SUDDENLY IT'S SUNNY AND WARM

25^TH NOVEMBER 2014 – CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Sun’s shining, simply amazing, thought it had been put out by the torrential rain.  Apparently not. as it is looking magnificent in a clear blue sky. Must be the old adage that ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’.

The trees are enjoying their last glorious fling of Autumn. The colours are sensational, as usual, but easily forgotten, turning the late afternoon into an ‘Impressionist’ paradise. Enjoy NOW as the fall will happen overnight leaving bleak bare bones of branches for at least three months. (Thank goodness for ever-greens).

Maples giving wonderful autumn colour in our town

This Catalpa (Indian Bean Tree) is already naked!

 

The mild but excessive wetness of October and November has fooled a number of plants into unseasonal growth and bloom.  Kniphofias (Red hot Pokers), Impatiens  (Busy Lizzies) and Canna Lillies are amongst the many. Maybe it’s not a second spring but an exceptionally early one.  Keep up the ‘Global Warming’ - or do warm winters reduce the amount of ‘Fossil Fuel’ burnt which then reduces ‘Carbon emissions’, which reduces ‘Global warming’? Bit complicated so make your own decision and join the ‘Hot’ or Cold’ camp.

Budding Kniphofia (Red hot Poker)

 

Busy Lizzies with seedlings below

Canna Lilies flowering in November!

Remember there are only four basic ‘Conditions’ in the World, Warm or Cold and Rich or Poor, basically ‘Rich and Warm’ is preferable to ‘Poor and Cold’ but is it a matter of choice?

Orchids are starting to bloom - some in flower, some in bud, some just making the initial effort. The thousands of variations in the orchid genus will always fascinate where ever the ‘Gardener’ decides to put down roots, which, of course many Orchids do not do, as they are happy to grow half way up a tree with their roots in the clear air(wonderful system must be nearly perpetual motion).

A selection of our orchids - Moth, spider and Cymbidium in bud

Cyclamens are making a great show on the terrace.  Most cyclamens bought for Christmas in northern climes tend to die quickly due to central heating and dry in-door atmospheres.  If indoors is essential, place plants on a cool window ledge on a tray of wet pebbles. Here in Portugal they survive as natural ‘high meadow’ and ‘timberland’ plants throughout the winter months.

Cyclamens around the base of an orange tree

Pansies and Heartsease are coming into their best.  All the plants are putting on lots of new growth and flower. Keep well fed for longevity. Primulas are also progressing well - always amazed to see their happy smiling faces on the most ‘dreech’ (Scottish term used to describe their usual weather in winter, Wet, dark, cold and misty) of January days.

Pansies, Heartsease and primulas preparing to give winter colour

The Tangerines are ready to pick (at least one month early). The skins have ‘thinned’(always the true sign of ripeness) and the segments are plump and sweet with that wonderful smell that ushers in the Festive Season.

Tangerines - ready early this year

Must keep ‘stringing’ the super red Chillis for the Head Gardener’s indoor decorations  as the birds have had all the Holly berries again. Is that a Reindeer Bell? No it’s the Head Gardener's summons for tea.

Must dash, see you soon,

Stuart.