26th May 2014 CENTRAL PORTUGAL
A cold ‘Plunge’ from the ‘Arctic North’ down the
east coast of the Iberian Peninsula has stopped most of the growth in the
garden during the last few days. Night temperatures down to 3 degrees and
daytime temperatures struggling to reach 18 degrees have ensured that most
plants are currently in ‘Hibernation’ mode. These low temperatures, together
with a cold North westerly wind, have ensured that ‘Gardening’ has not been as
pleasant as expected in the last half of May in Portugal.
Still having problems with ‘Cut Worm’ in the tomato
tubs; only solution seems to be putting a physical barrier around the plant
stems (have been cutting down plant pots to place around each vulnerable
specimen), most annoying to find the prime tomato plants devastated by these
little ’Blighters'.
Climbing Beans, both green and purple varieties, are coming into flower and have already reached the top of the ‘Support Structure’ (2 metres high) so ‘Where they will go next’ is one of nature’s well kept secrets
. Courgettes and Cucumbers are thriving on the new ‘Grey Water’ system (recycled water from the ‘showers’ in the house). First flower buds are forming in Courgettes and small Cucumbers are now visible - looks like the start of another profuse season (almost impossible to give them away in a ‘good’ year).
Chillis are still trying hard but are not enjoying the night cold. However, the plants that ‘over-wintered’ (only recently realised that Chillis work well on a two year cycle) are full of flower and might just produce an early ‘bumper’ crop. ‘Piri Piri’ and ‘Sereno’ potted seedlings just planted out and the ‘California Wonder’ peppers are progressing well (this is a highly recommended variety of ‘Sweet’ pepper which produces excellent green, and later red, fruit, but then it could not do less with such a name). ‘Cayenne’, ‘Pavlec’, ‘Hungarian Wax’ and ‘Chilli Bomb’ are all still struggling to make progress.
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| Tomatoes thriving in large tubs |
Climbing Beans, both green and purple varieties, are coming into flower and have already reached the top of the ‘Support Structure’ (2 metres high) so ‘Where they will go next’ is one of nature’s well kept secrets
 |
| Runner climbing beans starting to flower |
. Courgettes and Cucumbers are thriving on the new ‘Grey Water’ system (recycled water from the ‘showers’ in the house). First flower buds are forming in Courgettes and small Cucumbers are now visible - looks like the start of another profuse season (almost impossible to give them away in a ‘good’ year).
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| First courgette appearing - will soon be over-run - again! |
Chillis are still trying hard but are not enjoying the night cold. However, the plants that ‘over-wintered’ (only recently realised that Chillis work well on a two year cycle) are full of flower and might just produce an early ‘bumper’ crop. ‘Piri Piri’ and ‘Sereno’ potted seedlings just planted out and the ‘California Wonder’ peppers are progressing well (this is a highly recommended variety of ‘Sweet’ pepper which produces excellent green, and later red, fruit, but then it could not do less with such a name). ‘Cayenne’, ‘Pavlec’, ‘Hungarian Wax’ and ‘Chilli Bomb’ are all still struggling to make progress.
Strawberries are miserable - best to buy commercially grown as they are larger and better tasting (and very cheap) in Portugal. Raspberries are now starting to fruit (these are best grown on ‘home’ turf in Portugal as commercially available varieties cannot stand the usually high summer temperatures). The ‘yellow’ strain, planted last year, are about to outpace the traditional ‘Reds’ in the supply stakes.
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| A glimpse of the very tasty yellow raspberries |
Pear trees have ‘set’ well with fruit, as have the Peaches, both red and white, and the Nectarines and Plums.
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| peaches well on the way |
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| loaded Loquat (Nesperos in Portugal) |
Roses are still giving of their ‘Best’. The
‘Climbers’ and ‘Ramblers’ are particularly vigorous this year. Their scent has replaced the smell of Orange
Blossom and Jasmine (which tends to become very ‘Cloying’ after a few weeks),
with the gentle fragrances of ancient Persia and the medieval French ‘Par
Terre’.
The Fuchsias are enjoying the shade under the Orange trees on the terrace. Full sunshine tends to wilt the flowers and foliage. Their ‘Lush’ green leaves and ‘Multi Coloured’ pendulous flowers never fail to please and the range of colours, from almost black deep purples to pure white, with the most comprehensive mixed pallet between, always amazes both the ‘un-tutored’ to the veteran Fuchsia ‘Officinado’.
Geraniums, both ‘Ivy Leafed’ and ‘Pelargoniums’ are now in full glorious flower (remember NO, feed only water if you want a truly splendid ‘show’).
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| wish you could smell this lovely rambler |
The Fuchsias are enjoying the shade under the Orange trees on the terrace. Full sunshine tends to wilt the flowers and foliage. Their ‘Lush’ green leaves and ‘Multi Coloured’ pendulous flowers never fail to please and the range of colours, from almost black deep purples to pure white, with the most comprehensive mixed pallet between, always amazes both the ‘un-tutored’ to the veteran Fuchsia ‘Officinado’.
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| This fuchsia is a particular favourite of the Head Gardner! |
Geraniums, both ‘Ivy Leafed’ and ‘Pelargoniums’ are now in full glorious flower (remember NO, feed only water if you want a truly splendid ‘show’).
The ‘Weeds’ don’t seem to be put- off by the unseasonal ‘cold’, so back to the
orchard, armed with ‘Strimmer’ for another ‘aerobic’ session. Never mind it
does keep the Head Gardener at bay (seems to revel in the sight of ‘damp’
patches of ‘perspiration’ due to excessive effort).
Must dash, see you soon.
Stuart.
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