COLD CLOSE TO 2014 BUT A BRIGHT TOMORROW

29th DECEMBER - CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Strong wind out of the North East has dropped the daytime temperatures dramatically in the last few days and lowered the night temperatures well below freezing; not a usual condition in Portugal, even in mid winter.  As the old adage suggests ‘One night’s frost is acceptable, Two nights of frost is unusual and Three nights on the ‘trot’ invariably constitutes disaster for the Orange and Tangerine crop’. The problem surely lies with the Swiss expressing their desire, prior to Christmas, for heavy falls of snow to facilitate ‘Skiing’ in their mountain resorts (bet they don’t grow oranges!),causing a vortex of extremely cold winds to blow over France, Spain which creates ‘freezing’ discord in Portugal. (Must get the Head Gardner to have serious words with them - that should get them ‘sorted’).

Well Christmas is over and it’s nearly time to return the Christmas Tree to the garden for another year. Don’t replant in the ground or it will start to grow vigorously after the visit indoors;  best to keep it in the pot and encourage another year of the ‘Bonsai’ effect. Those trees purchased in northern Europe without roots should by now be mostly free of any pine needles, these having been inherited by the carpet or vacuum cleaner, and will already be anticipating their demise in the ‘Shredder’ and recycling to compost (Never let it be said that Gardeners don’t keep the natural world going).

Not a lot happening on the flower or vegetable terraces just now.  Lettuce, winter radishes (Moule), beetroot, turnips and cabbages seem to be the only ‘fare’ still performing (and of course the Chilli Plants, which still have vast quantities of brilliant red ‘very hot’ fruit to pick.  Note to Head Gardner -‘Is this where all the HEAT has gone?). Flowers still blooming include Roses, Kiphofia, Fuchsias (obviously the Arctic strain), Pansies (no not those with ’dainty’ clutch bags and ‘blue’ rinses) and the usual assortment of seasonally disoriented ‘climbers’ plus the ubiquitous cyclamen that continue to thrive in the cold.

After last summer’s ‘multi blighted Tomatoes’ have been trawling the internet for ‘Resistant’ seeds. ‘Defiant’, ‘Jasper’, ‘Mountain Merit’ and ‘Sun-gold’ seem to be the most tried and tested (at reasonable price per seed). There would also appear to be a new strain available, which can only be bought in Europe as a pre grown plant at around Eight Euros per plug (is this to ensure the patent licence is not breached?. When did nature allow ‘Patents’ to ’granted’ on her bounty? Seems it’s an idea from the US, so buy one, if you can, ‘Save seed’ and plant profusely the following season). However, these plugs can  only be purchased in UK, Holland and Germany (Growers must have relations in Belgium!). It would seem that sustained and avid spraying with ‘Daconil’ (very effective on the dreaded scourge) will be the only way to a blight free tomato crop on Portugal next year.

Now what should precedence in the ‘Propagator’ from the 1^st January 2015? Certainly not tomatoes -  best to wait until end of March as the ‘brought on’ seedlings seem to hibernate when planted out earlier than late April. Maybe a few Chillis (will have to sneak these in without the knowledge of the Head Gardner after the miss-calculation on production quantity this year). Might concentrate on the less fiery varieties and the ‘Sweet’ peppers for 2015.

 Will leave all the other seed packets hanging on the Potting shed wall for a little longer, put another log on the stove, relax in the chair and await 2015 with only the anticipation that can be mustered by an ‘Old’ Gardner. Well just got ‘cumfy’ and there goes the summoning ‘Bell’ - must be time for coffee and the New Year.

Best wishes from the Head Gardner and her Staff,

 must dash

See you soon

Stuart.

MORE BLUE SKIES FOR CHRISTMAS

 22^nd December 2014   Central Portugal

Glorious clear blue skies, wall to wall sunshine, frosty mornings but 20 degrees by noon – the wonder of a Portuguese Christmas. The meteorological fluke which always seems to produce brilliant weather in Portugal for the Festive Season has stuck again. Forget about the rain, fog and grey skies of October and November and revel in the bright warm sunshine that returns the terrace to the perfect place for ‘Gin n’tonic O’Clock. (11am to 3pm ,forget lunch but have a ‘Big’ breakfast to absorb the effects of the ‘Falling down water’).

 Kniphofia, Brugmansia, Solanum, Roses,  Fuchsias, Cyclamen, Pansies all in full triumphant flower, even the first signs of tulips and snow drops poking through the ground;  paraphrasing the words of ‘Morrisons’s’(for the world outside of UK TV this is among the many Supermarkets vying for the Festive trade) Christmas TV commercial - ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ (and very early Spring , was that a Cuckoo calling in the distance?). 

