When we first moved to Cabril I had grand visions of gardening. We would have an endless supply of fresh, organic vegetables and the courtyard would be brimming with all sorts of luscious plant life. And I, of course, would be wearing the perfect gardening outfit for tending these bursting blooms and well-groomed beds of bounty.
This was before I discovered my complete lack of domestic instinct. Sadly there is not a gardening bone in this body and our vegetables grow in the supermarket. However, while I am disappointed by this discovery I refuse to be defeated. So this year I’m starting with the basics.
Hortelã
The soil in Cabril is really not like any soil I’ve ever known. It’s more like a s***tload of rocks held together by muddy clay-like earth. I’ve read all about the joys of gardening but working the soil in Cabril is anything but relaxing. So I decided to plant some useful herbs in among the rocks and, after a few miserable attempts with seeds, I went for the more sensible approach and bought tiny herb plants.
Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of reading manuals, instruction books or anything vaguely helpful. My learning style is much more hands-on which basically means that I only learn what not to do. In hindsight, this would have been useful to know:
“Mint will grow in, out and around all garden plants. Not unlike a weed, this herb is tenacious and dedicated to spreading through the garden like wildfire.” (from the ever-so helpful Canadian Senior Years)
Now then, what to do with all these mint leaves …?
.
PS: Muito obrigada to KPX, DaddyP, stinkypaw and daisyfae for their comments on Green.
that would make a metric ton of dolmades! probably not something you could sell on etsy, but might be worth a try!
Oooh dolmades! A most excellent suggestion! Now, where to find grape leaves … ?
Trail and error is the very best way to learn and it has the great advantage of entertaining onlookers ……..
Anything to keep ya’ll entertained …
Still, it must smell lovely. But that’s very frustrating – what about getting Penfold to make some raised beds and fill them with bought in compost – you won’t have to keep replacing it, so it’s a one time expense. It will be easy to work and it will hold moisture; and purpose made nets to keep the creatures out. Also, pots for tomatoes/potatoes/courgettes etc on the balcony.
Well, it does smell loverly and I’m collecting oodles of recipes that call for mint (Daisyfae now has me convinced I need to find grape leaves). Yesterday I declared that container gardening was the way to go so definitely a balcony activity, and my tomatoes are actually showing signs of growth! I love the idea of raised beds … but interior doors would be nice, too.
x
it’s really good in corn fritters too! Srsly.
Dolce, welcome!
Oooh, minty corn fritters – must find recipe …
Mojitos! or Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad.
Val!!! Funny, I just found a recipe for watermelon and cucumber mint tsatsiki but feta sounds even better. Or you could just come here and show me how to make it …
Maybe some sort of spreadsheet would help… x
Already in progress … x
…they ‘do’ make good Mint Candied Leaves for serving with tea. (Why the Brits didn’t think of it, I’ll never know)
Oooh, sounds perfectly civilized. Even if the Brits had nothing to do with it …
I could have written this post. It is so like me. I love the idea of it all, but I just don’t have the time. Besides my husband has taken control of the garden bits, and I will do the house on the inside. He does surprise me with lovely veggies and flowers…. and we are both happy. With me indoors
I don’t do manuals either, although my littlest children love making drawings in them. Better to just try it, fail a few times, and then know what NOT to do
Welcome lillalotta! I can’t think of anything more romantic than a fresh bouquet of veggies and I’ve decided that life is just more interesting without instructions.
Ah, I had done the same type of “mistake” with Lily of the Valley, they spread like crazy and can’t be killed! Fresh mint in tea with lots of sugar is very good (like they do in Marocco)…
Well I can think of worse things than out-of-control lillies of the valley and mint!