There is very little shade in the garden, there is very little respite from the heat and very little rain, so I wasn't holding out much help for having a garden in Dubai.
However that didn't deter me, I purchased some seeds and compost from a local garden centre and thought I'd just give it a go. The marigolds and petunias sprouted through in 3-5 days and in the pot at the front of the picture are cacti.
Everyday we water the sand? Why, it's sand. If we don't then the slightest bit of wind picks up the sand and carries it into the house, down the back of our throats and it gets in just about everywhere. We were surprised to discover we actually had some grass in the back garden and after successfully trimming the shrubs they've started to flower again.
But there's this little patch of sand where nothing grows and it's near the front door, it looks sad and neglected, so this is where we are going to attempt to plants some flowers and we'll be reseeding the patch out the back also.
We've been saving the water cooler bottles and we'll use them as planters for strawberry plants and tomatoes, the seedlings have been pricked out and are now bedding plant sized so the transformation of the sand pit will commence shortly.
You should set up an aquaponics to grow veggies and flowers, I'm sure it would work. No dirt or sand needed.
ReplyDeleteI've bought seeds and plants that thrive well in the sand and that require little water
DeleteMy fingers are about as green as your sand :) so I'm very impressed you have anything growing in such harsh terrain, well done :)
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed also, this is the first time I've grown seeds to this size
DeleteI visited RHS Wisley here in the UK a few weeks back and their glasshouse had a smashing cacti display in it. I was amazed at just how many different varieties there were and the colourful flowers some of them had. I guess you could have quite the cacti corner in that space out the front with some different levels of heights built up. Greta that you've had planting success already.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about watering the sand - I wouldn't have thought about the whole sand issue - mind you it's mud I have an issue with here!
Thanks for joining in and sharing.
i can't believe how quickly the seeds germinated, no idea what type of cacti I've sown, it just said 'mixed' on the front
DeleteI'm impressed that you have got anything to grow in such challenging conditions. You sound like you've researched what will grow in your surroundings and will do a great job.
ReplyDeletethanks Louisa, lets hope i don't forget to water the plants
DeleteWow talk about tough conditions! Hope all your hard work pays off :)
ReplyDeletethanks, we'll just have to see how it goes, nothing to lose
DeleteWow - good luck with your growing - looking forward to seeing how you get on #hdygg
ReplyDeleteI'm super impressed that you have so much growing, I can struggle with soil, sun and rain!
ReplyDeletewe planted out into the sand pit last night, no idea if it's going to work or not yet
DeleteYay - from #AnimalTales to #HDYGG. I am really looking forward to seeing how your garden develops in the heat of Dubai .... It'll be a challenge but I am sure you'll see great results.
ReplyDeletethank you
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