Like December, January has been a cold and wet month up here on the mountain, and the garden has spent much of the time sodden. Yet, despite the heavy downpours, it’s still vibrant and alive with colourful plants and wildlife.

Although I’m always adding to the informal island beds, this month has really been one of maintenance; clearing storm drains, weeding, cutting grass, and pruning trees and shrubs. I’ve also been pruning the coffee trees; topping when they get above head height and removing new stems that tend to draw resources without providing fruits. I find that maintaining one main stem and keeping the trees low usually results in a good yield by the time October comes around. I’ve noticed some trees are already showing blossom and am hopeful the rain doesn’t spoil things.

Although the cocoa trees are still relatively young, we’ve had a decent first harvest which I’ve fermented, dried and roasted, ready to be pounded into cocoa tea balls which, for the time being, will have to be done by hand. I’m happy that my black pepper vine has survived and is doing well, and we’ve also started to get a few inca nuts. I’ve roasted and eaten a few of these and, to be honest, I’m not especially sold on them. I know they’re a so-called ‘superfood’ and said to be full of things that are good for me, but I do find the fishy aftertaste rather off-putting!

As usual, the garden is regularly visited by agoutis; usually early morning and late afternoon, though they are around throughout the day. Jaco parrots have returned to the area – they’ve been absent for a while – and I regularly hear but never manage to see a pair of mangrove cuckoos. The hummingbirds rarely seem put off by the rain, with Antillean crested caribs the most commonly sighted this month. Bananaquits have found the red cherry guavas which are now turning from green to red. I have to get in there quick or they don’t give me a chance.