mediterranean gardening and outdoor living

THE ONLY ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO GARDENING IN IBERIAGA

RDEN

ING A

ND OU

TDOO

R LIVI

NG

PLUS: DOWN ON THE ALLOTMENT WHAT LOOKS GOOD NOW TO DO LIST COMPETITIONS

2.50 Euros (Cont.)AND OUTDOOR LIVING

A Tree a Month for 2015

The Home of the Daffodil

Soil Conditioners

Precious Pine Nuts

Striking Star Fruit

Focus onPyrostegia Venusta

Flame Vine

Herb and Plant Healers

JAN 2015

Build your own Fire Pit

Alluring Alstroemeria

2 © Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living

3

Hello readers,

Welcome and a very Happy New Year to you. We hope 2015 will be a

great and inspiring year and give you extra impetus to venture out into

your Mediterranean garden. The mere thought of mince pies and turkey

now makes us all feel sick and the Harvey’s Bristol cream has been

put to the back of the cupboard. I expect we have all put on a few extra

pounds - plus spent a few more!

So, January is all about getting the garden ready for planting, with

plenty of preparation and tonic needed to get your soil at its best. And

for those feeling rather sluggish and lethargic, or struck down by the

invariable Xmas cold and flu, take a look at our articles on what can be

used from the garden to banish those blues.

I spent the last few weeks surrounded by coughers and splutterers and

the Lemsip brigades, yet thanks to the herbal potions I use from our

garden, I am so far, free from bugs and viruses – so, some handy tips

here to read too.

We will be with you each month to give you plenty of advice from

our expert landscapers and horticulturists on what to do - and more

importantly, when to do it. We are welcoming more and more experts

in their field throughout the year, so you can learn from us without

experiencing the pitfalls. And for later in 2015, we will be able to offer

readers our own online version of the magazine, so you can read direct

from your tablets.

We are also focusing on more restaurants with their seasonal produce

and styles, as well as interesting hotels with stunning gardens

throughout Iberia.

We welcome Honda and Blevins Franks for the whole of 2015 who will

be able to offer expert advice in their fields.

All in all, its going to be an exciting year, and our coverage gets bigger

and further each month.

I’ll leave you to get on and read.

Justin Wride

[email protected]

www.justinwride.com

Welcome to your first magazine dedicated to gardening and outdoor living in Iberia

Editor: Justin [email protected]: Karen WrideAdditional Photography: www.dreamstime.comContent Writers: Clare Thursfield, Ginie de Weerd, Lorraine Cavanagh, Jane Page, Jeannine de Vareilles, Viv Marsh, Carolyn Kain, Agnes HorvathIllustrations: Sue WrideMarketing, Advertising & Features: Samantha [email protected]

ISSN: 2183-2676

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©Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living 2014

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Since moving to Portugal over 20 years ago, I have designed and built numerous gardens for friends, family and clients, who have also gone on to become friends,

Gardens, and the plants within them, are my passion - from the humble weed, to the majestic, but beleaguered palm. Each has a purpose in the balance of our eco-system and a potential health benefit waiting to be discovered.

Following a 2 year stint writing the gardening column for the Portugal News, I decided it was high time to share some more of that knowledge, and so Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living was born.

We are now moving towards our second year, and from the many emails and comments we receive, it seems that I’m not alone in that passion.

plus

...


In this issue ...

Alluring Alstroemeria

Precious Pine Nuts

p20

p12

p26

p8

p40

Kitchen Corner

Dip in the Seawith Belcanto

Rotovating


Focus on...What Looks Good Now page 6

A Tree a Month for 2015 page 8

Kitchen Corner Dip in the Sea with Belcanto page 12

The Noble Bay page 14

To Do List - January page 15

Down on the Allotment page 15

Soil Conditioners page 16

Focus On.... Solanum Carolinense - Horse Nettle page 18

Rotovating page 20

Build your own Fire Pit page 23

Confusing Cacti page 24

Focus on... Pyrostegia Venusta - Flame Vine page 25

Horse Nettle

p18

5Subscribe at [email protected]

Flame Vine

SoilConditioners

p23

p34

p16

The Striking Star Fruit

The Homeof theDaffodil

p25

p27 p32

Focus on... Build your ownFire Pit

Herb and Plant Healers

Precious Pine Nuts page 26

Herb and Plant Healers page 27

January Face Lift page 28

Focus On... Chinese Windmill Palm - Trachycarpus Fortunei page 30

The Striking Star Fruit - Averrhoa Carambola page 32

The Home of the Daffodil page 34

Fight Colds and Flu using Herbs from your Garden page 36

Alluring Alstroemeria page 40

Winter Picnic by the Guadiana page 42

Green Pages Business Directory page 43

Reader’s Letters page 46

Photo Competition page 46

Gardener’s Puzzle page 47

Subscribe ...Can’t find it in your local newsagent, or got there too late and it was sold out?

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Back dated copies also available.

january

januaryWhat looks good now ...

Viburnum Tinus - Laurustinus

It’s very satisfying at this time of the year to have an evergreen in the garden amongst your hibernating deciduous and herbaceous species - even more so when you can get some colour on it!

There are several varieties of Viburnum but the Viburnum Tinus has proved the most popular. It is winter flowering with clusters of pink buds and small white fragrant flowers blooming between December and April, on a backdrop of dark green foliage.

Its an excellent evergreen shrub for both sunny and shaded garden sites. Large, fragrant clusters of pinky/white flowers are produced from mid winter, followed by small metallic blue berries. The foliage consists of small, dark green leaves, and tends to create a rounded compact shape reaching about 3 to 4 metres in height. Very tolerant to various soils and not fussy when it comes to watering or feeding, great for the novice gardener. Just be warned all parts contain toxic substances so not to be ingested - especially those inviting berries.

Cupressus Macrocarpa Goldcrest

Golden Monterey Cypress is a medium sized upright bright yellow coniferous evergreen tree. It grows to heights of up to 12m (40ft) in perfect growing conditions. The foliage grows in dense sprays and is bright yellow in colour.

The leaves are scale-like and produced on rounded (not flattened) shoots, which smell of lemon when crushed. It will often grow in a pyramidal fashion so pruning should be limited. However, due to its slow growth rate, its rarely seen fully mature in parts of Iberia, as its often sold in garden centres as juveniles.

It looks - and possibly fares better, in pots around the pool but it does not like cold and windy conditions, and if its planted near sprinklers it will quite possibly lose its lovely lemon foliage and look bruised and battered.

However, if nurtured and protected well, it can be a great specimen tree that stands out from the crowd.


january

januaryjanuary

Skimmia Japonica Rubella

Now, skimmias are not known for their love of hot sunshine and blue skies, and gardeners are always looking for alternatives and options for shady areas. You may well have a space under a large olive or carob, or perhaps a corner of your house that’s totally void of sunshine, so its imperative that we find plant options to fill these gaps.

Skimmias can certainly fit this bill and are a good candidate for north facing gardens. Their natural habitat is in low lying forest and woodland with plenty of natural light, but yet well shaded from the sun. Left to their own devices they will happily grow with minimal fuss and attention.

They produce attractive flower buds from November, which open out into flowers from February until late March. If male and female Skimmias are planted together, the females can produce attractive red berries from May to June. Often available to buy in many garden centres, but do not fare well once exposed to the hot sun.

Coronilla GlaucaThis is often seen growing quite wild on coastal cliffs throughout the Mediterranean, but is also becoming more readily available in many garden centres due to its lovely lemon yellow colour from now into early spring. It’s also a favourite back in the UK, where you can find a variegated version that has a strong scent.

It adapts well to calciferous soils and if you give it some protection, or some buffering against a wall, it will thrive and reward you with plenty of colour and scent. It tends to form a straggly, bushy-type appearance, so after flowering it’s recommended that you clip it into a tighter, more compact fashion.

Now one word of warning, it does not like dousing with the hose or irrigation. Make sure it receives water from a drip-feed line, or water it manually at soil level, otherwise parts of it will suffer and even die. Switching on a hose in the coldest winter or hottest summer can kill many plants, and Coronilla is one of them.

- Your guide to this months’ head turners




By Lorraine Cavanagh

JanuaryTamarix gallica, French tamarisk (shown below).

A small, shrubby, deciduous tree which is excellent in exposed positions and for preventing soil erosion. It makes an excellent pioneer planting, being hardy and a quick grower yet never oppressive with its fine feathery foliage. Slender branches spread to 4m high x 3m wide. Masses of fluffy pink flowers give a fuzz to the branches.

As we see out the old year, one of the best ways of bringing in the new is by planting a tree. It’s one of the most valuable gifts we can give – for ourselves, our health and serenity, for our grandchildren to play in and under and for our planet and future generations. Some will grow quickly and live briefly; others will slowly stretch their limbs up to the sky and be there for many years – all make an important contribution. Once you’ve lived here a while, you get beyond the usual jacarandas, mimosas and false peppers – beautiful as they are – and start to look for something a little bit special, so let’s see if any of these rather out of the ordinary trees will tempt you to plant a tree for 2015. February

Lagunaria patersonii, Norfolk Island hibiscus or cow itch tree.

Forms a tough, evergreen tree, conical, to 12m high x 6m wide, and hardy down to -5oC. Native to the Norfolk Island off Australia, it copes well with salt spray and windy sites. It is a little slow but very pretty with its pink bell-shaped flowers and leathery grey-green leaves and becoming very drought tolerant. Beware the hairy, irritant coating lining the seed cases.



Lorraine Cavanagh owns the specialist garden centre Viveros Florena, Cómpeta, Málaga, Spain (garden centre, designers & landscapers)and is author of the best-selling Mediterranean Garden Plants and Citrus, The Zest of Life.

MarchPrunus serrulata ‘kanzan’, Japanese flowering cherry.

For stunning flowers, this is the one. A rounded form, 12m high x 6m wide, it is attractive in all stages. The bark is glossy and striped in hues of copper and burgundy; new growths are bronzed and the double flowers are deep pink and rose-like. Cherry-like fruits sometimes set but are not edible. This is for beauty only!

AprilPaulownia tomentosa, Royal Empress or

foxglove tree.

This is one of our most impressive trees in

beauty and growth rate. Large furry, exotic-

looking, tactile leaves with lilac foxglove-

like flowers which are super-elegant. It

is deciduous, reaching 15m high x 10m

wide, or coppice it yearly if you’re a lover

of drama: its vigour will produce immense

heart-shaped leaves, though it may be at

the loss of flowers.

cont’d overleaf...

MayBrachychiton acerifolius, Illiwarra Flame Tree.

