Reinaldo Mariqueo of the Mapuche people in Chile, formely the kingdom of Auraucania, plants an Araucaria Auraucana in the garden and explains about the tree and his people

The monumental ash tree behind the house came crashing down one fine summer day. The base of the tree showed signs of rot and the higher branches had been cut back twice in the hope that it would survive and not be blown over by the wind. Unfortunately such was not the case.

Wigandia is a pretty plant with large leaves and purple flowers, but it also has very invasive root system. In our garden it has spread to the cliff face where, along with Bougainvillea, it has become a real menace. Here, my daughter Claudia is shown clearing one part of the cliff.