Finally, by April 2007, the alberca was complete and ready to be filled with water. At first attempt there appeared a few damp patches around the outside, indicating that the reservoir was losing water in a few places. The local builders' yard told us not to worry, all albercas have a leak or two, even if built by real builders. Not being 'real' we weren't content with this so drained it, found the patches where it leaked and re-cemented them with more durable, water resistant stuff. The result was that when we re-filled it a second time, the damp patches didn't return and so we were satisfied - although at the time of writing the olive trees near to the alberca have put on a spurt of growth so they must be benefiting from extra water some how.

So, as long as we can keep the alberca reasonably full then we should have a constant supply of water whenever we need it

Spring of 2007 was a long and relatively cool one. April was distinctly cold and the warm days of May came in gently giving the spring flowers plenty of time to enjoy the late rains. In the middle of May we had a large storm that caused a great amount of damage to local crops by ripping through the tender new leaves with large hail stones. Evidence of this can still be seen on the plants in the region, but the good thing about the storm was that it also deposited a large amount of snow on the high Sierra Nevada peaks that has ensured a good supply of irrigation water until at least the end of July - a welcome event since winter rainfalls had again been way below average.

In the garden we took advantage of the long cool spring by planting a new terrace - or at least half of it. The effect of this will be much less formal in design with the planting areas and paths making up a number of interlocking sinewy curves. We have used more block planting of single species, and have used a narrower range of plant material. The idea is to have plants that are not too thirsty and have similar water needs. Trees have been chosen to give protection from wind and sun, and are integral to the design of the space. One tree we are particularly pleased with is the Liquid Amber which, from the day we first them in the soil, have loved the conditions we have to offer. Once established it is envisaged that this area of the garden will not need irrigating as much as the areas closer to the house. It will introduce the presence of more drought tolerant plant material, in preparation for the next terrace along which we plan to make create as an area of native planting that needs virtually no irrigation other than that required to establish the plants - but that is work for another year.

By the end of June, the full heat of summer had arrived, and by the end of July temperatures have been reaching 29 degrees centigrade - not a heat wave as far as Spain is concerned, but quite hot enough for us gardeners. Work is now centred around keeping on top of the weeds and out of the sun if possible. Work starts early, in the cool of the morning, at about 6.30am. Watering takes place in the evening after the sun has set, so our working day in the summer doesn't seem to finish until about 10.00pm. With this in mind we have essential nature of the Spanish afternoon siesta.

The second week in August will see a bit of a land mark for us and the garden since it is to be the venue for an informal musical concert.