This forms a magnificent tree – one that will always draw attention. It commonly reaches 10 – 15m high though can, under favourable conditions, soar up to 40m and is a quick grower and cold tolerant down to -5oC. It is, like many of the family, a good street tree as they stay fairly narrow and pyramidal and are drought tolerant. The glossy palmate leaves are good looking and these are usually shed at flowering. The magnificent flowering is normally in May/June though can be later depending on conditions – but, whenever it comes, you’ll love it! The tree comes alight with intensely scarlet, small, bell-shaped flowers that vibrate with colour and look wonderful against our blue skies.


Tel: (0034) 689928201www.viverosflorena.com [email protected] on-line with us for unusual plants, plug plants, scented roses, bulbs, organic products and my books. Join our mailing list to stay in touch.

And see us on Facebook – Lorraine Cavanagh’s Garden Centre

JulyMetrosideros excelsa, pohutukawa, New Zealand Christmas tree. This is a real toughie growing on steep coastal cliffs in New Zealand where it is constantly battered by winds and salty spray. The dramatic scarlet rounded bottlebrush flowers (in summer for us) are nicely offset by leathery grey-green leaves. Often seen as a large shrub, it makes a big and very spreading tree with aerial roots. Mature trees, can reach 15m high with a massive shade canopy of 30m.

A Tree a Month for 2015 cont’d...

JuneSpathodea campanulata, flame tree, African tulip tree, flame of the forest.

The common names are so descriptive that I hardly need to say more, except that it’s fabulous! Fiery orange-red flowers slowly unfold from buds that resemble brown velvet-gloved fingers. Each individual flower is shaped like a bell (hence campanulata) and they open into large showy bunches. A native of tropical Africa it needs warmth and protection so it’s not one for high altitude gardeners. Plant in rich soil; it may take some years to settle into flowering and will always be best after a long hot summer but, be patient, the wait is worth it. To 15m high x 10m wide and semi-evergreen.

Don’t confuse this tree with another which is also sometimes called the flame tree, the flamboyant tree, Delonix regia. A native of Madagascar, it too has magnificent scarlet flowers and beautiful ferny foliage but it is very cold sensitive and you could lose it if temperatures fall below 4oC.

SeptemberErythrina crista-galli, coral or cry-baby tree. A deciduous and thorny tree with striking deep coral coloured flowers, lavishly produced during summer months. It is known as ‘cry-baby’ because of the nectar drops exuded by the flowers. A Brazilian native, it is hardy to -3oC though some die-back will occur with cold weather. If cold-damaged, cut back into live wood and it will regenerate. 6m tall x 4m wide. For a sheltered spot.

OctoberLiquidambar styraciflua, sweet gum.

An immensely handsome and stately tree, reaching 25m high x 12m wide, it makes a wonderful specimen. This Mexican blazes orange, scarlet, burgundy and honey at the


AugustChorisia speciosa, the kapok tree.

Many of you will recognise this one if I say it’s the tree with the vicious thorns on the trunk. So wicked are they that, even in the winter when the tree is bare, the trunk is a wonderful feature. The fabulous pink and gold flowers are like a wonderful rosy sunset when seen en masse. But a specimen tree is, for me, even better. So beautiful are the orchid like flowers that it deserves a solitary planting where you can best gaze at it transfixed. To around 15m high x 10m wide. C. insignis has coffee and gold flowers and makes a smaller, chunkier tree with a vast swollen trunk (used to store water) and even more impressive thorns. Both are deciduous and will survive down to a few degrees under zero.

year-end. Plant in full sun; its leaves will exude a distinctive sweet resin scent when crushed.

NovemberPrunus spinosa, blackthorn tree.

A small woodland tree, to 3m high, steeped in history and folklore, it is said that blackthorns support 153 different species

of wildlife. Noted for its fruits – sloes – used both medicinally and in the production of sloe gin and pacharan.

DecemberCedrus deodara, deodar cedar. A majestic, aromatic and graceful cedar, known as the ‘timber of the Gods’. In its native Himalayas, it can reach a towering 80m but, here, is much more likely to stop around 20m, its growth rate slowing as it matures. Becoming very drought tolerant and undemanding, it can survive for 600 years.


Kitchen Corner

To José Avillez, cooking has always been a passion. Yet, it was only in this senior year of the degree in Business Communication that he decided to be a Chef. In that same year, he participated in individual study sessions with Maria de Lurdes Modesto and took a traineeship in the kitchen of Antoine Westerman, at Fortaleza do Guincho. After finishing his degree, he accomplished his education by taking several trips, training courses, traineeships and professional experiences, namely his work with José Bento dos Santos as Gastronomy Professional at Quinta do Monte D’Oiro, the training at Alain Ducasse’s school and the traineeship at Eric Frechon’s kitchen, at the Bristol Hotel, which now has three Michelin stars. But it was the traineeship at El Bulli, with Ferran Adrià that really changed his career. In 2008 he was invited to the post of Head Chef of the Tavares restaurant, where in little more than a year he was awarded a Michelin star.

At the moment he has five restaurants in Lisbon and one in Oporto, which, while offering different culinary experiences, all express his enormous passion for cooking. At his Belcanto restaurant, distinguished with two Michelin stars, one can enjoy Portuguese cuisine revisited in a sophisticated atmosphere that still provides some of the former romance of the Chiado district.

Dip in the Sea


‘The Garden of the Goose that laid the Golden Eggs’“Belonging to the world of dreams and fantasy, the story of The Hen that Laid the Golden Eggs inspired the whole world. Who didn’t fantasize of such good fortune with that blessed hen? In this interior landscape, we combine autumn flavours and colours to raise collective imagery. We offer our patrons a journey to this fantasy world. The complexity and diversity of the ingredients and techniques used in this recipe follow the same guidelines: earth, the egg... the origin.”

Belcanto restaurant opened in 1958, in Chiado, in the beautiful Largo de São Carlos, next to S. Carlos National Theatre, near the house where Fernando Pessoa was born. It’s absolutely privileged location in Lisbon’s historical city centre, the understated and sophisticated atmosphere, the discretion and attention of service and its kitchen delicacies quickly won over Lisbon’s elites and turned Belcanto into an unmissable meeting point. In the summer of 2011, José Avillez showed interest in Belcanto and started a profound refurbishment of its kitchen and dining room. Belcanto by José Avillez opened in early 2012, fully renewed. In November of that same year, a Michelin star was awarded to Belcanto. A second Michelin star was awarded in November 2014.

The Michelin Guide, which attributes distinctions frequently referred to as the “culinary Oscars”, uses a well-known and prestigious system of stars to rate the world’s best restaurants and hotels. There are five criteria according to which the restaurants are evaluated: quality of ingredients, skill in the preparation, culinary personality, value for money and consistency. The two Michelin Stars confirms the excellent cooking, extraordinary quality and the careful dish execution, indicating that a visit to the restaurant is worth a detour during a trip to Lisbon.

Chef José Avillez and Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living’s Samantha McGivern, on a recent trip to Lisbon. Samantha says...

“From the moment one steps through the doors, the experience begins. The elegant and tastefully designed interior is perfectly in keeping with the overall atmosphere of relaxed supremacy.

Your own personal team of waiters, guide you to your table and attend your every whim as if you are part of an orchestral evening of taste. The attention to detail so precise, one begins to feel that the Belcanto experience is there just for you alone.

One’s taste buds are hypnotized by a symphony of flavours from beautifully designed dishes of outstanding quality, each a delightful surprise to one’s senses.

An evening of food heaven by José Avillez, I will remember for a long time .. Fantastic”

BELCANTOLargo de São Carlos, 101200-410 LisboaPortugalTelf. + 351 21 342 06 07

Lunch 12.30 am - 3.00 pm Dinner 7.30 pm - 11.00 pm From Tuesday to Saturday.Closed Sundays and Mondays.

www.belcanto.ptwww.joseavillez.pt


Respect for the bay tree and its power goes far back into history. Symbolising glory, bay leaves were used to crown the heroes and victorious athletes of ancient Greece and Rome. The herbalist, Culpepper, quotes a saying: ‘Neither witch nor devil, thunder nor lightening will hurt a man where a bay tree is’.

With upward growing branches and glossy, dark evergreen leaves, bay (Laurus nobilis) makes a handsome, bushy tree, sometimes reaching up to 18m high if allowed to grow freely in open ground. Container grown plants can be kept below 2m by careful pruning and are often seen formally clipped to pyramid or ball shapes on a stem – particularly effective on terraces or next to the front door.

The volatile oils in bay leaves are warm and penetrating and berries, leaves and oil have all been used in herbal medicine and cooking for centuries, having a reputation for stimulating the appetite. Treat yourself to a reviving bath to beat the January blues by simmering several bay leaves in a litre of water for ten minutes. Strain the liquid into a nice hot bath to enjoy a well-earned soak after all the hectic holiday preparations last month.

An essential ingredient of bouquet garni, infuse the leaves in marinades, stocks, soups and sauces and use to enhance fish, meat, poultry, game, vegetable and rice dishes. A bay leaf boiled or steamed with cauliflower adds to the flavour and reduces the cooking smells. Fresh leaves make an attractive garnish for pates, poached salmon, kebab skewers and stuffed vegetables. A bay tree will guarantee a year-round supply of fresh leaves which have a strong aromatic flavour. The dried leaves are less potent and are easy to dry - just pick leaves or leafy sprays, leave to dry in shade at room temperature, then store in a sealed jar to retain flavour.

Clare Thursfield grew herbs on a small commercial scale in the UK before

moving to Portugal in 2001. She now enjoys the challenge and rewards of

gardening in the Algarve countryside where the wonderful climate is

particularly well-suited to the herbs she loves to grow and use.

Salt Cod KedgereeServes 4

700g bacalhau

275ml milk

570ml water

1 onion, sliced

1 fresh or 2 dried bay leaves

4 slices lemon

8 peppercorns

25g butter

4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

black pepper

For the rice:

275ml basmati rice

25g butter

½ tsp turmeric

½ tsp salt

2 cardamom pods

1 clove

1 fresh or dried bay leaf

570ml hot chicken stock

Soak bacalhau in 3 or 4 changes of cold water for 24-36 hours, depending on thickness. In a large pan bring milk, water, onion, bay leaves, lemon and peppercorns to simmering point. Add bacalhau and simmer for 20-30 minutes until cooked and easy to flake. Remove fish from pan and flake it into small pieces, discarding skin and bones, then set aside.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan, add turmeric, salt, cardamoms, clove and bay leaf. Stir in rice and cook for a minute, then add chicken stock, bring to the boil, lower heat, cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes until stock has been absorbed. Melt butter in a large, deep frying pan or wok, stir in bacalhau and eggs, followed by rice, 2 tbsp parsley and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to heat thoroughly. Serve immediately sprinkled with remaining parsley.

