By Rosie Peddle 22nd November 2021
Source: Portugal Residence
Photo / Image Source: Unsplash, Kerstin Wrba
Our first impressions of the Algarve were shaped by the plants and trees that we saw here when on holiday. Whether in the summer heat in August and September seeing blue Eryngium maritimum (sea holly) on the beach with the Pancratium white sea daffodil flowers; or in January and February when the almond blossom is painting pink outlines against the blue sky; or in April and May for the spectacular wildflowers, cistus (rock roses) and native orchids.
Having seen these plants in the Algarve, it was a logical next step to try and increase the diversity in the land around our house. We could see plants that are adapted to do well in the difficult conditions of long, hot dry summers in thin poor soils and the short sharp rains of winter with stormy winds and the occasional air frost. A very typical mediterranean climate, in common with many other parts of the world.
Being basically lazy gardeners, it seemed like common sense to go with the climate and abandon high maintenance.
We have had our garden here since 2004 and the plants have to fend for themselves. We have no automatic watering systems and the most special care they might receive is a rabbit guard! Right from the start, our great pleasure was to venture out and about in our four-acre plot just looking, observing the huge diversity of wild plants that had made their home on this long-abandoned carob farm.
We had olives, almonds and carobs – classic dry orchard trees of the Barrocal. Nature had filled the gaps for us with lovely examples of the native evergreens such as Myrtle, Rhamnus and the Lentisk bush. So, if cistus does well, then try using more cistus; if phlomis, rosemary and lavender do well, try different species of these plants.
It was not always possible to resist the urge to buy and plant the more exotic or unusual plants we saw for sale here, but it soon became obvious that we could not live with that kind of garden. Some have made great container plants, but I have a bucket with the labels of all the plants I have killed – a very good lesson in humility. We learned quickly that the old adage “The right plant in the right place” was the way forward. That was swiftly followed by lessons on when and how to plant. We learned that autumn and winter are the best months for planting new areas.
Choose small plants with big root systems. If necessary, reduce top growth by pruning to achieve a balance with the roots. All plants benefit by having a ‘watering bowl’ made in the earth around the plant. This captures rain water, directing every drop down to the all important roots.
Experienced gardeners here tell us that the root system is the key to successfully establishing new plants. It might cause some raised eyebrows, but do not be afraid to knock the plant out of its pot in the nursery or garden centre so that you can check it has good healthy roots before you buy. The same principles apply to the edible garden. Autumn is the start of activity and when you see your neighbours ploughing and preparing their vegetable plots, you know it is time to get busy on your own garden!
The cooler and more humid autumn and winter days make it pleasant to be outside in the sunshine and get your hands into the warm earth. You can buy a wonderful range of ready-germinated plug plants in the monthly markets – cabbages in variety, herbs, leeks and onions. Perfect for making your own veg plot and perfect for winter soups.
If you have only recently moved to live here in the Algarve and are still not sure when to plant what, watch out for activity around you and follow the lead of your neighbours.
The Mediterranean seasonal climate is the opposite of that in northern Europe – the gardening year starts in October and runs through the cooler months until May and June. When the native plants go dormant in the summer, that is their way of coping with the heat. Take the hint and follow their lead – they are not dead, just resting and waiting for the glorious second spring that arrives with the winter rains.
Which garden zone are you in? What are you growing in your garden? Is it indoors or outdoors?
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