Six on Saturday – Weathering the Storms

I can only thank God that so far (dare I say) our corner of the Algarve has been spared the horrendous weather extremes experienced in some parts of Portugal this week. First came STORM KRISTIN, then LEONARDO and as I write this, STORM MARTA. The heavy rain, flooding, gale-force winds, snow (in some areas) and storms have been relentless. The ground is saturated, and it has already been estimated that several billion euros of damage have been caused. Some roads have been washed away, are now structurally unsound, and houses and buildings have been devastated. As for my garden… I am embarrassed to complain.

Strawberries in February

After feeding my strawberries with liquid manure several weeks ago, they are flowering like crazy despite the weather. All we need now is some sun. Lots of sun.

Madagascar Palms

They are bald … hopefully not dead. The one tucked in by the bourgainvellea is hanging on, but the other …

Yes, that is a rare patch of blue sky you can see in the background, but behind me, the black storm clouds were gathering.

Oleander Burn Marks on Leaves

Every winter, this happens to my oleander. I think it is windburn from the salt winds. I don’t fret too much as I prune all the oleanders back in the Spring

Strelitzia Nicolai – Wind Damage

These Strelitzia Nicolai have been growing for years and have survived many storms, but sadly, this time, with so many gale-force winds in succession, the leaves have shredded. Unlike the oleander, they will remain as a constant reminder of this winter’s storms. But on a positive note, at least we still have a roof, and our house is not flooded.

While the Sun was Shining

I did manage to cross a mini task off my elephant of a job list: dispose of this cactus, which is riddled with scale, and reclaim a nice decorative pot. It has been annoying me for a couple of years. A little job but a big win.

To End on a POSITIVE NOTE:

Plant Bargains at the Lagos Car Boot Sale

Last Sunday, we dodged the showers and dropped in to the Lagos car boot sale, held on the last Sunday of the month.

My first bargain Aloe Zebrina Danyz was just 4€, and a lot cheaper than buying from a garden centre.

And from another seller, Sedum Donkey’s Tail, and I think a Christmas cactus for just 2€! In fairness, it did look like the weather was about to close, with heavy rain clouds so she was probably relieved to make a sale before the Heavens opened.

At the moment, they are both sheltering under the terrace.

We also have some flowers!

Hiding in a sheltered part of the garden I was surprised to discover.

That’s it for this week, folks. Rain is forecast until next Friday. We will see. My thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations for the Six on Saturday Garden Meme