The Noble BayBay

januaryTo Do List - JanuaryWe are at the start of a new year and already we are experiencing some very cold nights with some reports of overnight frost. The lovely blue skies during the day often proceed very cold evenings, so make sure your plants are protected - especially the more vulnerable. Check our December issue for all the information you need on this matter.

Now, there are whole host of things that can be done in January, so I am going to whisk through a selection to help you on your way.

• Top-dress lawns and garden beds with compost.

• Sow beets, carrots, radishes, lettuce, spinach,coriander, parsley, watercress, pak choi, and garden peas directly in the garden; cover the planting rows with mulch or compost to warm the soil and keep weeds at bay.

There are always plenty of things to do in the garden but it can

be a bit daunting to know which are the most important ones to

do and when. Each month, we will give you a new To Do list so

you can be prepared and ready for the year ahead.

Down on the AllotmentEvery month in Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living, we will dedicate a section just for the self-sufficient allotment style gardeners amongst us. Each article will cover what to seed and when, tips on companion planting, correct soils, mulching, composts, when to harvest; plus information on the different styles from square foot planting, to lasagna beds and keyhole gardening.

I am drawing my experience from a ‘jump in at the deep end’ type of experiment I did over 10 years ago where I took on an acre of baked hard, clay soil close to the sea that had been unused for decades.

My aim was to grow as many varieties of vegetables and herbs as possible without any chemicals or pesticides. Within 9 months I was borderline vegetarian as my experimental methods exceeded way beyond my expectations and I could not eat, supply or give away enough of my healthy vegetable kingdom.

I learnt the hard way, by trial and error - and let me tell you, there were many of them! But the experience taught me so much about organic gardening I wanted to share it with you. I realise that most of you will not want to go to the extremes that I did but the lessons are still the same. So, following on from last month, this is my story...

by Justin WrideThe soaring heat and constant sunshine was now in full force and watering was a the main concern and I needed two visits per day to stop the tomatoes wilting. When temperatures fluctuate around the 95 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit, I honestly believe that all shrubs, trees and vegetables struggle. It’s then, just a case of survival so plants are shocked into dormancy. I experimented with a couple of bales of straw during August and it was a surprisingly useful mulch for the thirsty tomatoes, but it was too expensive to cover the whole plot.

My peas and beans could not cope with the heat and had already turned stringy

in July, so I let them just die back into the soil, beetroots and radishes continued with their odd shapes including an orange beetroot I had growing, rather bizarre as the taste was the same minus the deep red staining fluid. My pick again lettuce and rocket gave up the fight, they all seemed to bolt overnight, so my salad leaves had come to an end, I would have to plan a shade area for the future so my supply didn’t diminish through the summer.

But the biggest problem that literally seemed to happen overnight was a plague caterpillars and a few rogue locusts.

I often wonder how from one day to another you can be infested with caterpillars, aphids or scale, there never seems to be just one or two but a biblical plagues worth!

My infantry of nasturtiums stopped the first wave, but my defences were breached and the locusts

• Finish pruning fruit trees, vines, and bushes but check weather first, this should not be done if a frost is likely.

• With a prolonged dry spell and warmer days you might have to switch on the irrigation or give the garden a burst from the hose, as the soil will dry out and the shrubs will require some moisture especially after periods of 2 to 3 weeks.

• Its not too late to add bulbs into your garden.

• Also a good time to plant any new trees or shrubs, make sure a good hole is dug and check its drainage, fill the hole with water and if it has not disappeared in ten minutes you need to dig deeper of find a new location, otherwise you are fighting a lost cause.

• There seems to have been a bumper harvest of oranges this season. For the fruit to be at its best, you need to picking any left by the end of this month.

were chomping through my delicate leaves from pumpkin, cucumber and melons. Plants were weakening from this barrage and urgent action was needed. My first response was to retaliate using the finger and thumb method, just crush and smother, nasty green sap from caterpillars ran through my fingers, it was quite disgusting at first but I had to protect my veggie family before they perished.



A soil conditioner is a term that basically means to enhance and improve the properties of the soil. Now this does not necessarily mean adding fertilisers or organic materials, as some soils are plentiful in nutrients (as is often found in clay soils), rather it is a means to incorporate and bind together all the soils components, to give maximum benefit to anything planted within it.

In classifying a soil ‘amendment’ (or conditioner), you need first to evaluate what exactly the product is supposed to achieve. Does the product provide nutrients? If so, then it is a fertilizer. Does the product deliver biology to the soil? (It should be noted here, that many soil amendments take on aspects of a fertilizer, tonic and/or a conditioner, but their objective should be clearly defined.)

Soil conditioners repair damaged soil and help maintain

the soil quality for plant life. Over time soil will become compacted, so conditioners help to loosen the soil as well as replenish and maintain nutrients in order for the plants to flourish. In some cases, just the addition of some coarse sand will be enough to aid drainage and prevent plant root compaction thereby allowing nutrients to be absorbed more readily into the plants cells. In other cases such as sandier soils, some heavier binding soil is needed so that nutrients aren’t washed out too quickly from irrigation and rainfall. Generally speaking, it is important to mix the soil and the conditioner together before planting, by being dug over or

rotovated in, however some water soluble soil conditioners do work better when placed on top of the soil after planting, and then watered in, allowing its components to leach down into the earth.

Soil conditioners may consist of organic matters such as plant and animal remains that are in various stages of decomposition, typically referred to as compost. When compost is added to the existing soil, the decomposing matter immediately provides an additional rich food source for the microorganisms in the soil and a chain reaction begins. The microorganisms eat the plant and animal remains and eventually die themselves, thus also adding themselves to the organic composition of the soil. The end product of this cycle is humus, which is dark brown or black and will not decompose any further. Humus is important to the condition of the soil because it readily ‘chelates’ soil

nutrients and greatly increases its water holding capacity.

Therefore, by providing organic matter as a soil conditioner we are helping the plants to sustain a healthy life. When the soil becomes depleted of organic matter, water tends to drain away quicker and any biology is less prolific, therefore the plants have a harder time sustaining life.

There are also conditioners that are very high in natural organic elements and micro nutrients such as iron, which is very important for the plant kingdom, especially in the

Soil Conditioners


calciferous soils found commonly in Southern Portugal.

There is one particular source that I am very happy to profile here due to its certified organic status. Extensive tests from laboratories, have shown it carries unique properties in its nutrient make up, which provides a strong pest-immunity, resulting in a significant reduction in the use of chemicals. Farmers around the world using this conditioner, have benefited from increased, healthier crop yields, which can only be good for us all.

It certainly sounds perfect, so I’m going to be using it within my garden as it will be readily available in Portugal and Spain within a couple of months, so watch this space as I put it to the test. I’m very happy to hear that it also contains high amounts of iron in its profile, as this is an element that’s very much lacking in many soils in Portugal.

Key Facts• Non hazardous 100 percent natural product • Certified for organic use as a soil conditioner • Contains minerals and trace elements essential for

grasslands, crops and livestock • Increases microbial and earthworm activity • Creates vigorous growth in grasses and all types of

crops • Naturally self-medicates soil with the correct nutrition • Regenerates soil structure resulting in a much richer

fertile soil

Soil Conditioners

Snippets...Pliny the Elder, Roman author, naturalist, and natural

philosopher, as well as naval and army commander of the

early Roman Empire; claimed garlic prevented madness,

repelled snakes and could protect against the magnetic

powers of the lodestone.

An addition, although garlic (Allium sativum) was banned

from the Roman temple of Cybele, it was included in the

daily rations of Roman soldiers, who chewed it before

battle as they believed it bestowed courage.

So, that’s how the Roman’s conquered the ancient world!

Snippets...The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst was an antidote

to intoxication, so glasses and vessels made from the stone

were highly sought after.

But if your salary as a mere peasant didn’t stretch to such

finery, a cure of alternate ice cold and ‘as hot a can be

borne’ baths, was apparently the next best thing.


Focus on ...Solanum CarolinenseHorse NettleAt first glance, this juicy looking bauble looks like a wild tomato so you might be tempted to take a bite. Classed as a noxious weed in parts of the United States, where it originates from, it is capable of poisoning livestock if eaten, although the thorny undersides of the leaves, usually puts them off.

The tomato-like appearance is no coincidence as it is actually part of the same Solanaceae genus, better known as the ‘Nightshades’, and if that name conjures up worrying connotations, you’d be right. In fact, the Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the few nightshades that is edible.

The Solanum Carolinense or Carolina Horse Nettle, grows to approx. 3ft and has long, elliptical leaves that are covered with fine hairs on both sides and omit a strong potato odour when crushed.

One of our readers, Christine Hunt, found this specimen growing along the lane from her home in Fonte do Mouro near Sao Bras, Portugal.


In the last few years, the palm trees around the Mediterranean region have suffered major devastation due to a plague of the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, now more commonly known as the red palm weevil. This little beetle is originally from tropical Asia, but has now spread to Africa and Europe.

As with most Coleoptera, its life cycle follows a

similar process of m e t a m o r p h o s i s ,

from egg, larvae, pupal case, pupa and adult. An adult female red palm weevil can lay between

300 and 500 eggs.

The infestation of the pest can result in yellowing and wilting of palms that may lead to the death of the affected plant. The crown wilts first, and lower leaves will follow due to damage to its vascular tissue. Major symptoms such as crown loss or leaf wilt are usually only visible long after the palm has become infested.

Secondary infections of opportunistic bacteria and fungi may occur within damaged tissues, accelerating decline. By the time these external symptoms are observed, the damage is usually sufficient to kill the tree, and the infestation may have been present for six months or longer. In high-density infestations, sounds of the larvae burrowing and chewing can be heard by placing one’s ear to the trunk of the palm.

See http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhynchophorus_ferrugineus.

To prevent and control this plague, you can use two treatments, the foliar shower and the endotherapy (Sospalm).

The foliar shower is the more commonly used treatment, but unfortunately it is also less environmentally friendly and more expensive. Foliar showers, as the name suggests, will waste a lot of chemicals that the palm tree will not use.

Alternatively, an endotherapy treatment is an injection cannula (SOSPALM) that you install directly into the trunk of the palm with a syringe, thereby injecting the pesticide directly into the palm tree sap, which has proven to be more effective and less polluting.

It’s a great treatment to prevent the plague, although if your palm tree is already infected, it is advisable to use both treatments.