Love our Red Hot Pokers

Amazed by the sudden appearance of red berries on the Holly trees (Trees being a bit of an exaggeration as they are only 500mm high even though they are entering their tenth year, but ‘berries’ are a first this year). The Piri Piri plants are still demonstrating their ‘Phallic’ tendencies with their bright red up-right fruit still a focal point in the upper garden (more posh than ‘Backyard’).

Piri piri still wowing us

 Cuttings taken in October, Buddleia (yes, you either love it or hate it, here it is ‘much beloved’ of the Head Gardner in the Pale Blue, Sugar Pink, Sparkling White and Dark Purple varieties), Lavender (Hidcote, French and the local ‘Giant’ variety), Brugmansia and Fig, are all growing well and the Strawberry plant cuttings are preparing to flower. Geraniums seem stable and unaffected by the cold nights.

Had to buy some Olives  - as usual, the crop failed this year (again).  Have had long and in depth conversations with the trees regarding their imminent demise (might compromise and just tolerate a further year of un-fruitful activity) -perhaps the wrong tone of voice has been used previously. This time a more vigorous use of expletives seemed appropriate.

No Mistletoe in evidence this year so minimal opportunities for snatched amorous adventures under the light in the hall. Will just have to surreptitiously remove mince pies by ‘sleight of hand’ from the cooling down tray in the kitchen where the Head Gardener is currently ‘cultivating’ her many wonders of culinary magic (using much of the previous seasons bounty, note on behalf of the ‘garden labour’ squad).

Hearing sleigh bells again, must be the Head Gardener Fairy (definitely not Gnome) short of some special ingredient -  hope it’s Chillis- have got lots of those still to pick.

 Must dash, hoping for coffee soon, 

Merry Christmas and a Horticulturally 
Happy New Growing Year.

Stuart.

BLUE SKIES AND ORANGES

14th DECEMBER CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Abundant Orange Crop

This year there is little need to decorate Christmas Trees in the garden as nature has already looked after the  task with the usual commodious efficiency. Every Orange, Tangerine and Mandarin tree is weighed down by a ‘bumper’ crop of bright orange fruit, problem is they are nearly all ready at the same time and there is only so much juice that can be drunk or fruit that can be eaten. The citrus family in general seems problematic when it comes to preservation? After the mass production of Marmalade, Lemon Curd, Lime and Ginger Preserve, bottled Mandarins and Glace Orange and Lemons what can be done with the 95% remaining?

Tangerines in the toes of Christmas Stockings used to be very popular but today the demand of youth seems to be for Chocolate Oranges. Tried the Tudor  solution of Orange pomanders (Orange liberally pierced by cloves) which can be hung by the fire (look a bit ‘naff’ by the radiator for those without a fireplace), only problem is they smell almost acceptable for a few days and then slowly dry into a dark red lump.

During the last ‘Glut’ of Tangerines (around five years ago after a very wet ‘fall’ as this year) decided to pick and squeeze large quantities for freezing , the result when defrosted was appalling - looked as if  it had been supplied by a horse that was ‘No longer fit for work’ (you’ll have to use your imagination here). Later was advised that to ‘freeze’ juice successfully various forms of ‘alchemy’ are required to ensure sterile conditions prior to entombing in the ‘freezer chest.  Now limiting efforts to freshly squeezing sufficient for two large glasses with breakfast each morning  (with the added congratulations that if this was being enjoyed in an up-market London hotel the charge for each glass would be at least 10Euros (for the world market 15Dollars,8 Pounds and possibly 100Roubles)
.

Still picking Chillis.  When will they stop flowering? ‘Piri Piri’ plants being used as decorations (vibrant red and dark green leaves great substitute for Holly which, as always, is in very short supply in Portugal),’Scot’s Bonnet’ plants now three metres tall and still covered in fruit ranging from pale green to ripened ‘Dark’ red (when do they become ‘HOT’?  Currently fruit very mild).

Piri piris make seasonal decoration

Phaleanopsis (Moth) Orchids now in full flower and quite magnificent, the Orchid family give the most ‘value for money’ of all ‘House’ plants. Have Orchids which stay in bloom for ten months each year with minimal care and attention and there is nothing more ‘fascinating’ than spotting the potential flower spike on a Cymbidium (as you will appreciate life can be very quiet in the ‘Beiras’ of Portugal in winter)

Expecting these flowers of phaleanopsis to last a long time

Cyclamens, Pansies (the flowering kind), the odd Rose and Brugmansia’s  (Angels’ Trumpets) are still going strong.  Impatiens gave up the ‘ghost’ with the first frost (well nearly ‘frost’- temperature fell to 3 degrees C one night last week). However, the lovely colours of ‘Polyanthus’ are vibrant and profuse in the cool mountain air.

pretty little cyclamen under the orange tree

very cheerful faces of the pansies and a pot full of primulas

Angels' Trumpets getting ready for the Festive Season

Mini rose giving us lots of vibrant colour

Just checked the overwintering Geraniums in the barn;  still flowering (although severely cut back in November. Don’t be persuaded to water as this cause premature termination in the current weather conditions).

