MAY IN THE RAIN

5^TH MAY 2016 – CENTRAL PORTUGAL

The hiatus of ‘May Day’ passed in the first period of consistent good weather this year, (well six sunny and very warm days).  Alas, the meteorological metronome has again swung into the WET quadrant, and the forecast is for RAIN and more RAIN during the next fortnight. As it is now almost warm, except during the downpours, the horticultural inhabitants of the garden are enjoying a sudden bout of growth (as predicated). However, the insidious intentions of the various air-borne plagues of the vegetative world are already girding their loins for an all out attack on the soft a vulnerable new plant growth. Now is the time to start the counter attack with the various unctions available (be they eco-friendly and a balm to those of a ‘Green Persuasion’, or Chemical and highly effective).

Tomato plants are usually the first to befall the viral terrors – at least this year, with cold start to April there is little to blacken and wilt as yet. For some reason the abundance of caterpillars is most evident on anything that seems vulnerable and healthy, so the morning mantra is ‘Spray, Spray for yet another day’.

Pleased to report that everything so far planted is progressing with considerable vigour, put down to liberal feeding with the old blue ball, plus a new compost mix of 30% estrume, 30% new bagged compost and 40% of last year’s residual in the previously used tubs.  This, with constant application (every three or four days) of liquid fertilizer when watered has an amazing effect.

The new roof  garden on the Belvedere terrace seems to have the most potent position for container grown produce. (If the sun shines, each container receives up to 15 hours of beneficial rays per day, but requires watering morning and evening).  Currently, leeks are getting ready for picking, the pak choi has, as usual, bolted  before being picked . (The cropping period seems to be around thirty minutes long at around 3am twenty eight days after seeding – missed it again this year) . Tomatoes are growing well.  One variety,  Chucha, is already on its second truss of flower, with small fruit set on the first truss. (Presume these will be the first plants to get blight due to their precociousness). Cucumbers are showing early flower buds, green peppers, runner beans, courgettes doing well. Aubergines are struggling .

Flowering tomatoes, with "bolting" pak choi underplanted

General view of flourishing plants - in the rain!

Cosmos, tagetees, zinnias, lobelia seedlings  are now plants and puckering up to flower. Geranium cuttings growing well, and Dahlias looking promising. Roses are as always looking lovely. The yellow ‘Banksii’ is particularly prolific this year. Jasmine is truly ‘heavenly’ with its exotic aroma (cross between petrol and burning car tyres some say). Wisteria still in full ‘wistfulness’, Arum lilies now blooming to the size of Ariadne’s cornucopia, Fuchsias in full flower, the Begonias  showing initial signs of life and the orange trees are in full bloom(with accompanied blissful aroma). Even the holly trees are full of flower buds ( so looking forward to a green and red berry Christmas).

Last flowers of the wisteria - been beautiful this yer

Rosa Banksii - doing its thing

Flowering holly - promising berries for the Festive Season in December

Begonias beginning to appear

The orange blossom is competing for scent with the jasmine

Arum lilies - elegant as ever

 iris

Nameless climbing rose

Even the inclement weather cannot dampen the Gardener’s enthusiasm in May. Everything is poised for summer glory. Even the Head Gardener is preparing to enjoy the plaudits so liberal available when everything in the garden is ‘Rosy’.

And, lastly, one of the Head Gardener's favourites

The rain has stopped for a few minutes, must dash as masses to do before the coffee bell.

 See you soon –

 Stuart.