Another prevention tool is the red palm weevil trap. Every female bug caught it will be, on average, 200 less eggs on your palm.

Prevention treatment through endotherapySet up of traps and monitoring“Do it yourself” equipment is accessible from our partner: BRICOVERDETalentos Escondidos, Lda Mobile: 91 939 4837 – Email: [email protected]

Washingtonia and Phoenix Palms:• Cosmetic cleaning

• Maintenance

• Endotherapy

Palm Weevil Treatment

Bricoverde, Estrada dos Brejos, Montechoro, 8200 AlbufeiraContact number 966075865 / 289 [email protected]


There are many debates amongst us gardeners regarding the pros and cons of rotovating or ploughing the soil. Some of these factors are based on what type of soil you have inherited, as many heavy clay soils are so compacted it makes it very difficult for some machinery’s blades to even penetrate the top few centimetres. In this case, you’ll either have to wait until the heavens open or give your soil a heavy watering before any progress can be made - but even then, the clay can become very sticky and ‘claggy’ which can then block the rotovators blades. To do the job effectively it’s all about timing; getting the correct level of moisture in the soil to allow the ideal ploughing conditions. Experienced farmers will often wait for several days after rainfall before cranking up their tractors.

So why go to all that trouble? Well, one of the benefits of rotovation is to improve soil ‘conditioning’. Heavy clay soils are rich in nutrients, but the fine particles stick together which makes the soil sticky and saturated in winter (plant roots hate this) and it dries out like concrete in summer, with cracks that allow moisture to run through into the sub-soil so the upper layer dries out. And walking on this type of soil compacts it much more readily than sandy or loamy soil. So plants are more likely to drown in winter and die of thirst in summer, despite all those nutrients. A situation all too familiar in this part of the world.

Digging and turning the soil so it becomes ‘friable’ (small particles), helps aerate the soil. If organic matter such as manure, garden compost, lime or gypsum are added at this stage, the special properties that they contain reduce the ionic effect that attracts the fine soil particles to one

Rotovatinganother, so that the soil structure is more effective in retaining moisture without going too ‘claggy’.

Digging heavy clay soil is hard work at any time of the year, but a rotovator makes light work of it and provides an ideal opportunity to mix in a good supply of conditioning material which will permanently improve its quality.

It’s best to make sure that any stubborn perennial weeds, couch grasses or brambles are removed before you start to use your ploughing machinery otherwise you run the risk of exacerbating any weed problem. Every small piece of chopped up undesirable plant, will start a new weed plant - so one long trailing piece of stubborn couch grass will become hundreds more once rotovated. Each small, chopped up piece happy to lay its own root thus multiplying the problem significantly.

The best way to get rid of such weeds, may be to hand dig, carefully removing every trace as you go. Spraying with a herbicide will help matters, but be aware of what chemicals you might be using, especially if you are planning a future vegetable or edible garden. A healthier, organic approach would be to lay a dark plastic sheet or newspaper over the proposed area to be dug over, and after a couple of weeks the weeds will becoming smothered and void of sunlight and therefore die quite quickly.

So there you go, a quick guide to improving your soil without breaking your back or wasting your time.


Flame Decor is a company which provides heating solutions for all kinds of spaces, taking both decoration and design into account.

We have a wide range of models of Fireplaces, Woodburners, Gas and Ethanol Burners, Barbecues, among others.

In our shop you can find various renowned makes, with different types of fuel, which represent simplicity, modernism and, above all, efficiency.

The types of fuel we supply are logs, pellets, bio-ethanol and gas.

Our services range from sales to creation, installation, improvements, repairs and technical support.

Flame Decor Unipessoal Lda.Sítio do Semino, Loja A, 8125-303 Quarteira

Telefone / Fax: 289 316 701 | Telemóvel: 932 465 [email protected]

www.flame-decor.pt • www.facebook.com/flamedecor

BIO ETHANOLBio ethanol is the type that comprises all processes of obtaining ethanol, wherein the raw material that is used is cellulose – biomass, such as sugar cane, corn and cellulose. It is a type of biofuel.

GASThe operation of gas fireplaces is based on technology that allows for a larger efficiency where heat usage is concerned.

One of the main advantages of gas fireplaces as against log fireplaces is the fact that they cut out the heavy job of buying, storing, handling and cleaning logs and ashes. Heating is guaranteed by simply pressing a button.

You are always welcome. As well as sales, we also assist new customers with repairs, improvements or even a simple revision or annual cleaning service. We cover the whole of the Algarve, Alentejo and Lisbon.

If you require a heating solution, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to give you a free quote, no commitment.


When it comes to outdoor ambience fire pits are fast becoming a hit in the Mediterranean. With a little knowledge and under 250 euros worth of materials you too could soon be entertaining around your very own fire pit. As we live in a warm temperate climate outdoor fires have become all the rage with many homes now sporting a brazier somewhere in their outdoor area. Fire pits are the next big thing when it comes to outdoor ambience and heating and this simple guide will give you some great ideas and advice on how to safely build your own fire pit. It can be as fancy or as modest as you want it to be, it’s up to you. You can even set them up to double as large outdoor barbecues. Its perfect for those spring to autumn evenings as most of us living abroad love to spend most of our time sitting and entertaining outdoors in the garden or simply basking by the pool.

Step 1 – LocationGiven the fact that your fire pit will be burning solid fuel, make very sure you select an area well away from any structures, fences and trees, we are all fully aware of the hazards an open fire can cause in Portugal and Spain so location for your fire pit is very important. A large open area is always best as it also provides the most ventilation as well. Another reason for choosing an open space is because it enables you to build a seated feature around your fire pit for entertaining guests. You do not have to build this extra feature straight away as you can always landscape around it later on. I would also recommend it being close to a water tap or hose for the extra security.

Step 2 – Digging the HoleTo start with you need to work out what shape you want your fire pit. The most common type of fire pit is typically round or square, however different shapes are starting to emerge in many peoples gardens,so be as creative as you want. Any safe fire pit has a wall around its edges to contain the embers and sparks This is actually built on top of a small concrete base, and anything up to 1 metre high is normally quite sufficient, this will also help as a wind buffer and protector to the flames plus accentuate its cosiness.

Step 3 – Building the Fire PitUsing a spray can mark out your fire pit. Allow 150mm extra space around the outer edge of your base hole to allow for shuttering work Next use a spade to dig the shape of your fire pit down to a depth of 150mm. Now it’s time to install some basic shuttering. For basic straight edged shape fire pits you can build some traditional wooden shuttering

or straight edges to support the edges of your concrete base. If your are building anything round or curvy then you may need to visit your local hardware store for some flexible garden edging to use as a holding support but found that flexible cardboard can be used. The most laborious task is to then prepare some concrete, fill your base and screed the top. Allow to dry. Once your concrete has set (24hrs) you can start marking out where you are going to build the wall for your fire pit. If you are building a round fire pit then a simple marker on a piece of string does the marking nicely. Now you can start constructing your wall. There are many options for materials here interlocking retaining blocks or brick tijoles work best, or you can use special fire bricks closest to the hearth,just visit your local supplier to see what variety would look best for your wall. You will usually only pay a few euros each so it is not an expensive project by any means.

Now that your fire pit is completed you can add landscaping and seating around it. A built in table setting always makes for a stunning setting for outdoor dining and cooking on your fire pit produces great tasting BBQ food. To cook on your new fire pit simply attach a hotplate, grill or both that will sit across the top of your fire pit. You can even construct your own rotisserie platform for an even greater effect.

Some designs have a lower section where you can scoop out the ash for ease of cleaning, but its not that necessary as its quite easily done by removing your grate or grill from the top.

Its that simple, whole project done and dusted over the weekend

Build your own Iberian Fire Pit


2015 has started, and the inevitable New Year’s resolutions are an automatic part of that. I don’t have many New Year’s resolutions at all, just one which is going to be involving a lot of research…naming all my succulents and cacti…! It has to be done, as I am absolutely clueless to who is who, and which is what. Ask me anything on plants and trees, and I will happily give you the complete Latin name, but the succulents are an entity of their own..

Living in the Algarve means that you can keep them for longer than just a summer, and I love these plants with all their colours, form & shapes. And I have accumulated hundreds of them, just in 4 years time! For the majority of them, I can figure out what they are, like the Crassula’s, Echeveria’s, Sedums, Agaves, Aloes, Aeoniums, Haworthia’s, but naming them completely, is impossible. Looking these up on the internet, has created more chaos than anything else, there are literally so many sites, with even more different varieties, it is overwhelming. Have asked fellow gardening friends, even went to some garden centres and wrote down the names of the ones on sale, which I thought were identical…and they are not. Now I am at the stage that I have collected quite a lot of books, and I need to sit down outside, and figure it out plant by plant. I hope February & March will bring some lovely sunny afternoons, and that will be a proper opportunity to get started!

It may not happen though, as I have a large garden in my portfolio to design and create, together with a local gardening company. I also realise that I need to expand my stock of unusual plants drastically, and will need to prepare an area for that. Then to top it all off, my tomato and vegetable plot planning and start up for the coming year will require a lot of time, money and effort, as I want to start early, and need a greenhouse. And the more I think about it all whilst writing this all down, many more ideas come up in my head, bee keeping for example, planting a small vineyard is on my wish list too.

Going back a couple of weeks, there was a discussion on Poinsettia’s, whether the outdoor variety is a plant on its own, or whether the indoor variety, sold in the festive season, is suitable for outdoors. Yes, one can plant Euphorbia pulcherrima outdoors and have success, more than often though, these plants do not survive. The world of commercially grown Poinsettia’s is a vague one, growers give names, but these do not appear anywhere else, just in their own catalogue. The plants are developed and

grown for beauty and commercial gain, grown under perfect conditions in a greenhouse, and not for lasting a lifetime unfortunately. If you bought one a couple of years ago, and planted it, success rate would have been much higher! Sunny spot, well drained soil, and regular watering should help for those who wish to try. A mature and established Euphorbia pulcherrima is a wonderful addition to any garden!

Ginie de Weerd

was born

and raised in

Arboretum

Trompenburg

in Rotterdam,

a well known

botanical garden, known for its

varieties of Rhododendrons. She

also set up and managed a large

garden centre in Holland. After

many years working “too hard”

she decided to move to Portugal

to concentrate on setting up a

business importing non-evasive

plants and their subspecies not

seen in the Algarve before.