That sounds like a ‘bell’; can’t be from a reindeer yet so must be a summons from the Head Gardner. Will just apply a little soil to the trouser knees and ‘mud’ to the boots (must at least look as if gainful employment has been achieved) and put on gloves and hat before reporting for duty at the kitchen door.

Must dash, see you soon,
 

Have a ‘Good Christmas’ (or ‘Festive Season’ for the non-committed).

Stuart and the Head Gardener.

Note from Head Gardener - also giving flowering pleasure are fuchsias and this lovely "Easter"! Lily.  Knifophia about to bloom and a cordyline trying very hard to "get out".

This fuchsia just won't stop flowering

Peaceful and graceful Arum Lily

Red hot poker, warming up the winter weather

We'll keep you posted on whether this flower comes out in the cold!

 

BLUE SKY, SUNSHINE - AND COLD BRRRRR.

3^RD DECEMBER CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Blue Sky – Brilliant Sunshine – Bl***y Cold.

The clouds have rolled by leaving glorious sunshine and no showers;  but the Arctic plunge of cold air, so beloved of the central area of North America, has decided to take an early winter vacation over Iberia. Really it’s the time for woolly hats, scarves and gloves during the day and roaring log fires at night.

The night temperatures have ‘seen off’ the soft exotics from Brazil and the Southern Regions. However, the sturdy winter flowering plants from Northern Europe and Asia are having a ‘Field Day’ in the new found ‘Cool’. The three ‘P’s’, Primulas, Polyanthus, and Pansies, are now in their element. Their in- built ‘Anti Freeze’ tolerates temperatures down to -8 degrees C; winter sun stimulates their expected, and never disappointing, mass of magnificent flowers which sustain the avid Gardener through the often ‘miserable’ winter days. There is no such thing as ‘Depression’ if you are a ‘True Gardener’ - nature, in her many wondrous ways, will always see to that.

A few more days of dry weather and it will be time to have the first good bonfire of the season.  The garden fire ban ends in October in Portugal (very prone to forest fires here from April till end of September), but the torrential rain in both October and November precluded the start of ‘Arson in the Garden’ season.  Burning all the prunings from plants, bushes and trees is the only way to ensure that the pests and viruses from last year are not carried forward to next year.  Never compost leaves or plants that have shown any sign of disease, and always destroy any plantings that are weak or deformed.   If a plant does not look right or come up to the usual specification required,  give it the same status as a ‘Weed’- burn never compost).

Always burn the ‘prunings’ from Olive trees, preferably where they can be seen by the tree.  This encourages the tree to do better next year. With the poor Olive crop in the last few years, a good ‘Talking to’ or threat of total extinction may be required to ensure maximum effort next year; and don’t forget to give your Walnut Tree a good ‘beating’.  The English Gardeners from the Seventeenth Century always concluded in their ‘Learned Works’ that Walnut Trees were like Wives, they always improved their performance after a ‘really good beating’ (so there).

A ‘Strim’ about now in the Vineyard and Orchard will discourage the presumptuous weeds from growing further until spring and will ensure pleasant ‘strolling facilities’ following an excess of Christmas Lunch (planning ahead always allows spontaneity). Most elements of the garden will enjoy a ‘Good Feed’ at this time of year.  The liberal application of well-rotted but still steaming organic fertilizer will be well received by most plants and trees. However,  for those with pet dogs, the less ‘Green’ solution of chemical fertilizer may reduce their ‘best friend’s’ appetite for all things ‘disgusting’ and will reduce the need for frequent ‘baths’ at the cold end of the hose pipe.

Did the Christmas Tree survive the long hot summer? Or has that ‘little’ pot tree bought five years ago now reached a height that is not conducive to indoor usage? So join the world of the ‘two’ tree family - looks far more natural tastefully dressed in lights  outside at the front door than the ever-increasing army of illuminated plastic ‘Santas’ and worse (much worse) currently spawning onto the front gardens of the western world. Blackpool used to be the place view ‘lit up’ tat.

Must go and cut some Holly (with berries) and an armful of Ivy for the Head Gardener. With the house full of ‘Greenery’, a ‘Yule Log’ happily burning in the fire place (giving off associated smoke, sparks and ‘hisses’), Poinsettias brashly appearing on every surface accompanied by the odd Cyclamen and Amarylis, this may be the answer to ‘Winter Gardening’

Must dash - ‘Gluhwein’  being served in the kitchen,

See you soon,

Stuart.