12th March 2014 - Central Portugal
Well spring
is definitely here with a vengeance. Seven days of continuing sunshine with day
temperatures above 20 degrees and the night time not falling below 10 degrees.
Everything is growing. Wisteria is about to burst forth in cascades of
magnificent violet (by the way did you know that if you take cuttings from
mature Wisteria bushes you get flowers within first two years - no need to wait
the usual seven to eight years required from seed), first buds are showing on
the roses, the Arum (Easter) lilies are magnificent in statuesque white
both
pink and white Clematis “Armandii” are in full bloom and the scent is wondrous
early in the morning
Clematis Armandii |
The orchard
is awash with multi-coloured blossoms from, counted this morning, eight
different varieties of fruit trees. The early plums are, as usual, massively
overabundant in glorious white, with the peaches and nectarines
about to be
overtaken in their floral abundance by the cherries and almonds, and the orange
blossom giving a high note to the overall scent experience. Morning coffee on
the patio under a clear blue sky with the perfumes suffused by a warm southerly
breeze does not get any better, beats ‘Starbuck’s’ anytime.
The chilli
seeds planted in the propagator are now starting to come through. Remember many
‘chillis’ take up to three weeks even in a propagator at 25 degrees, to
germinate, so patience is a virtue as always in the garden. Tomato seeds are
also being propagated just now. If they do not show in five days the seed is
usual to old or badly stored so start again.
Never leave tomato seedlings in the propagator for more than three days
after the come through as they will become ‘leggy’ very quickly and then become
prone to ‘mold’. The ‘Three day Rule’ is applicable to most heat propagated
seeds. As soon as they are ‘up’ put seed tray in a cold ‘Cloche’ until second
leaf shows, at which time re-pot in to ‘growing on’ medium which has good
drainage. If the temperature remains
high raise the ‘Cloche’ during the day to start the ‘hardening off’ process but
keep closed at night until you discern growth on re-potted seedlings.
Cut back
your over wintered ‘Geraniums’, both ‘Pelargoniums’ and ‘Ivy-Leafed’, to around
100mm tall. Top fill the old pots with good compost and plant the numerous
cuttings you will now have around the edges of 100mm dia. plastic plant pots to
a depth of 50mm., water and stand in sunny spot. Keep moist but not wet (these
cuttings will root in two three weeks and start to bloom in eight weeks)
remember ‘Pelargoniums’ do not enjoy being over fed and prefer poor soil
conditions to thrive. The ‘Ivy Leaf’ variety, on the other hand, thrive on
moist conditions and lots of feed all season (then your window boxes will look
like those on a Austrian village ‘Hof’.)
How the grass (and weeds) are growing on the
terraces and orchards - better get back to the ‘strimming’ before the Head
Gardner notices the lack of activity.
Must dash,
see you soon,
Stuart.
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