3RD APRIL 2016 – CENTRAL PORTUGAL
April is here and it’s cold enough for snow. The
tops of the Estrela Mountains viewed from the Belvedere terrace, and only
twenty five kilometres away, are sparkling white in the weak morning sunshine.
Night temperatures are down to two degrees, and even with clear blue skies and
sunshine, the day temperatures are hovering around ten degrees (normal for late
February on the ‘Beiras’). However hard the April showers, we know that sunshine will soon be here.
Almost everything in the garden is on hold awaiting
the sudden rush of heat which will almost certainly come in the next couple of
weeks. The blossoms on the plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots are holding
on in the cold, with the hope that some errant bee
may come and enjoy a bit of fertilisation. Apple and pear blossoms have still
to show themselves in the harsh conditions, but the Almond blossom that had an
early display in February has become extremely fecund this year with lots of
young fruit in evidence. Nothing weather wise seems to deter the orange, lemon
and lime blossom which is burgeoning forth with floriferous abandon.
Hoping for lots of peaches this year |
Almonds are already formed - so many more than last year's two! |
Orange tree producing masses of buds |
Masses of glorious Jasmine flowers are delivering
their alluring aroma, and the Wisteria is producing its usual unsurpassed
purple haze of spectacular blooms. These, together with ‘long Life’ Tulips
(benefit of cold conditions, in flower for last four weeks and still going
strong), Hellebores, Lilies and Alliums have kept the myth of ‘springtime’
alive, and all seem oblivious to cold (must be their Chinese genes).
Wonderful headily scented Jasmine |
Wisteria just coming to its best |
Spring alliums sharing the shade with a shy primrose |
The leaf salad varieties, Mizuma, Pak Choi, Oak
Leaf, Iceberg, Flame and flat Leaf Lettuce are thoroughly enjoying the cold
sunny days and are growing forth with unmitigated abandon. Similar results are
being achieved with Onions, both red (from sets) and white (from seed) and the
Leaks have never looked healthier.
Onions well on their way |
The various stages of lettuce |
Misuma leaves - add a peppery flavour to salads |
Nice healthy leaks |
The numerous seeds sown in the last few weeks seem,
in the main, to have enjoyed their sojourn in the well used ‘Lidl’ mini green
house (now positioned in full all day sunshine, when available) in the new
nursery garden on the Belvedere terrace. All seeds sown this year in 80mm dia.
plastic plant pots and enshrined within a plastic bag (basic double glazing
reduces overnight cold a little). Having sown around forty varieties of seed,
can report considerable success so far, from minimal surface movement to 75mm
tall burgeoning plants. Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Courgettes, Beans, Aubergines
(yes, really), various Basils, Okra, Fennel all growing forward.
The mini greenhouse full of seedlings getting ready to be planted out |
On the
flower front, Geraniums, Zinnias, Tagetees, Petunia, Lobelia and Cosmos are all
well away; so looking forward to a massive pricking out campaign in the next
few weeks.
The Rose cuttings planted back in October have
survived the winter and would all seem to be rooted as the majority (at least
80%) are in leaf and some are showing signs of first buds (still the least
expensive way to extend the rose garden as the cost is zero).
One of last year's rose cuttings - accompanied by an early nasturtium! |
In these current conditions the potting Shed fire
has a late winter attraction but an extra jumper, pair of good gloves and a
little enthusiastic ‘Strimming’ (why do weeds always grow whatever the climatic
conditions offer) will keep the blood circulating on these sharp misty
mornings. Thoughts of excessive heat, possible drought and the usual various
‘Blights’ in the months to come can be cast aside with the anticipation of
those bountiful crops and glorious blooms which are surely just around the
corner.
Just heard a Cuckoo and there goes that Hoopoe again, and that sounded like the Head Gardener’s bell.
Must be time for a warming mug
of fresh coffee –
must dash, see you soon.
Stuart.
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