Confusing Cacti


Focus on ...Pyrostegia

VenustaFlame

Vine

With ‘flame’ in its name, you know its going to be hot, and this beauty is a bright orange scorcher. If you want a wow factor climber to take over during the winter, ready to pass on to the scented jasmines in Feb/March, then you must plant this in your garden. Let it grow over a carport or gazebo, give it plenty of the basic elements as discussed earlier, and it will brighten up any day during the winter.

An evergreen, woody climber that grows quickly to 10m or more with numerous slender stems that attach themselves by tendrils. The compound leaves have two or three oval, 5-8 cm long leaflets and a coiling tendril.

It produces clusters of spectacular orange flowers on dense, terminal racemes that hang down with the weight of the blossoms. Each tubular, 8cm long flower explodes open into five reflexed lobes, making it one of the most spectacular flowering vines in cultivation.

It grows quickly in rich soil and full sun, but will take some shade. It loves the heat and looks fantastic trained over a pergola or car port.

Give it average watering during the summer, but pruning should be left until the spring, when the flowering has finished.

The name for the genus is from the Greek word ‘pyr’ meaning “fire” and stegé meaning “a roof”, obviously referring to the abundance of the fire coloured flowers. The specific epithet is from the Latin word ‘venustus’ meaning “beautiful”. Other common names include Golden Shower, Chinese Cracker Flower, and in its native Brazil it is called Belas.


Next time you are foraging for pine cones to use as fire kindling in order to keep your house cosy and warm, take a moment to step back and check which type of pine tree you are collecting from. Unbeknownst to many gardeners, foragers and nutritionists alike, the Pinus Pinea or Italian Stone Pine, which adapts very well to the climate of Iberia, is responsible for the highly revered and rather expensive pine nut.

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees. They are small, elongated, ivory coloured seeds from pine cones, measuring about 1/2 inch long. When raw, the seeds have a soft texture and a sweet, buttery flavour, but are often lightly toasted to bring out the flavour and to add a little crunch.

The most commonly harvested seeds come from four particular pine tree varieties: the Mexican pinon (Pinus cembroides), the Colorado pinion (Pinus edulis), the Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea), and the Chinese nut pine (Pinus koraiensis), yet up to 18 varieties actually produce seeds, but they vary in taste and nutrition.

It takes anywhere from 10 to 20 years for the trees to begin producing the seeds and up to triple that time for them to reach top production. The majority of their harvest comes from wild, uncultivated trees, but for the most part, the seeds are harvested by hand - a contributing factor to their expensive price tag. Many of these trees thrive in our Portuguese and Spanish countrysides, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a huge established tree only a couple of hundred metres away from our house. Our organic farming neighbours tell me that every summer and early autumn they save all the cones and take out all the precious nuts.

Pine nuts are ready to harvest about 10 days before the green cone begins to open. Leaving the cones outside in the sun for a couple of weeks, helps to speed up the drying out process. The cones themselves are then broken apart and the seeds separated by hand from the cone fragments. A further, finer shell casing also has to be removed before you reach the sought after prize.

You can even grow your own tree from the seed if you have time on your hands, although the tree itself is very easy to grow. It loves sandy conditions and the hot sunshine to thrive, and that’s why its often found in abundance throughout our regions.

Now does that make you think again when lighting the fire?

Precious Pine Nuts

Snippets...Ginger, cinnamon and peppermint make a fantastic, healthy

alternative to chemical mouthwash. Peppermint, as we

know, immediately freshens, while the ginger and cinnamon

give a longer-lasting ‘clean’.

Bring 1 cup of water to the boil and add 1 inch of peeled

and sliced ginger root, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

and 1/2 cup of chopped, fresh peppermint. Reduce to a

simmer for 15 minutes, then strain the liquid and decant

to a jar. Keep it refrigerated for up to 10 days and use as

needed.


Lets start off with a plant that is found in abundance here - oregano or sweet garden marjoram, often seen growing wild in the countryside, pine woodlands and rocky outcrops. It is heavily used in cooking, especially in fresh summer salads, for its fantastic, punchy flavour, but it also has powerful antiseptic and antiviral properties. Coughs, asthma, digestion problems, bacterial viruses, can all be relieved from a simple infusion of its leaves in hot water and drunk as a tea. Its essential oil offers a myriad of cures for a range of illnesses and comes well backed up by many scientists and laboratories.

Next we look at the marvellously named Silybum marianum or Milk Thistle, which can be classed as an invasive species but grows abundantly in Southern Europe. I expect 90% of us would think of this spiky thistle as no more than a troublesome weed and feel happier if it was removed from the garden altogether, yet did you know that amongst its many benefits, it is also said to cure bouts of depression! Yes, it’s spiky and spiny and you are liable to get thorned if you try to remove it by hand, so perhaps it’s trying to tell us something! In addition – and perhaps most significantly at this time of the year, many of us may be lamenting the extra pressure on our livers that the over indulgence of a few too many festive drinks has created, but did you know that thistle offers a natural protection for this organ, and helps other conditions such as jaundice, cirrhosis and even travel sickness.

Finally for this month, the simple Pot Marigold or Calendula Officinalis - there’s that Latin word again, so you know it’s going to be good for you! These slightly

Herbs and Plant Healers

hairy-lobed plants, flower prolifically in Iberia with bright yellow daisy blooms and look amazing planted in large clumps in the garden. Yet calendulas are much more than a pretty face in an organic vegetable garden. Calendula flowers can be harvested and used as a medicinal herb. Snip off the petals and make them into a herb teas or add to salads to add extra nutrition and colour. In addition, the presence of calendulas in the garden help to repel insect pests, and its roots benefit the soil by forming active relationships with soil fungi, so you are getting an organic pest repellent and a medicine all in one. Its host of antiviral properties in strained calendula ‘tea’, can be used for treating cuts and grazes, as a mouthwash or even as an eyewash, as long as you are careful to first remove all foreign bodies.

So add a bit of oregano, a silybum thistle and a marigold to your garden to tackle our sickly bodies and bring a smile to our faces.

Each month, we are going take a detailed look at the herbs and plants that many of us take for granted. The flowers and foliage of many everyday garden plants often have remarkable healing credentials, and can provide welcome alternatives to conventional medicines. You might be surprised to learn that your own garden could quite possibly be your own personal pharmacy.

Many herbs and plants have the specific term ‘officinalis’ in their Latin title, dating back to Medieval times and literally meaning “of or belonging to an officina”, which in those times referred to the healing remedies held in a monastic store room used by the monk physicians. We all know that most prescription medicines we consume these days are based on plant origins, so shouldn’t we learn a little more from our Mediterranean plants, as quite possibly our ailments could be cured from a simple poultice, inhalant or tea from one of these humble looking shrubs.


Every year in January I always feel the need to apply a lift to my garden. With the cold mornings and the short periods of sun, the outdoor space can look tired and dull. So to help you get over the seasonal anti-climax blues, put some energy into your garden and give yourself a new look.

Samantha McGivern has, over the past 20 years, worked with internationally acclaimed clients Bourne Leisure, Warner Brothers, De Vere Hotel Group, Halifax Building Society, Rowntree plc in delivering styling solutions with both hard and soft furnishings.

Building upon this experience Samantha now specializes in restyling the home and garden in Portugal with a particular emphasis on the re-sale property market.

January Face-Lift

Cheer up those areas that seem to have gone into

permanent hibernation, such as dormant flower beds or barren areas where your winter trimming has been completed,

and lets not forget our terraces and patios, where your faithful containers continue to do their job year by year, but are never re-potted.

Placements of colour can give a instant change and prospective to a space. I always see fantastic ceramic containers on my travels - cobalt blues, rich reds, deep creams... I’m always so amazed by the different shapes and sizes. What a instant lift they give.

Try a collection of colours in a empty corner of your terrace. Use varied shapes and sizes together as decorative pieces, rather than just one or two, as this becomes a very creative feature just by itself.


Viplant – Algarve GardenE.N. .125 Sítio do ConseguinteBenfarras8125-017 Quarteira

Changing your individual pots can give great satisfaction. A complete change of shape and colour can make a enormous difference to your garden, whether they are small or large.

If you are lucky enough to have the space, go BIG and DARING to add that X Factor ..!!!!

The old sayings are the best - “A change is better than a rest”, so get out there!

All items shown are available at:-

Casa GradeSítio dos CabeçosEN 125, Porches8400-453

Snippets...If you have a remote space in your garden that no one ventures into, have some fun with some ‘guerilla gardening’. Collect together some random seeds (they can be any left over flower seeds or herbs) plus a handful of clay soil. Squash them all together into a ball shape and re-live your childhood with a ‘war’ game as you lob your seed bombs into the ‘enemy’ camp!

You can then look forward with childlike anticipation to any surprise explosions of colour you may get later in the year.

© Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living30 © Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living

Focus on ...Chinese Windmill Palm

Trachycarpus Fortunei

Palms are one of the essential ingredients of an exotic garden, and we are very fortunate to be able to host a varied species in our Iberian climate.

Unfortunately, the palm weevil has become quite partial to a couple of species - it’s all too painful to witness the demise of the beautiful Phoenix canariensis to this voracious insect. However, the Trachycarpus fortunei has proved to be an exceptionally hardy and tolerant palm, and thankfully, it doesn’t seem to taste very nice to the palm weevil, as so far they seem quite unaffected by this plague.

It will grow pretty well anywhere, but to keep it looking in tip-top condition try to plant the Chusan or Windmill

palm in a moist but well-drained soil in good sun or part shade - and most importantly, out of the wind. It’s become quite common in parts of Northern Europe and the UK, after it was first brought in and cultivated during the 1840s - so you can see how hardy this tropical beauty can be.

All species within this genus (10 species in the Trachycarpus family) have a single trunk. Heights of these palms range from an almost nonexistent trunk to forty feet or more, but are very slow growing.

A remarkable characteristic of the genus, is the production of thick fibrous material or hairs that cover the trunk, which give it its own unique identity.

Subscribe at [email protected] 31Subscribe at [email protected]


by Jeannine de Vareilles

There are a great variety of plants from the tropics that have adapted well to the Mediterranean climate. One thing is certain: they do not mind the summer heat. Just as certain, though, is that they object strongly to frost and freezing temperatures. As these practically never occur by the sea and are rare inland, many plants from the tropics have found life in gardens here, a very acceptable alternative to their original homeland. Many have been planted for their fruit as well as for that exotic touch they always provide.

From tropical America alone, successful fruit trees that you can grow include the Avocado (Persea americana), the Guava (Psidium guajava), the Papaya (Carica papaya), the climbing Passion Fruit vine, Granadilla or Maracujà (Passiflora edulis) and the climber

The Striking Star FruitAverrhoa carambola

Ceriman or Fruit Salad Tree (Monstera deliciosa). You also get the Custard Apple (Annona cherimola) and the Banana plant.

