A SECOND SPRING SURPRISES

3rd. OCTOBER - CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Only in the unique climate of the ‘Beiras’ of central Portugal can ‘Autumn’ and a second ‘Spring’ be experienced simultaneously. The influence of the Iberian Peninsula and the Atlantic ‘Trade Winds’ of October ensure that the temperature remains in the mid to high ‘20’s’ with the added advantage of copious rain (mainly at night to leave the days bathing in a halcyon blue sky).

Suddenly the summer ‘heat’ hibernated plants all rush into action with a myriad  of luscious multi hued green shoots bursting from the scorched earth plus the amazing ‘pink and cerise’ of the leafless Nerine flowers which never cease to create an image of life on another planet.

So, the season of ‘Mellow Fruitfulness’ is enjoined to a season of new life and anticipation.  Have always considered the gardening year starts on the 1st  December’ so the bonus of a ‘Second Spring’ in October and November softens the year-end ‘Blues’.

Good time to order your seeds for next season as the Seed Merchants all offer big discounts and excellent special offers at this time of year (it seems most of the buying world is concentrating on Christmas). About time you planted your new tulip bulbs if you want a colourful result in February and March ( having tulips blooming in a Portuguese garden in April just demonstrates lack of for-sight the previous ‘Fall’ – so there). Amarylis (Hippeastrums in polite circles) should be planted for Christmas blooming. (Remember, only two thirds of the bulb should be in the potting media, which should be just damp on planting. Never water until first flower shoots appear or you will only get leaves). Keep inside on a window ledge and enjoy massive, full blown, trumpets over Christmas.   

Last chance to take ‘over wintering’ cuttings from Geranium and Fuchsia, (take too late and they will not root and will usually rot off). Strawberry cuttings should now be rooted and ready to pot- on for next year fruiting. Good time to lift and split early fruiting Raspberries, or simply cut out the old canes and leave the new shoots to flourish. This keeps the bed around the same size for next year).

About time to do an early pruning on most of your fruit trees.  Remove all dead and diseased branches and cut out the middle of the tree and all inward facing shoots.  This keeps the trees from ‘rocking’ in the winter winds and encourages strong new growth. Cut the tall new shoots from Plum, Apple, Pear, Marmelos, Apricots and Peaches.  This makes them much easier to harvest when the fruit is ripe.

If Olives are poor again this year, (had this experience for last three years, abundant flower, little fruit set, could it be lack of bees?) give the trees a good verbal dressing down and threaten with total destruction if this happens again, then cut of the top third of the branches (that should ‘kick start’ its hormones).

Still picking Chillis, freezer full, taste buds ‘Fried’, but still they flower, fruit and ripen. Will move the chosen few plants into winter quarters in the next few weeks. (Fruit always ‘hotter’ in the second and third year according to the ‘Pundits’.)

The Head Gardener needs some herbs -  must be getting fed this week - and coffee is ready on the sun drenched terrace. What a life, but somebody has to enjoy it don’t they?. Must dash before the second bell (precursor to the fall of the ‘Sword of Damocles’ from the HG’s hand), 

see you soon,

Stuart.