Before we went away on holiday to England, there was still a nip in the air during the day, even if it was sunny, and it was usually cold at night. Log fires were still a necessity (although Mr P and I disagreed on this point). On arriving in England, I quickly discovered I required a thick jumper, two coats, yes two!, a woolly hat and a scarf…
We returned to Portugal late Wednesday night to discover the weather had changed. Even at midnight, the air was warm, and the daytime temperatures were in the low to mid twenties with a warm breeze. Compared to England, we are now in summer and wearing shorts and sandals.
DEBATE
Mr P refuses to accept that this straggly, woody hibiscus bush is past its best and needs to be moved from its prime location on our front terrace to the back patio, where it can retire with dignity.
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BUDS
I was given this cutting (A member of the Queen of the Night family) last year, and I am delighted to discover it is now in bud! I don’t have a clue what colour the flowers will be. I seem to vaguely remember pink, red or yellow. We will see.
MADAGASCAR CACTUS PALM
I am relieved to say that new leaves are beginning to appear, and it has survived another winter. A present from a good friend in November 2017, it seems to have adapted to the cooler winter temperatures
Pachypodium Lamerei – Madagascar Cactus Palm
WHEN IS A WEED NOT A WEED?
This is Italian thistle has made its home in my succulent bed. Despite being the cuckoo in the nest, and it is SO pretty, I have decided to keep it.
DEAD BATTERies
Despite being on the irrigation system, which we checked before we went away today, I noticed these plants were stressed. On further investigation, I realised the soil was bone dry! The irrigation system batteries were dead. The hydrangeas will be okay as they are in a shady location but the hibiscus is in the full sun so it will be a miracle if it survives.
I think I better move it to a shady location and drench the roots. Fingers crossed.
VEGETABLE PLOT IN RETIREMENT
This year, after last year’s disasters, I lost my vegetable-growing mojo. BUT, as I survey the abandoned area, and considering what is happening in the world and the escalating price of food, I wonder if I should get planting? Ponderous
Well, folks. That’s my six for this Saturday. My thoughts and prayers to Jim, our Six on Saturday host, whose wife has just sadly passed away.
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Piglet in Portugal 
No gardening here yet (lots of fresh snow) but you have lots of work ahead. If you have veggies you can grow and use then go for it I say. A bit of self sufficiency feels great and is worth the work IMO. Bernie
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So sorry about the passing of the host’s wife. While Summer has come to your area, Spring has just started showing her lovely face here.
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Summer! When I arrived to my garden this morning there were frost in some places…
I too think that thistles can be very beautiful. I heard a saying this week that I’ve never heard before about thistles. If someone gives you a thistle it means that they will always be there for you. I thought that was kind of interesting, is it because thistles are almsot impossible to get rid off? (If one would wish to get rid of them that is.)
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