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!