainvillea is a wonderful container plant because of their love of hot sun and preference of dry soil. Also, container planting of Bougainvillea allows you to winter the plant in a sunny spot indoors {if you live below zone 10}. They're great for smaller spaces because they aren't aggressive growers and provide a ton of color for minimum effort. Go out and grab one for your patio or balcony!

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Kate's Quotables

Moorish Style. . .put Moor into your garden

I spent this past weekend traveling to Seville and Málaga. My husband and I visited the palace of Alcázar and the Alcazaba fortress. We srtolled through the high walled courtyards, listened to the trickling water in fountains and pools, inhaled the heavy purfume of jasmine, roses and orange blossoms while admiring the contrast between terra cotta pavers and brightly colored ceramic tiles.

In the eighth century the Moorish invasion of Spain introduced a style of garden design that would remain long after their rule had ended. Islamic and Persian gardens where among the first pleasure gardens in the world, creating a fragrant refuge from the desert. These gardens were very much like our own gardens today;  places of sanctuary and escape.

It could be fun to incorporate elements of Moorish style into your garden, Here's how!