We’ve brought the Med to our garden

BritiSh gardeners are a bit late in getting a taste for the tropics (Mail): my wife Jackie and i have grown exotic plants in large pots on our patio for the past decade. We have a fig tree, two oleanders, two olive trees, an agave, chusan palm, fatsia japonica, bamboo and cape gooseberry. our next challenge is to attempt to cultivate a pomegranate. When we moved into our country cottage, we inherited a blank canvas of a garden. there was only one plant, a giant cordyline, that died in the first winter. We had brought a large fig in a pot from our previous home, which was the start of our gardening adventure. in truth, i am merely the undergardener and Jackie is the creative expert. other than being wrapped in horticultural fleece, the plants take their chances in winter and so far we haven’t lost any. they give us pleasure all year round, are a constant reminder of happy holidays on the continent and provide shade for harry, our border collie. We’ve given countless cuttings to friends and so spread our Mediterranean garden gospel. our patio has really come into its own in the heatwave — all we need is the beach and sea!

MIKE MAIN, South Hykeham, Lincs.