Although we haven't made a lot of headway inside, the yard is looking pretty good. Except for the overgrown ruda plant just to the left of the gate as you come in. These are traditionally planted in that spot to ensure "good luck". And it's been used medicinally all over the world for everything from toothaches to intestinal worms. But the smell? Ewwww! I guess another use is natural insect repellent if you can stand to rub it on your skin. Don't think I could! It smells like flatulence every time you open the gate and disturb the plant. Welcome to our home! The hubby plans to either take it out entirely, or cut it way, way back.
But the roses are glorious, aren't they? One rose bush or another has been blooming ever since mid-September. We also have honey suckle, oleander, irises, and these cute little purple flowers.
But they're not what we thought they were (portulaca or moss rose) so looks like we need to get a book about flowers! Here's a photo of the front of our yard along the fence.
Whoever lived here in the past put in a lot of work to plant the wide variety we are now enjoying. Both sides of the yard are also lined with rose bushes, hostas and other plants. And in the backyard is a peach tree! Oh to think of the succulent peaches we'll be able to enjoy in a few months!
The hubby says it's so loaded we'll probably have to prop up a couple of the branches or they'll break under the weight of the fruit. The covered patio out back is a favorite place, especially with the parrilla right there. Every Monday we get together with our co-workers for a little planning session/food fest. Last night while the guys worked on the asado (bar-b-q Argentine style), we ladies kicked back out there and chowed down on some homemade salsa and tortilla chips. It was a lovely evening!
5 comments:
Oh Kim, how lovely! God is very good!
Argentina has come a long way in the almost 30 years since I left. I had never heard of tortilla chips until I came to the States and did you actually find chili peppers for the salsa?
Comment #2. I was pretty sure that the little purple flowers were from the ice plant so I did a little research. It sure looks like the same plant, scientific name Carpobrotus edulis. I also researched the Ruda plant but can't share the results on this blog, being that it's a clean family oriented kind of blog.
Thanks, Sharon, for the info on the flower!
The tortilla chips were semi-homemade, too. I bought a package of flour tortillas, cut them into eighths and fried them in a little oil. I can buy the chips in Cordoba but not here in Carlos Paz.
And could have used chili peppers but didn't simply 'cause we can't handle the heat at our advanced age :-) But we DID find cilantro! Which is what prompted the whole chips and salsa thing.
What a beautiful yard from your pictures. I love hostas... All the flowers are just beautiful. I forget that you're in spring now. You'll enjoy those peaches. I expect to see a peach cobbler post in a few months. :) We need to start researching your ingredients now, don't we.
And there was a plant in Greece that only grows in the Samaria Gorge area of Crete that was a beautiful deep burgundy that looked a little like a calla lily. I think it was called dragons tongue (or something like that)... It had a similar awful smell.
How very special that you should 'inherit' a lovely flower garden! Reminds me of a similar experience in Austria. We rented a tiny house with a huge yard. It was so much fun to watch the many varieties 'spring' up that year!
I'm sure Mother will enjoy looking at your flower photos!
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