Tropical and sub tropical Asia has also provided us with many beautiful and useful plants. Everybody knows the orange and lemon trees that grace every traditional Mediterranean garden. Mango trees are less hardy but will grow in sunny, frost free areas. The Star Fruit tree (Averrhoa carambola) comes from South East Asia originally where it has been cultivated for hundreds of years and has perhaps the most striking fruit of all in this list. It is also one of the rare ones to ripen during our winter.

The fruit is bright yellow when ripe, with distinctive ridges running down the sides. Cut a star fruit open in cross section and


you see how it got its name. The tree grows well in full sun, on a well drained soil that should however retain some humidity. Frost is the main enemy. During the hot, dry Mediterranean summer, the tree produces delicate little lilac flowers. In the Autumn, tiny star fruit develop. They are as bright green as the leaves, whose shape they resemble, making it difficult to spot them at that stage. They grow in size to around ten centimetres in length, and in late November to early December, turn yellow. If left on the tree they will develop dark brown spots.

Pick the fruit when they detach easily. You do not need to peel a star fruit to eat it,

nor do you need to remove seeds. The taste is slightly acidic and not very marked but it makes a fruit salad look very special and decorates yoghurt and ice cream beautifully.

Star fruit can also be made into jam. Slice the fruit into stars and boil with the same weight of sugar. (For the jam to set use sugar with pectin already incorporated into it.) Use to sweeten yoghurt or spread on the morning toast for a festive breakfast.

Another way of preserving the stars is to crystallise them.

Another name for the Carambola is the Oxalis tree because it is rich in oxalic acid (also found in the local invasive Bermuda buttercup, Oxalis pescaprae, as many who have chewed a stem will remember!). This makes the fruit unrecommended for people with kidney problems. It is claimed that the acid can be used to clean metal of tarnish and rust and bleach rust stains from cloth!

As an ornamental tree, as well as for its decorative fruit, Averrhoa carambola is a pleasure to have in any Mediterranean garden.


The Home of the Daffodil

Portugal is the home of the daffodil. This is somewhat surprising for the flower that Wordsworth raved about at poetic length, and which the Welsh have adopted as their national flower, but it is a fact that the daffodil evolved not in the damp fastnesses of the foggy, foggy isles, but in the Portuguese sunshine. There are dozens of species of daffodils – or narcissus, to be taxonomically correct – growing wild in Portugal, and plant lovers make special trips each year to see them. Narcissus asturiensis and rupicola live in colder areas; the ‘Angels’ Tears N. triandrus and the bulbocodiums, or ‘hoop petticoat’ daffodils, can also grow in sun-baked summer areas, and N. tazetta needs the warmth and is intolerant of winter frosts.

Down here in the Algarve the most common species is the sweet scented ‘paperwhite’ N. tazetta, which can be found growing in clumps in damper, low level areas, but we also have the jonquils, which are the sun worshippers of the

narcissus world. The name ‘jonquil’ comes from the Spanish jonquillo, which is a type of rush, and refers to their slender, round, dark green leaves with a groove down the upper surface, very different from typical daffodil leaves. Possibly the least common species of narcissus in the Algarve is the tiny jonquil - the length of my little finger - that grows on the hill behind my house, and which has so far eluded positive identification (botanist alert!).

The jonquil has been cultivated for a very long time. It is generally believed that Roman soldiers introduced the plant into England during the early years of the Christian era, but then so many things – animal, vegetable and mineral

– are said to have been introduced by the Romans that it is a wonder they had space for their swords. The Romans believed that the mucilaginous sap of the Jonquil bulb had curative properties, but this has been discredited.

The warmth-loving tazetta species is credited with being the very oldest narcissus in cultivation. The Ancient Greeks knew it, as did the ancient Jews, and held it sacred along with the Angels’ Tears N. triandrus. Both have been identified with the Narcissus myth of the beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection and wasted away.

There are a number of interesting mythological/psychoanalytical theories as to why Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection. In some he is regarded as being basically sexless: apparently in very ancient times, when the Mother Goddess held sway, her male consort was not the testosterone-packed type likely to start throwing his weight

around, but a pre-sexual youth, or a de-sexed priest - or even her own son - but basically an androgynous figure rather than homosexual. Indeed, Narcissus was categorically not homosexual, since he refused the advances of several male gods including a river god (possibly of the river in which he gazed) and the notoriously beautiful Apollo. In this he is akin to the large number of females who turned into a variety of flowers and trees in order to escape the attentions of the godly fraternity.


The Home of the Daffodil by Jane Page

Another telling of the story says that he mistook his reflection for a woman and fell in love with her, ignoring the real life (!) Echo who sat lustful and lamenting while he pined away, and yet another version claims he had an incestuous relationship with his twin sister, who later died, and it is she who he believes he sees in his reflection.

Narcissus has two sets of parents (ancient mythology has a lot in common with modern Brazilian soap operas): one set is the river god Cephissus, whose name signifies ‘garden’, and Leiriope, the nymph of the bog lily - a very domestically pastoral coupling. The other pair are far from domestic, being Selene, the rather assertive moon goddess who kept the permanently sedated Endymion for her use as a lover… But before the mind begins to wander down fascinating pathways, let us return to the daffodil.

The name “daffodil” comes from the Greek asphodel, a

name which was used to refer to several spring flowering bulbs. ‘Fields of asphodel’ sounds so sweetly lyrical, but in the Odyssey these were the fields of pale flowers that led to Hell. However there is plenty of room for confusion, since these fields were within Elysium, which was akin to

Paradise, and the original Greek Elysion may be derived from the Egyptian ialu, which means ‘reeds’ - the Egyptian sekhet ialu were the reed fields of paradise and plenty where the dead hoped to spend eternity, which brings us neatly back to the reedy jonquils.

And now, if you have not got totally lost along the tortuous byways of words, a quick mention of Piesse’s Smell Organ. No, not his nose, but an invention described in the long defunct magazine Science and Invention in June 1922. The Smell Organ of French chemist Dr. Septimus Piesse was intended to make ‘olfactory transcriptions of classical music’. Every note, covering three octaves, was assigned a perfume, held in an atomiser and sprayed into the air when the relevant key was pressed. The perfume of a jonquil was linked to F on the treble clef, and, one tone lower, the perfume for E was labelled ‘Portugal’ – a great honour as it was the only country in this mélange of perfumes.


As the Iberian peninsular settles into a quieter period in terms of tourism, it also settles for a generally damper and wetter season as well. During this period we tend to be more susceptible to catching a cold or flu, as bacteria and viruses multiply in these circumstances. Antibiotics can provide a solution every now and again, but overuse can cause the bacteria itself to become more resistant if we use it too often. And as we know, antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Therefore, as an alternative, I would like to share with you some simple tips and solutions which you often find growing in your garden. And, if you don’t have any in your soil yet, this is a good time to get ready to plant some for next year.

We know Iberia is famous for a few Moorish heritages. Among these is its abundance of citrus fruits, which were introduced by the Moorish many centuries ago. Oranges, lemons and grapefruits are not only high in Vitamin C, but have some fascinating characteristics hidden in them - especially grapefruits. Grapefruits are number one fighters against viruses. They contain high levels of Vitamin C which is known to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammatory conditions like asthma and rheumatism. Moreover, research shows that those who eat more fruits and vegetables with similar characteristics as grapefruit, reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or cancer. Grapefruit is also famous for its antioxidant activity, especially pink and red grapefruit. According to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, grapefruit is also fantastic for lowering cholesterol.

Some families I spoke to had their own stories to tell about this fantastic fruit. One mother in particular told me about her sickly baby who seemed to constantly sick with a high temperature, but since she had been told it had been due to a virus, she was given no medication by the doctors. The mother was desperate, so she began to give the child freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, mixed with a more palatable, sweeter juice. She found that by doing this every two hours, the child got better much faster. She also found that grapefruit is able to reduce or completely lower the temperature without any help of a medicine.

All of these make grapefruit a very valuable fruit. And the good news for us is that it grows here all year round, so it is always available. You may even be lucky enough to have it growing in your own garden. Use it along with lemons and oranges to get enough Vitamin C during the winter months, preferably several times a day, as Vitamin C is lost from our body in just a few hours, so it is vital to replace it often.

But you don’t always have to look up to the trees when you are walking around in your garden, as there are enough

herbs in the soil to benefit from too, none of them difficult to grow. Somebody once suggested that I should always eat herbs with every meal, especially oregano, parsley, and thyme, because of their strong bacteria-reducing ability in the stomach. Why is it important that our stomachs have low level of bacteria? Well, a lot of bad things either enter or get singled out through our stomach. I don’t mean the good bacteria like probiotics, more like those bad ones which can cause ulcers. A little oregano or parsley on the side of your bread (raw of course), will keep bad bacteria at bay. Raw honey is also good at doing this. If anybody has an issue with their stomach, there is a simple remedy for it. Before your meal, a glass of warm water with honey is essential to strengthen the immune system and reduce bacteria. Again, honey producers are plentiful throughout Iberia, so try to source some real, raw honey from a trusted producer rather than buy it from the supermarket. And why is raw honey better? It has much more powerful antibacterial properties, due to not being ’heat-treated’ so the benefits remain even after the production is complete. It can even heal wounds which are difficult to treat. If you can get hold of some manuka honey, then you get something which has been proven to have medicinal effects, even by the sceptical, pharmacy-lead doctors. It kills antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA (staphylococcus type bacteria).

Try to get into the habit of drinking honey with warm water half an hour before your meal. You can also add some other valuable ingredients which fight even more strongly against bacteria, like ginger, which is another easily accessible root you can buy anywhere and anytime. A good way of using it is to boil it in some water prior to drinking it or adding the honey. The latter is better to add when it is cool. But ginger can boil, and doing so makes it more powerful. However, you have to be careful not to make it too strong. So just grind

Fight colds and flu using herbs from your garden

a little teaspoon in 200ml of water and boil it for a few minutes and that is enough. Then when it is cool you can add the honey to it and drink it all at once. This way you maintain a healthy immune system making it less likely that you will come down with a cold.

And last but not at least, let me pass on a very simple cleansing diet which has worked so well for many people - including myself.

I have a Bioresonance therapy test every now and again and the pharmacist who carries out the test, suggested a really good diet to undertake for a couple of weeks at the end of each season. We can call Christmas a season as well, right?

