Gardening, and for that matter, farming, is a whole new ball game in Fuerteventura.
I kept my eyes skinned for good examples for the blog.
Firstly there is no soil, as I understand it, but there is plenty of volcanic rock and this is rich in minerals.
The most interesting thing is to see what grows in the wild but I have kept that back until part 3.
Aloes for instance, grow very well here and are harvested for their properties.
The plants are four years old before any part is used and then only one leaf per plant is taken. The scar heals within a few days and these are the properties people want. Therefore the aloe lotions are very good for the skin....sunburn, acne, stretch mark etc. It can also be used to boost the immune system and as a detoxifier.
It stimulates cell growth and therefore helps wounds heal faster. It also has antibiotic properties.
The industry seems very well set up with information centres all over the island.
There are free demonstrations and you can try the products.
I bought myself some lotion with "herbes." It was not cheap. And we bought aloe vera soap for presents.
The garden at the villa was well maintained and very interesting.
Crushed volcanic rock is used along with well placed larger rocks to define areas.
Huge succulents dominated.
This amazing cacti was in the back garden.
This is acacia I think.
Not sure of this one.
This is bougainvillea, next to the volleyball court.
Lantana.
This little grass was growing
on the other side of the wall.
Finally I was totally amazed to find what looked like allotments in one of the villages. I am intruiged to know what they grow...perhaps some salads and some kind of beans. Fantastic.
Really lovely photos. The difference from our plants is amazing. Do you think Canarians ever seen a worm??
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting thought. How can we find out?
ReplyDelete