A description of life in the village of Pruna, nestled in the Andalusian mountains of Seville

In my first year in Spain I was pretty shocked at how poor the garden centres were, a small clump of shrubs, a few mass produced trees, sacks of cannabis compost raising sniggers from other Brits.

Then on one day driving through Moron de la Frontera I noticed a sign for Viveros Rey and decided to follow them. Of course this being Spain they were sparse and far between but finally we turned right and drove along a dirt track, and following more signs, found the Viveros, or plant nursery, and what a find it was.

I bought a Grevillea Johnsonii for 9 euros!! 

And then to cap it all I bought the most beautiful small tree, about 1.5m high, with silver grey leaves and very beautiful flowers. On getting home I realised that the receipt gave the name of this tree, so out of interest I googled it, and it was a Feijoa, a tree that has fantstic fruit in December, and it cost me 10 euros!!

I also bought many many geraniums, Verbena, pelagoniums etc, all at 1.5 euros each, and healthy and bright they are too.

Viveros in Andalucia are not used to us Brits wandering round, so come prepared, a box for the plants, and plenty of change, they will not appreciate a 50 euro note for three geraniums, and in fact will have difficulty giving change because much of their custom is landscapers and councils, but they do appreciate your delight at seeing such a vast array of plants and trees at such very reasonable prices. Lots of smiles and 'bonito' and you will do just fine.

Viveros Rey, the best Viveros I have found, is found on the road between Moron and Marchena, the signs take you to the outskirts of Moron, on the A361,, and after about 5k keep an eye out to your right and you will see a plain blacl and white sign 15m into the track with the word Viveros on it, turn down the track (fine for a normal car) and you will see a sign saying Viveros Rey, turn to the Viveros, park under the trees and walk around, you will be amazed at the variety, quality, and price.

The address is Viveros Rey, Hernando de Sola No 3, 41530 Moron de la Frontera (Seville)

But whenever you see a sign Viveros go and have a look.

I am loath to drive in Spain and relying on taxis, though useful and convenient, does not make me feel 'at home'.

I have previously done the Malaga airport to pruna route by public transport, but now was the time to go it alone, by bus, from Seville to Pruna.

There are two buses a day to Olvera (six kilometers after Pruna) from Seville San Sebastien Bus station, one at 1pm, and another at 7pm.

I flew the 6.30am easyjet flight from Gatwick getting me into Seville 10ish (Spanish time, add an hour!) and therefore 11ish by the time I had got off the plane and through customs.

On leaving passport control you pass through swing doors and into a long corridor, ahead of you is bright lights and shops, ignore! Immediately turn left through the exit doors maked SALIDA and there is the bus stop for the airport bus that will take you into Seville. Ticket money is collected in the queue (4 euros) and it will be a tight squeeze on the bus.

You need to get off at the smaller bus station of Prado de San Sebastien, but if you foolishly miss it and get to the big bus station you will need to take the No 4 bus back to San Sebastien (of course I missed it! who would have thought Seville would have two bus stations! Even so I had plenty of time to sit and relax before the 1pm bus arrived)

You buy the tickets on the bus itself, it gets into bay 14 and always seems to be punctual, tickets are 8.40 euros which seems very cheap. The trip took 1 hour and 45 minutes and was a real pleasure. As you leave Moron and start to see the Andalucian Sierras you know you are coming home.