Everyone enjoys a bit of festive spirit, however, to get our digestion back to normal, this diet is a good way cleanse and purify our system after all that excess. For 2 weeks we should avoid anything with yeast, sugar and vinegar. So bread must be replaced with things like salty biscuits or bread

Fight colds and flu using herbs from your garden

without yeast. Sugar is easier to take out - just sweeten with stevia. And to make it easy for us not to feel hungry, always have some ready cooked rice in your fridge. Then eat your breakfast, lunch and dinner as normal making sure you avoid the banned items. Just 2-3 spoonfuls of the rice can be added to any meal to reduce hunger and keep you sticking to the fortnight period. At the end you should feel more energetic and lighter, which can only come in handy with a cold month like January to contend with.

Subscribe at [email protected] 37

I am Agnes Horvath, owner of the cosmetic company Dalara Soap Co. I believe organic, all natural cosmetics are the only sustainable solutions to skin problems. I only use oils, es-sential oils, clays and butters in my products. All are plant based, therefore all are suitable for vegetarians, most are for vegans too.

Other known cold and

flu fighting remedies

include:-

• Ginger • Apple cider vinegar• Colloidal Silver • Cumin oil• Stevia • Cinnamon• Thyme


Arquiscape was established in 1994 by Samuel Padfield, founder and multi-disciplinary landscape designer.

With his team of expert gardeners, Samuel has been designing, building, and maintaining gardens throughout the Algarve, for architects, management agencies, private individuals, developments and hotels for 20 years.

In 2008 he was joined by his sister Della who administrates the workload and generally making sure that everyone is where they should be at any given time. She is also the Centre-Point for Clients and all their queries!

Arquiscape have built a solid reputation for bespoke personal landscaping, providing landscaping excellence and adding value to properties. They offer an efficient and organised service from the initial Design Stage (new or remodelling) into Construction and finally at the Handover of their Client’s Dream Garden.

In addition their Monthly Garden and Pool Maintenance Service, Arquiscape offer tailored “One-Off and Seasonal Garden Packages”. Or for gardeners whom wish to maintain their own gardens, but need a little help or advice you can take advantage of their Garden Consultancy Service. Samuel will visit your garden and afterwards provide a full report with a step by step guide to solving any problems!

To compliment Arquiscape’s Garden and Pool Maintenance Service a “Monthly Report” is provided including diagnostics, photos and seasonal recommendations. Clients look forward to these updates and the peace of mind they bring.

If you would like to know more about Arquiscape’s Landscape Design or Maintenance Services or would like a visit from Samuel, call 962 409 549 or send them an email to [email protected]

GARDEN DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, LANDSCAPING

GARDEN AND POOL MAINTENANCE

ONE OFF AND SEASONAL PROJECTS

Client Brief

A Landscaper for All Your Gardening Needs...

Before & After 1: Front Entrance - New

Entrance Area Sitting on one Level with Carport to the Side

and Underground Putting Green with Water Feature at

the Entrance Door

The Client Brief required that the entrance driveway and terraced areas be reconfigured onto one level, not only for child friendly purposes but so that a lawn could be included. All Outdoor Living Spaces needed to be increased, free flowing and accessible from one another for ease and entertaining. Paths and natural steps subtly lead around the garden incorporating plants through the rear to the front of the property for seamless continuity. Samuel also wanted the garden to not only complement the views to the surrounding golf course and sea, but bring the vista into the outdoor living areas. Focal planting with mature specimen Olive Trees, Coconut and Phoenix Roebelenii Palms and a lower level sundowner area were also included, and for fun, a synthetic putting green was added in the basement area. At the entrance, the new water feature in the form of a large vase, makes an instant impact, adding to the curb appeal.

Before & After 2: Golf Course Side Infinity Pool and

Rose Calçada “Sundowner Area”


What makes this project stunning is our use of multiple contrasting hard landscaping materials to provide texture and colour. Natural Lage stone steps and retaining walls and the rustic ‘Bordeira’ stepping stone path, interspersed with reclaimed railway sleepers are adjacent to contemporary grey metal work, rose calçada to compliment the house, bright white rolled stones and crisp metal lawn edging bringing the garden to life.

The rear of the villa faces onto the golf course with a stunning sea view. Sub-tropical planting has been used to compliment the lushness of the golf greens and azul-blue of the sea, being cautious not to detract from the Magnificent Vista itself. Pool-side Coconut Palms, Yuccas and Strelitzia Nicolai provide form, structure and height leading the eye around the garden. An existing lower level hedge was removed and replaced with the rose calçada sundowner terrace which leads into the rustic pathway planted either side with Phormium’s and ornamental grasses for movement, Lavenders and creeping Rosemary for rich colour.

For the roadside, a Mediterranean planting theme was kept with evenly spaced mature Olive and Cypress trees alongside a new pergola carport, blending in with neighbouring properties. A simple scheme of classic colours incorporates blues, reds and white flowering adapted Mediterranean plants including Echiums, Lavenders, Lantana Montevidensis, Creeping Rosemary and Plumbago.

Screening from neighbouring properties is provided by using Oleanders and Eugenias to provide a back-drop with the lush foliage planting of Canna Indica, Helichrysum, Pennisetum Grasses and Gaura Lindeheimeri in front.

Irrigation throughout the garden is economical with the zones divided to reflect areas of shade and sunlight. Drip tubing has been used in the ‘floreiras’ and the lawn pop-ups installed with correct trajectory nozzles. Drainage was an important issue within the garden as the lawn area is enclosed by both the house and pool. Drainage tubes were laid across the lawn in a herringbone formation to alleviate the excess rain water from the roof and terraces.

Rose Coloured Calçada

Sundowner Area leading into a Rustic

Pathway

Lush foliage side pathway leading from front drive and putting green to pool-side bar and seating area

Left: A synthetic putting green now makes use of the obsolete underground driveway and garage

Lawn irrigation sprinkler

trajectories being tested

and set

Lighting has played an important part in creating the atmosphere of the garden. Spotlighting and accentuating the specimen trees and palms whilst at the same time allowing for the garden to be used for entertaining at night. Project management was key at each stage of this project from the construction of retaining walls, drainage, irrigation, lighting and planting.

All ideas and any changes such as the natural shape of the infinity pool to blend in with the land and seascape, rose calçada, the addition of a shaded car-port were discussed with the client. We removed, stored and re-used several of the established shrubs and trees, irrigation controller, valves and boxes.

As is usual for any project post handover, we continue to monitor the garden and provide a garden maintenance proposal ensuring that the garden matures as envisaged by the client and adding value to their property.

To see this landscaping project from start to completion please take a look at our Photo Galleries on our web site:

www.arquiscape.comOr visit us on Facebook - Arquiscape

Apt 312, Boliqueime 8100 070Algarve, Portugal+351 962 [email protected]

Alstroemeria might well be a name you would have heard of when buying cut flowers from your florist but have you ever considered growing them yourself in your garden to get double the satisfaction when you make that display?

Granted, there are not many suppliers that I am aware of in Portugal but with the advent of the web and a comprehensive parcel delivery service throughout Europe, there is no reason why these plants cannot be supplied by myself and sent directly out to you just as my customers receive their plants here in England within a few days.

Indeed, I do already have customers in your lovely country and quite often, they club together with friends to create an order and dilute down the carriage charge.

I’ve been invited back twice now to lecture on these plants and Iris in Portugal by the Mediterranean Garden Society and I have to say that I am really quite envious of you living there in what I consider to be a superior climate that is equally suitable for my plants so let’s just do a brief comparison.

Alstroemeria originate from South America but out of roughly sixty-four wild species, the bulk of them come from Chile in the Andes foothills down to the Atacama Desert. So long as they are in free draining soils then there is no reason why they cannot

grow anywhere in Europe so long as you administer a few basic tasks.

Try to make the soil as fertile as possible with loads of rotted compost. If there was

ever a big freeze (which is less likely with you rather than

the UK) then just put eight inches of tree bark over the dormant plant as a temporary duvet until it has pulled itself deeper

into the ground to protect the shoot buds after year two of planting.

Hot summers which you have, tend to suppress flowers for the duration of very high temperatures as happens naturally in Chile. If there is ever a drought then the plant merely goes to sleep, as it does in the Atacama, until the rain returns. However, you can minimise this effect by planting the Alstroemeria in a cool, shady spot. Finally, when you are next down town then just pick up a bottle of liquid tomato feed and water it in, as if you were growing tomatoes in the active season.

And there you have it. Just as easy as the UK if not easier with your kinder climate and almost as easy as falling off a log.

You then need to decide whether you want to display these plants in a container somewhere visible like on the patio or by the front door. If so, then select any type of free draining compost and plant it in with loads of bone meal and anything else you can lay your hands on. After choosing your favourite colour from my website, only go for the dwarf or medium varieties as a plant over three foot high will look a bit top heavy in a container.

If instead, a free draining border location is your favoured site, you can go for any height but be sure to put the shorter ones at the front and the tall ones at the back so that all the plants can be viewed easily. The border can be mixed herbaceous or one solely for

Alstroemeria

Red Elf

Alstroemeria

Inca Sweety

by Viv Marsh


these plants which will require spacing of about 2ft diameter eventually after three years. If they get any bigger than that then just dig out the offending shoots.

Another good point about these versatile plants is that they are not sensitive to acid or alkaline soils (or pH as we call it in the trade) which is one less hassle.

Additionally and just as importantly, they are not susceptible to vine weevil attack as the grubs just don’t like the taste of the tissue and the same can be said for aphids and whitefly which rarely attack these plants. The only real pest to be watched out for are slugs, which have to be controlled in the normal ways. And finally, just because these plants are called ‘Peruvian Lilies’, they are not a member of the Lily family so they do not succumb to the dreaded Lily beetle. Now, it would be all too easy for me to suggest which varieties to choose and

which ones are my favourite but the reality is that they all grow and flower at the same rate, so choice has to be a personal issue.

I know I am teaching ‘Granny to suck eggs’ here but start off by choosing your favourite colours and then consider where and in what order you are going to plant them to make sure the colours flow with what is

around at the same time of flowering. Do what I used to do when I was showing at Chelsea. Start off with the darker colours like dark red ‘Tessa’ and then move through

the colour spectrum to oranges next going onto yellows. Or alternatively start off with red again then move to pink and then white.

If you get it wrong and the colours just don’t seem to flow then it really doesn’t matter as you have up to five years to shunt these plants around, after which you will find they will root too deeply in the ground to move. If you do try to move them after this time you will get too much root shatter to the tubers and they will become susceptible to disease which could kill the plant in the first hot spell. And then, after doing your back in from digging too deeply, you will find ‘hundreds will come to the funeral’ in the original spot some six months later.

