FIRE AND WATER

19^th AUGUST 2016 – CENTRAL PORTUGAL

With the glorious relief of rain, well not really rain just a very fine drizzle, and the temperature down to 25 degrees, following three weeks of excessively high temperatures well into the 40’s on a number of occasions, 24 hours of relief is most welcome. (The word ‘relief’ is used advisedly as the forecast is to return to the heat-wave next Sunday with temperatures back to 39 degrees being predicted). The heat was not the main problem. The worst forest fires in twenty years have engulfed the ‘Beiras’(and much of the rest of Portugal) in the past fourteen days. Approximately 60,000 hectares of standing timber have been destroyed and this has only been contained by the amazing bravery and extreme effort of the truly noble ‘Bombeiros Voluntarios’ (the Portuguese Voluntary Fire Brigades stationed in every Portuguese Town). These Men and Women (yes a large proportion are young women) without fear for their own lives (six deaths in action during the last two weeks) stoically fight these tremendous ‘Blazes’, pausing only when exhaustion drives them to their knees. Without them the crisis would have become a disaster. To them all we give are most sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude.

Portuguese firemen fighting a forest blaze

Smoke from forest fire seen from the house

So, gardening has taken very much a minor role in the last days. The main priority has been watering as even the best placed plants cannot survive such blistering heat that has been experienced, without a constant supply of water. As is usual in a drought, constant sunshine and inflated temperatures the Well runs dry and water has to be drawn from the piped supply. (The choice of what to water and allow to survive or to just abandon becomes critical when the cost of Piped water is entered into the equation).

Efforts have concentrated on those plants grown in tubs (so was not a bad horticultural decision in February to concentrate this year’s efforts on the Belvedere terrace in Wine Tubs). Tomatoes are cropping very heavily – Coeur de Bue, Money Maker, Cherries (Black, Red and Yellow), Cristal and Cucha Plum have all been rampant. Cucumbers are so prolific that cold Cucumber Soup has become a staple to use up the excess (cucumbers do not freeze well). 

Just some of the cherry tomatoes

Coeur de Bue (Ox heart) tomatoes

Yet more cucumbers

Aubergines just love the sun, heat and water ( so it’s lots of  Ratatouille as it does freeze well). Sweet Green Peppers (California Wonders) are splendid in the Wine tubs and will also be destined for the Cold Repose. Courgettes are past their best, but still supplying daily. 

Aubergines cropping well

Leeks planted in March are all eaten and their growing tubs have been re-planted with seedling plants for December picking. (Those eaten were excellent and totally superior to their shop bought cousins). Have still enjoyed a few good ‘Cobs from the Sweet Corn, but generally it has been  a very low yield. The Lettuce, as usual, is performing in the spot light of Sunshine  and constant watering.

 A few strawberries are being picked daily but getting very small and Raspberries are Write Off this season as are all the Fruit Trees and Olives – but then the Gardener has always a burden of  Failure which will be hopefully overcome next year (without this Positive attitude the garden would not exist).

The flower garden has prospered without the usual spoiling tactics cast upon it by rain. Watering , dead heading and frequent feeding have ensured continued and profuse flowering from the Roses, Geraniums, Fuchsias, Dahlias, Cosmos, Zinnias, Tagetees, Solanum, Brugmansia  and, a new addition, the regal purple flowers of the Tibouchina ( another spectacular Lidl purchase).

Just some of the Geraniums grown from seed this year

Roses happily climbing up the Diosperos (Sharon Fruit) tree

Such a colourful Zinnia

And yet more Zinnias

White double Cosmos finally made it into flower

Tibouchina against yellow dahlias

Erythrina against a clear blue sky

So now is the perfect time to consider the cuttings that will beover wintered’. Taking now will allow new roots to be formed for a good healthy plant to grow – for every twenty cuttings taken (however badly) at least half will survive and bloom next year – beats €2.50 per pot at the market.

The Chilli plants kept from last year and cut back in February are now resplendent with ripe red Chillis - at least a month ahead of the new seedlings. The Piri Piri bushes (yes Bushes) are over a metre high, covered in white flowers or small green or black Piri Piri’s and should be good for few more years. (A Tabasco plant is now in its fourth year and is full of fruit). This success with Chillis is not greatly appreciated by the Head Gardener who is not overwhelmed by HOT food, but has been persuaded that the use of ‘Chilli Oil’ is most beneficial to many recipes. (2litre plastic bottle fill to one third with Chilli of choice – usual preference Piri Piri or Cayenne – fill with good Olive Oil, replace cap and leave for three to six months prior to use) and is much more controllable in the Heat stakes.

Here come the chillis again!

Last year’s effort must have been appreciated as there goes the coffee bell –

must dash –

see you soon,

Stuart.