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 
I’m glad you escaped too much damage. The sound of gales at night whilst indoors is always very unsettling. Well done that Pelargonium!
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The pale pink flower reminds me of a kid’s windmill :-) Hope that greenhouse turns up!
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Your storm seems intense although I doubt the wind carries a wind chill! Ah but the damage hey? That sucks and as you said it could have been worse.
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Hi Bernie, no, the wind was no where near as cold as I experienced in the UK when we went to watch the kids play rugby. Last night the temp here was 14C.
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The wind chill here this weekend was frigid but still managed to walk 2 kms each day.
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You put me to shame :)
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Not to worry — it’s just what we Canadians do. Not the shame part – just the handle cold naturally.
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Storm Ingrid affected a huge area, there was damage along the south coast of England right down to where you are. I have Calla lily envy, mine has a bud but I think has been frost damaged just enough that it will never open.
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Hi Jim, Storm Ingrid is certainly making her presence felt! I am just glad we didn’t get the snow.
What a shame about your Calla Lily it is so frustrating when that happens.
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Blizzards, in Portugal? I would have never thought that was possible. It does look like the storm left you with a mess of leaves to clean up. Your orchids are beautiful. Calla lillies here spread like weeds, funny the differences?! Your garden is beautiful, even during the storm.
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Hi Tracy , yep the snow was much further north and on high ground.
I wish my Calla lily spread like weeds. But after reading the care and other comments I was probably not giving them enough water.
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Metrodideros? You lucky thing! Your weather sounds pretty wild, hope you are managing to capture some of that rain. Lovely bougainvillea.
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Hi OTG, yes Metrodideros :) It has been growing for years but the roots are straggled by the hedge. re the weather we have been lucky compared to some. So far we’ve not had snow and with all my tender plants I count that as a blessing. As for capturing the rain, all the water butts are full to bursting and so is the local baragem.
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What an amazing exotic selection again this week! The climbing bougainvillea doesn’t damage the wall or the roof?
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It’s pretty much self supporting now although we are careful not to let it grow under the roof tiles. It actually needs thinning but the weather is too scary
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It is a very good thing that your house and veranda is in a sheltered place. i am happy oyu did not get more storm damage.
Bougainvilleas where my mom’s favourite. My parents had a house in southern Spain and on the walking path towards the house we passed several neighbours with lovely Bougainvillea climbing the walls of their house. Every time we passed by my mom taked about how much she loved them.
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hi Maria, the terrace is a godsend. When we came to Portugal I was also determined to have at least one bourgainvillea but they are hard work.
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Your garden still looks lovely, if a bit bedraggled. More rain on the way xx
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thanks, Jo. And there is more on the way.. 😉
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A lovely collection of flowers!
When I was a child, we made a boggy area and put a calla lily in it. It’s a lovely flower.
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Thanks, Kathrin. You have probably hit on the reason the Callas did not grow when I planted them in the ground. Not enough water.
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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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