SEASONS END AND ALSO BEGIN

11^TH OCTOBER – CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Cooling down a little bit after the long hot summer, heavy rain expected in the next few days, so can only conclude that Autumn is here. The days are still warm when the sun shines, but the nights are now cool, with temperatures falling to around 8 degrees ( just enough to inhibit growth on the summer flowering plants). The still air is encouraging the spread of powdery mildew on the dahlias, which is disappointing as they have at last started to flower profusely.  The  problem in Portugal with ‘Border’ dahlias is their dislike of very strong sunshine but requirement for abundant light (so not good if kept in the shade as they ‘Bolt’ towards the light and become tall, thin and non-flowering).  Only solution is to move then around a great deal so always plant in pots, unless there is a north facing flower bed with good soil and water available.

This one dahlia still looks pretty

Roses and Geraniums, on the other hand, are having a wonderful time. Masses of new bloom on the Geraniums and splendid display in progress from the Roses.  Fuchsias are soldiering on, with a colourful display which may last through the winter months if they continue to get a little sunshine on a regular basis. (Prolonged periods of rain always ‘spoil’ the flower display).

Geraniums as bright as ever

Roses reviving now the weather is cooler

Fuchsia will hopefully carry on for many more weeks

Aubergines, Sweet peppers and Chillies still flowering and producing a good crop.  Cucumbers finally finished after an epic season and being replaced in their tubs by Leeks ( which should mature throughout the winter if planted progressively).

Sweet peppers and aubergines not quite as impressive as earlier in the season!

Lettuces and leeks growing companionably together

Hot chillies still doing so well

Poor year for Raspberries . The canes are now devoid of any growth and are dry and brittle with little sign of life. However, the Logan Berries did better and are still ‘green’ and producing new shoots (so lots of cuttings and a major production effort next year – could be the end of the Raspberries).

Lots of cuttings being taken before the cooler weather sets in. Taken now, most will put down roots to sustain life throughout the winter. Brugmansia are just about to have their last splash of colour so am expecting to take around twenty cuttings for planting and ‘swaps’ next year. This plant produces the most exotic ‘Trumpet’ flowers in the most glorious combination of colours from deep gold, through creams with pink, yellow and red frills to a wonderful pure white with a touch of green. Flowers profusely from May until October and has a beguiling scent on the evening zephyrs – so highly recommended if not already in your garden.

The lovely white Brugmansia showing the promise of yet more flowers to come

Trying a few ‘Tree’ cuttings again this year, the usual Fig and Catalpa with the addition of Holly, Tamarillo and Cordyline Australis (well nearly a tree as there are two on the spring terrace that are 4metres and 5 metre tall) – same process with these as plant cuttings - two thirds of the ‘Whip’ in the compost (50% spent compost, 25% estrume and 25% garden soil) around the edge of the tub, lots of water and see what happens ( around half will grow so lots of ‘free’ trees next year).

Tulips have been planted for three weeks already. Orchids look ready to bring in. Cyclamen are sprouting and some in flower. Oranges are very green, large and profuse, Limes prolific, Tangerines just on the turn.

Limes preparing for the G & Ts

oranges promising fresh fruit for December

 Diosperos still fruiting despite being cut back and ignored (shame they don’t taste better – Israelies definitely have it with their ‘Sharon’ fruit variety). Lettuces are magnificent. So all’s right with the garden, which is very encouraging when the rest of the world is viewed. 

That must be the HG’s bell,

must dash – 

see you soon,

Stuart.