COOL, BUT VERY FRAGRANT!

25^th FEBRUARY – CENTRAL PORTUGAL

There has been snow on the ground for at least 50 out of the last 73 years on this day in February, but never expected it to be ‘White Over’ in Portugal, though only on distant hills. Why do I know this? Because it’s my Birthday today,yet another horticultural miracle made possible by the careful ministrations of the now Head Gardener for the last 50 years, a triumph of weeding, pruning, feeding (often to excess in the past. but now under control, being just under 100kg) and being lovingly cared for as only a Head Gardener can.  (Modest blush from Head Gardener!)

So the false spring of last week has quickly degenerated into more cold rain, sleet and snow, plus a good dose of morning frost. (That will teach the Damascus Apricot to blossom in the middle of February) Though there is the odd blast of intense blue sky and brilliant sunshine. (So glad that no seeds were sown during the three glorious days of sunshine a couple of weeks ago).

So, in these conditions, most external horticultural tasks are on hold until the thermometer climbs above 12 degrees again (forecast for early March on all three Meteorological (Tarot) sights). So concentration is on the civil engineering work of removing the sad remainder of the old nursery garden from the courtyard necessitated by the prolonged  ministrations of the ‘Christmas Foundling’(going for the ‘OP’ tomorrow) and the resident ‘Hooligan’ (‘OP’ done seven years ago).

Christmas Foundling - growing and growing

 New garden is being arranged on the Belvedere Terrace which gets full sunshine all day (when it comes out) and lots of fresh gentle breezes (Eco Friendly ‘Blight’ prevention system). Lidl Green House (2015 vintage) and Home made Cloches(2010 vintage) are  already in use and an area for 15 ‘Vegie’ is tubs just about complete with ‘Potting Table’ in position with comfortable chair. There’s a wonderful view over the forest from here, it  being the highest terrace. The promise of 360 degree light and full daylight hours’ sunshine may be enlightening in the coming months.

New horticultural arrangements

The terraces are not all ‘Doom and Gloom’ and avid construction work. The first tulips are well in flower (red always seems to take precedence in blooming stakes). 

First Tulips

Jasmine is poised to astonish with the proliferation of flowers in the process of bursting forth,

Jasmine just beginning to open - stand by for fabulous fragrance

 Armandii Clematis is flowering well (pink variety to follow, always three weeks after white). 

Clematis Armandii - also wonderfully fragrant

Lime, Lemon, Orange, Apricot and Almond all in blossom (first three unaffected by slight frost, but later two usually suffer. May be lack of bees due to low temperatures, little sunshine and endemic disease also contribute to their fruiting failures over the last three years.

Lemon blossom - yet another fragrance

Almond blossom against a stormy sky

The seed packets are out, the potting shed fire is full swing, the Head Gardener has arrived with the coffee on a state visit for discussions on the growing plan for 2016 (good job the old shed is tidy!)

 must dash before the coffee gets cold

 see you soon

  Stuart.