If the offending plant really does jar on the eye and you want it gone, then I would suggest you spray it liberally on a calm day with Roundup.

If you want to propagate these plants then forget sparse seed which will take forever to grow and will not be like the parent but instead, go for division from April to August up until the adult plant is five years old. Like a Dahlia, select tubers with eyes on the ends and repot gently into a pot of soft compost and like your containerised plants don’t keep watering it every day. Give the plants one good watering and then let the plant dry out completely until the next drink.

If like me you start off small, I can just about guarantee you will be hooked on growing this species and you will be able to regale visiting friends with your horticultural prowess.

Only you and I will know just how easy they are in reality to grow!

Alstroemeria

Alexis

Alstroemeria

Serenade

Alstroemeria

Tessa

Viv Marsh Postal PlantsMail order specialists in garden alstroemeria Hunkington NurseriesWalford HeathShrewsburySY4 2HTwww.postal-plants.co.ukTel: +44 (0) 1939 291 475



Winter picnic by the GuadianaPicnic in Portugal with an eye on Spain

Sited high on a riverbank above the Guadiana, there is probably no picnic site in Europe that is more unique.

The river separates two nations and two languages, but exceptionally, it also marks two different time zones. Portugal is the only mainland European country to follow GMT, so when it’s “Bom dia,” on the Portuguese side of the river it’s already “Buenas tardes” in Spain. This feature makes the Guadiana border unlike anywhere else.

Further upstream, north of Alcoutim at Pomarão, the river ceases to be the border, thirty kms downstream at Vila Real de Santo António it enters the sea, yet all along this magnificent stretch of water there is only one designated picnic site. Stone tables, an information board and incomparably beautiful views make it the perfect spot to enjoy an al-fresco lunch, followed by a delightful 3km walk on a well-marked track. Too hot to contemplate in summer, a fine day in January is the ideal time of year.

Noticeably, on both sides of the river, there are numerous strategically positioned derelict buildings. Built at the turn of the 20th century, long before the bridges at Castro Marim and Pomarão, these were official lookout posts inhabited by Portuguese or Spanish customs’ police. The smuggling of contraband between the two countries had been a lucrative business for at least three hundred years. Notoriously tobacco and snuff were frequently plied across the river from Spain. In response the Portuguese appointed a Superintendent in charge of the Junta do Tobaco. An unpopular man on both sides of the river, he had the authority to arrest anyone involved in the illicit trade.

In more recent years the contraband included sugar, soap, flour, coffee and any other items that could be bought more cheaply in one country than the other. By establishing lookout customs houses the authorities ensured that the river could be watched by day and night. Despite this vigilant scrutiny people were willing to take considerable risks in order to avoid the payment of import / export taxes.Although no longer illegal, a similar situation occurs today with Portuguese drivers queuing at Spanish petrol stations buying cheaper fuel!

If taking advantage of this substantial saving, it is also worth stopping to buy some specialist Spanish produce for the picnic. Not to be missed – regarded as a definitive culinary experience across the whole of Spain – local hams from Jabugo have the most delectable flavours. All Spanish

hams are carefully ranked to include ‘jamón serrano’ - mountain cured, ‘pata negra’ - from black pigs and ‘jamón ibérico de bellota’ - pigs fed on acorns. In Jabugo animals of the finest pedigree are provided with a refined diet that is graded and given a code from one to five ‘jotas.’ Cinco jjjjj’s indicates the pig has been fed exclusively on acorns. Whole legs are gormandised by ham connoisseurs but even a few slices from a delicatessen counter will guarantee an unforgettable picnic.

Cross the bridge from Spain back into Portugal on the A22 and exit at Castro Marim. Travel north on the IC27 towards Mértola but near Odeleite turn off and take the riverside road to Alcoutim. There are several places to stop such as ‘Museu do Rio’ in Guerreiros and the Roman archaeological site at Laranjeiras. The scenery is picturesque with many yachts anchored midstream taking shelter through the winter months. Generally a safe haven, the last occasion the river burst its banks was in 1997 destroying buildings, boats and drowning 40 people.

Safely perched 40 metres above the river, the picnic site looks west across the round-topped hills and east to Spain across the river.

Pictured above, a picnic lunch of Caril Chicken accompanied by rice salad. Prepared the day before, allowing the flavours of ‘caril’ to infuse into the chicken. ‘Pó de caril’ is a Portuguese favourite, readily available in supermarkets, combining Far Eastern spices and aromatic herbs. The mix of 12 ingredients originated in India around 500 years ago, shortly after the Portuguese introduced the chilli from Brazil. ‘Caril’ and ‘carree’ referred to a sauce poured over rice, later to be adopted by the British who used the catchall word curry. Similar to Coronation Chicken, the blend of complex flavours in ‘caril’ work well with rice salad including chopped vegetables, a dressing of fresh orange juice, grated ginger, and mint or coriander leaves.

Words:Carolyn Kain Photography: Peter Kain

Green PagesFind the tradesman for your gardening projects in our Classified Business Section

Add your business here by contacting Samantha McGivern at [email protected]



Snippets...Herbs and Spices in Latin

Basil Ocimum basilicum

Bay Leaves Laurus nobilis

Chervil Anthriscus cerifolium

Chives Allium schoenoprasum

Coriander Coriandrum sativum

Dill Puecedanum graveolens

Marjoram Origanum majorana

Mint Mentha rotundifolia

Oregano Origanum vulgare

Parsley Petrselinum crispum

Rosemary Rosemarinus officalis

Sage Salvia officinalis

Tarragon Artesemisia dranunculus

Thyme Thymus vulgaris

Cardamom Elettaria cardamomum

Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Clove Eugenia caryophyllus

Cumin Cuminum cyminum

Ginger Zingiber officinale

Nutmeg Myristica fragrans

Turmeric Curcuma domestica

You can place a text ad here for just 10 euros for the first 10 words, then 50 cents per word thereafter. Upload your details at www.gardeningandoutdoorliving.com

If you have a business that is related to

gardening or outdoor living, and you would like to be included in Portugal’s only

Gardening and Outdoor Living magazine in

English, why not contact Samantha McGivern for our advertising rates.

913 666 555

All aspects of garden construction: Walls, Fencing, Terracing, Lawns, Irrigation, Driveways, Gates,

Land clearing, Home extensions and Renovations, Shade areas, Ponds, Pools and Water features.

For a free quotation contact Norman tel 282 332 899 mob 96 31 34 129

Email [email protected]. www.landscapingalgarve.com

Norman Groundworks

NORMAN GROUNDWORKS


Your Letters ...as well as several different

roses, especially the Alba. For

added scent you can use hon-

eysuckles or the winter flower-

ing jasmine polyanthum.

And finally, if the flowers

themselves are not important,

a beautiful Virginia creeper

will at provide some striking

autumn colour with its glori-

ous foliage.

Mrs D Collins from Alte

wrote:

I want to be able to pick fruit

from my garden, especially

citrus. But I hate to see fruit

wasted, so I don’t want to

plant too many. Can you give

me some idea of what yield

I might expect from an es-

Send us your queries and problems and we will try to answer them here so the solutions can be shared

with others. [email protected]

tablished orange, lemon and

grapefruit tree.

To begin with, it is very diffi-

cult to give precise answers

to this as there are different

varieties of citrus trees that

crop at different times of the

year, plus changes in the cli-

mate, irrigation techniques,

fertilizing etc, will affect their

harvest.

It can take up to five years for a

citrus to start bearing fruit, de-

pending on your own planting

conditions, but on average, a

more mature orange fruiting

tree of around ten years old,

could bear approximately a

hundred fruits in a season.

Lemons can crop quite prolifi-

cally within just five years, and

a heavy cropper - such as the

Meyer variety could yield you

several hundred lemons per

year.

Grapefruit trees are one of

the larger citrus plants and

can reach heights of 30ft or

more. A mature specimen

can produce over 150 kilos

of weighted fruit per season.

Grapefruits require the high-

est heat during the growing

season in order to reach the

highest yields and better

quality.

So in theory, one mature

lemon, orange and grape-

fruit should easily be enough

to keep scurvy at bay for you

and all your neighbours!

Mrs A Morris from Calpe wrote:

Firstly I would like to con-gratulate you on your mag-azine. I am an avid reader and it’s helped me tremen-dously in my garden and really increased my plant knowledge.

But I am facing a bit of a quandary, as I want to plant a flowering climber in a north facing position. Apart from ivy, can you of-fer any other suggestions.

A north-facing wall is proba-

bly the shadiest and gloomi-

est part of a northern hemi-

sphere garden, as it receives

the minimal amount of sun-

shine. However, several vari-

eties of clematis will sit per-

fectly happily on a north wall


The winner of last month’s photo competition was Rolf van Lunzen from Porches. Rolf sent in two fantastic photos, but this one of the Erythrina crista-galli or Coral Tree (see our article on ‘A Tree a Month’ beginning on page 8), stole the

Photography Competitionshow, so well done Rolf. He gets a six month subscription to the magazine and his photo will now go through to the competition at the end of 2015.

Send us your best photos of garden related subjects - this can be your favourite, prized plant, a piece of garden art, an insect or bird - even some interesting gardening tools - the choice is yours.

Each month we will print the winners and offer a six month free subscription to the magazine, and at the end of the year, we will pick 12 of the best images to go into our Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living calender.

So get snapping and send your entries [email protected]

Up to 6 photos per person are allowed and all images must be high quality, original photographs.

We had so much to cram in for January we have had to delay some of our advertised articles, so any we’ve missed, will now be going into our February edition.

• Formula 1 Fast Growing Plants

• What Fruit Trees are best for a Mediterranean Climate

• Granite Sculpturing

• More Good and Bad Bugs

• Restaurants and Hotels with Garden Themes and

Tasting Experiences

• All about the Almond Tree

• Wonders of Vinegar for the Garden and your Health

... plus all our regular ongoing articles from our resident

horticulturists and hobby gardeners, and much, much

more.

Available in almost 500 outlets across the Algarve and lower

Alentejo, Madeira, and Lisbon area, in Spain at Viveros Florena, Cómpeta, Málaga, Iceland Supermarket in Guia

or by regular subscription both in Portugal and worldwide

contact

[email protected]

Don’t miss next months issue...


Gardener’s Puzzle

See if you can identify these herbs from these foliage shots.The answers will be published next month.

Send your entries to [email protected] and we will draw one winner out of a hat who will win a free

six month subscription to the magazine

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mediterranean gardening and outdoor living

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