Imagine swapping the green fields of the UK for the sunny shores of Fuerteventura. That's exactly what my husband Bob and I did back in 2006. Little did we know, gardening in this Canarian paradise would be a whole new experience for us!
First up, we had to figure out what would actually grow in this exotic land. Our secret weapon? Other people's gardens! We shamelessly peeked over fences, gathering inspiration from our green-thumbed neighbors.
Roses, our beloved blooms from back home, turned out to be a bit more high-maintenance in Fuerteventura. They demanded lots of attention and water, making us work extra hard to keep them happy. It was a challenge, but we weren't about to let those roses wither!
Cacti, on the other hand, were right at home in the Canary Islands. These prickly wonders thrived in the arid soil and embraced the sunshine with open arms. However, we had to be careful around our pets and little ones, as those spiky beauties could cause some mischief!
When it came to trees, we discovered a few stars that handled the heat and dryness like champs. Palm trees, with their graceful fronds swaying in the breeze, were an obvious choice. But we also fell in love with the pepper trees, adding a spicy touch to our garden, and the Jerusalem thorns, which brought unique character to our oasis. And let's not forget the majestic Yukku trees, standing tall and proud amidst the desert landscape.
Adapting our gardening style to Fuerteventura wasn't always easy, but it was definitely worth it. We traded our English roses for a stunning array of succulents and heat-loving plants. The vibrant colors and resilience of these botanical wonders taught us to appreciate the beauty that can thrive in even the harshest conditions.
So, if you're thinking of making Fuerteventura your new home, get ready to embrace a different kind of gardening adventure. It may take some trial and error, but the rewards are sweeter than a slice of juicy watermelon on a scorching summer day. Happy gardening, amigos!
