It’s been another week of unsettled weather as storm Ingrid’s fury continues to rage across Portugal. Northern Portugal and the Alentejo had blizzards, but down South in the Algarve, we only had to contend with heavy rain and strong gusts of wind that whipped into what seemed like mini tornadoes, ripping off shed roofs, scattering plant pots, and even claiming our friends’ plastic greenhouse, which is still missing! After listening to the howling northwesterly wind all night and the pelting rain, I was relieved to see, so far, only a pile of bougainvillaea leaves on the front terrace and a few displaced pots. Given the strength of the gusts, it could have been far worse. Luckily, our south-facing front terrace, where all the pots are situated, is relatively sheltered. Have you noticed how difficult it is to photograph rain?
The sun did show its face for a few hours today, but by late afternoon, the rain and wind returned.
The rain did eventually relent for a few hours, and grey skies made way for blue and relative calm.
Bougainvillea
I am surprised to see the Bougainvillea still in flower! While I love these plants they are a pain in the butt due to the amount of daily debri.
Orchids in January
Dipladenia (Mandevilla) Flowers in January
I found this.
I need to review the red Diplandenia’s location
Calla Lily
I love these flowers, but for some reason, they refuse to grow when planted directly in the ground. For now, I grow them in a large pot on the south-facing terrace.
Interesting facts and care
Pelargonium Flowering in January
Situated on the windy north-facing, almost sunless back terrace (winter), I am surprised this has survived the NW gales and heavy rain we’ve experienced over the last couple of weeks.
New Zealand Christmas Tree
I almost missed this!
That’s my six for this Saturday. My thanks to Jim for hosting this gardening meme.
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Piglet in Portugal 
Hi Terry, yes they do! We wear thick leather gloves and handle the cuttings with care.
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I very much enjoyed your lovely plant photos, Carole. I have two questions about your Bougainvillea: Does it have extremely long, thick and sharp thorns all along them stem? If yes, how do you prune them without poking yourself?
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