Getting fruity

The Alpujarra of Granada provides an abundance of fruits, writes Jo Chipchase

BEFORE we know it Spring will be upon usalthough in the Alpujarra it tends to arrive later than on the costas.

The region has a long history of cultivation and agriculture, but what can be grown varies with altitude.

From the riverbeds to the mountain peaks, you’ll find colourful flora growing naturally, as well as a wealth of fruit and vegetables planted throughout the terrain. Many people have their own vegetable plots, called huertas The area is renowned for its abundance of grapes, prickly pears (don’t pick these up in your hands!), nisperos, figs, avocados, olives, oranges, and lemons – made famous by Christ Stewart’s book ‘Driving Over Lemons’, which is being televised. It also has almonds, cherries, peaches, and apples, as well as tomatoes and other huerta goodies, such as cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, lettuce, aubergine, onions, courgette, and cabbage (although the veg are less eye catching than the flowering trees). ty and find connection in our shared mourning.”

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The retreat takes place in House of Light, a beautiful space in Orgiva dedicated to transformational healing and body work.

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Sacred Circle Training Co. has ‘Open Circles’ for the curious running through February and March, where questions can be asked.

Robert and William run the Jardin de la Alpujarra near the village of Portugos. Robert says: “Up here, spring arrives more slowly than on the coast, giving each bloom a chance to give its best. The first buds of the almond trees burst into flower in early January. Almond blossom gives way to cherry, peach, apricot, and apple, while the sequence of wildflowers takes us from the bright yellow of the gorse to the gaudy pink of the cistus.”

“In March, daffodils wave from the roadside and, in April, the wisteria cascades from the balconies of village houses. Most dramatic of all are the wild asphodels that emerge from the succulent clumps in April with their milky white, star-like flowers.” “In late May, the sight and smell of the Spanish broom is intoxicating, along with the delicate aroma of jasmine. Roses grow in abundance in the dry air.”

Gareth Lister, a keen gardener based above the spa town of Lanjaron, likes planting his own trees. He advises: “Now is a great time to plant trees while they are still dormant. The soil is moist and easy to work. Garden centres are brimming with trees - both bare root and potted. Plant them both the same way. Dig a hole larger than you need, loosening the soil all around the planting hole. Don’t plant too deep - keep the soil at the same height that the tree has been grown. Fill in and firm the soil with your feet, leaving a small ridge