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.