Phalaenopsis Orchid

House plants early November

I have stopped watering the Cyclamen so it now looks very sad indeed. The Sempervivum seems to be throwing up a flower spike of some kind. Leaves broken off the Echeveria and bits of Crassula that I dried out and then planted are showing signs of having roots of their own. The christmas cactus buds look ready to open I cant wait.

The Brugmansia is bigger still

I will get bored of showing the progress made by my Brugmansia, probably but as it seems to have successfully survived a red spidermite incident it deserves another post.
Below is 'Little Ray' in early September,

One month later in late September,

Taken today on 5th November, with my hand to show the leaf size.

Birthday books

I did very well on my birthday this year and have books to show for it. Good old Boris Johnson is funny in 'Have I got views for you' I havent finished this yet and Im just dipping into it when I have time. It is a collection of pieces written at various times about subjects such as Manners and Morals to Literary Heroes. Ive only read the collection of his fast cars articles for GQ before but this book is good for a laugh.

Brugmansia and Datura is the seminal text or so it seems about my beloved Brugmansia. Previously I have only been able to get info about the plants from american websites but this book covers all aspects of Brug care and is full of beautiful amazing photos.



I can recommend the 12 million dollar shark to anyone interested in modern art. Especially those who know that guy who stuffed a shark and sold it as art. It is a very interesting and completely readable look at the transactions that take place behind the scenes. Lots about auction houses, dealers, commissions and publicity.

Thank you Rich for Nanny Ogg's cookbook. I am not embarrassed to say I have always been a great Terry Pratchett fan and of course since his illness was made public every spin off book from the discworld is greatly appreciated. It is written in the first person in the saucy voice of Gytha the witch as in Masquerade.

Again I haven't finished the Lost Gardens of Heligan book but when I do find the time it is a treat. It is a real life Secret Garden and the story is totally gripping and fantastic. I love the magic of such an epic garden that was abandoned and then rediscovered.
Little People in the City starts with a comedy intro by Will Self, this book has taken the place of the bunny suicides for dip in humour. I like the little people hefting Wotzits around the London pavement.

Seville pt. 6 Cathedral y Plaza de Pilatas

Seville Cathedral is a world heritage site and like the Mesquita in Cordoba was built over an existing mosque. The cathedral covers 11,520 square metres in floor space and the nave rises to 42 metres high. The cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus since he was moved back to Spain from Cuba.

Casa de Pilatas is a private palace that local legend says is built to the dimensions of Pontius Pilate's house in Jerusalem. The House is built in the Mudejar style and has fantastic courtyards gardens full of my favourite Brugmancias.