There is an old saying … “Familiarity breeds contempt” … and it is true that we can very easily take for granted people, places and possessions which are close to us on a day to day basis but which are, in fact, rare and glorious.
We are now in one of my favourite times of the year here in the Algarve, the first rains come and wash the air clean, everything smells different and we all feel refreshed. Personally, I am already making lists like mad for all the things I want to do in the garden. Plants to move, to put in the ground, to feed, to mulch – it is all very exciting.
Local members of the Mediterranean Garden Society have also been thinking about our major fundraising event of the year and this November event seems to have become a firm favourite in the gardening calendar. November is ideal for planting into ground which is warm and moist and at a time which allows plants to take full advantage of winter rains to get their roots down before the next blast of heat.
This year the Mediterranean Garden Fair will be held on Saturday, November 3 and an approach to the Estoi Palace Pousada Hotel has been warmly received.
We are thrilled to have the chance to hold our Mediterranean Garden Fair in the lower gardens which are not normally open to the public.
This is an internationally important historic garden on our own doorsteps – the only one in the whole of southern Portugal. Although much transformed in the 19th century, the gardens retain significant elements from the original build at the end of the 18th century and their charm lies as much in the small garden belvederes and grottoes as in the palace building itself.
These lower garden areas and their plantings have suffered mightily from neglect owing to the financial constraints on Faro Câmara, the responsible body for the renovation of this area.
As a result, the gardens have had some basic ground works completed but ongoing maintenance has proved impossible. It is a joy to see the restored statuary, repaired tile panels and balustrades, but the living elements are looking rather sad and in need of some care and attention, taking ‘shabby chic’ to the limits !
Succulents
Our theme this year is the wonderful world of succulents, the ultimate drought resistant plants. We have MGS Plant Sales with offerings from members’ local gardens, some new nurseries, native plant specialists and lots of succulents. There will be new exhibitors and the excellent services of the pousada hotel for our refreshments in the conference centre on the day. There is plenty of parking.
The fair will be open to the public from 11am to 4pm and members of the Mediterranean Garden Society will be on hand for horticultural aid and support, gardening advice and sympathy, as needed. Admission is €1 and children enter for free.
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