A Creative Spirit in Portugal
Fortunately, we've had more rain this week. Not much but just enough to keep us on edge when we planned a BBQ or to invite friends round for a coffee on the terrace. A New Member of the Family - Solanum Rantonnetti We can always find room for one more plant, yes? Last week I... Continue Reading →
My Six this Saturday this week has proved quite a challenge. I had so much to write about but so little time. This morning we went to a fellow gardeners for a coffee, catch-up and a tour around his garden. It is amazing. So many projects and raised beds, covers, sheds, nooks and crannies. Gnome... Continue Reading →
For my Six on Saturday this week I have focused on our fruit trees which usually normally offer more challenges than fruit. Most people here have an abundance of produce from the popular almond trees, plums, apples, oranges, lemons, advocados, figs, olives etc,, but not us. Nope, we struggle and although I am reliabily informed:... Continue Reading →
My choices for Six on Saturday this week, focus once again on vegetables. I believe the hours spent nurturing all these plants help to keep me sane in the light of the daily challenges we face with COVID. Nature is a great healer and brings peace in these times of stress. Growing Leeks and Garlic... Continue Reading →
Growing Nabo in a Container Providing it doesn't look up at me from the plate, I try to keep an open mind when it comes to trying new food. However, Nabo is the most disgusting vegetable we have EVER tasted. When I ordered these seeds from a Portuguese seed company it was definitely one of... Continue Reading →
My Six on Saturday garden diary this week focuses on vegetables and herbs. This year I've grown the majority of plants from seed with a mixed degree of success and failure. The ants stole most of the seeds I planted directly in the ground and the ones that did survive in the cold frame, the... Continue Reading →
I'm not sure if it's just the garden centres in our area or has it become a more universally accepted practice to allow plants to sit in trays of water so the roots turn brown and start to rot? I bought several plants this week, including the Fuschias where once the pot was removed exposed... Continue Reading →
Deep in thought with my latest gardening challenges, thrips and leaf miners, I walked towards the garage to check the various potions I had in stock. As I passed the cars I sensed movement in the front garden bed. I froze; we suspect a rat has recently taken up residence in our garden as a... Continue Reading →
Wow, what a week! I've been gardening in a mask! It's the first time we've been advised of 'poor quality' air alerts. Not only did we enjoy the effect of the Saharan dust from Africa we were also subjected to our own local manmade dust storms. 'They' whoever 'they' maybe, are clearing all the local... Continue Reading →
It's been another busy and challenging week in the garden. We can't go anywhere, do anything or see anyone so the bugs, birds and plants have the pleasure of our undivided attention. 1. Beetroot Blues Only two seeds of the Hullahup beetroot I planted on Feb 22nd have finally germinated Over a month of twice... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 