
We only lately uncovered the original fig trees, believed to have been planted in the 1850s. The first, pictured here, was visible but mainly masked by the periwinkle and the overgrowth. After a team of at least fourteen weeded the dirt patch near the marquee pad we finally saw what we had there.

The same tree in winter, before we began the work. The area was full of old rocks as well as weeds.

How the area looks after the weeding.
A horticulturalist, who specialises in old trees, pruned this and the other ancient figs we also found along the strip. I have taken over the end shown here where the area joins onto 'my' garden. I redid the rock border along the path and the rock wall on the left hand side and at the back.
Recently I planted a little ground cover, making the decision to keep the plants pink and purple. It's all still a work in progress. I'll show more when the leaves have grown.