This past week provided a great opportunity for us to make some enhancements to the gardens of the Hacienda. For the past few months we have been trying to track down a plant that does very well all over California especially in dry and sunny conditions such as those prevalent at La Ensenada. In the U.S. the plant is called Oleander and comes in either white or pink. Those who are familiar with California highways have seen it all along the roads in the central valley. No one we spoke to seemed to be able to identify the Spanish name and the plant in the Dominican Republic until last week when we were at el Vivero Frank in Santiago. Who knew that we should have been asking for Rosa de Peru! Any way we have now planted 9 perfect specimens as a border for Henry’s casita. They should do well there.
We also took advantage of the incredible selectiton at Frank’s to purchase 6 more Mango trees. These will further enhance the established collection of fruit trees planted over the last few years. The goal continues to be the planting of the fruits most commonly enjoyed by our guests so that we can be ever more self-sufficient.
The other plant that seems to love La Ensenada is Rosemary. This hardy plant requires very little water and produces a wonderful aroma. The beds under each of Henry’s windows have done so well we also puchased more and plant to grow Rosemary hedges along the path from the back steps to Hendry’s room.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that all our new plants survive the dry summer heat and thrive in the years to come.
