ALREADY VERY COLOURFUL IN CENTRAL PORTUGAL

16^th MARCH – CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Sun’s still shining, bit colder than last week when noon temperature reached high ‘twenties’ three days on the trot, but still in the high ‘teens’ with a little rain forecast by Thursday. Everything is certainly growing, including the weeds (those plants which grow where the Head Gardener has not designated). The tubs of Tulips (planted last November) are bursting forth being Dutch they are mainly orange and always most welcome. March is the real time of year for Tulips -  those blooming in late April always seem to hold the summer back (so plant early next year if yours are yet to show buds).

Tulips bring lovely colour to the patio

Always amazed to have Petunias in flower when the Geraniums are being brought out of hibernation. The warm weather has persuade the over-wintered cuttings to show signs of life.  These, together with last season’s ‘Mother’ plants are ready for re-planting or, in the case of last year’s established cuttings, top dressing . (Use your own compost or a proprietary brand for this and remember NOT to feed as this will slow the flowering cycle with excess leaf growth). The Fuchsias, being lovers of a rich environment and lots of ‘food’ can be top dressed now by removing the top 75mm of soil from their pots and replacing with a rich compost or ‘well rotted’ manure (then just water and stand well back to keep clear of growth).

Geraniums repotted after winter

The first of the petunias getting started

The Roses, both bush and ramblers, are full of strident new growth latent with the first flush of flower for Easter when they augment the white ‘Easter Lilies’ to perfection. The rose cuttings taken last October have become established and should be planted out in the next few weeks (this is the most productive and least expensive way to increase the rose population in the garden). 

Lavender and Buddleia cuttings taken in November are now well rooted and will be transplanted to their permanent position in the garden (mainly in the orchard for the Lavender and covering unsightly walls for the Buddleia). Always find it difficult to understand the antipathy of many Gardeners towards Buddleia. It comes in so many lovely colours, has magnificent flowers, encourages butterflies into the garden and grows back every year after having severely pruned (often ‘badly’). Maybe this should be the ‘Year of the Buddleia’ with an ‘International Buddleia Day’ worldwide?.

The captivating blossoms in the orchard from Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots has transformed the valley bottom into a sea of contrasting shades of pink - hope this encourages the Bees to do their ‘work’. The multi floral pastiche must clearly advertise the availability of pollen ‘free’ for a little intrepid pollination.

 

Peach blossom at its best

Under the clear instructions and assistance (digging holes) of the Head Gardener, the ‘arid’ terrace (one up from the orchard)  is being transformed into a Yucca Forest (some now 2m tall, and all the progeny of a 200mm high plant bought from Lidl for€ 1,49 five years ago, wonder what Tesco charge?).  Chose Yuccas for this position as they seem to grow in anything (mainly stone no soil here) with minimum amount of water (hose too short).

The beginnings of the Yucca "forest"

Might even get a suntan if this weather prevails. Whatever happens the ‘Straw Hat’ is due for early use this year. Well just finished and there goes the ‘Head Gardeners’ bell, must be serendipity!

Must dash, see you soon

Stuart.

The Head Gardener draws your attention to her favourite Clematis - variety armandii.  Now in full bloom and very fragrant