The Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair this year (October 18/19) will have more exhibitors than before with over 70 stands. There will be 24 plant growers ranging from small, homegrown speciality plants to larger nurseries with fruit trees, aromatic herbs and native plants. The MGAP stand will have a selection of garden bulbs suitable for Algarve gardens and naturalising for future displays, together with new and second-hand books.
For the first time, we will have heritage vegetable and herb seeds together with seedling plants for sale from the same range of heirloom plants. There will be organic products, craft items for your garden and a variety of local products.
A firm favourite with visitors is the opportunity to learn more about sustainable gardens and how to manage your own space to increase diversity. The free talks available this year will be held throughout the day and, once again, we have been able to hold three separate sessions each day covering a range of topics.
On Saturday, October 18, the programme starts at 12 noon with a session on ‘How to Get Rid of Your Lawn’ with landscape architect Jessica Gomes. Jessica has been working with our association on developing dry gardens using native and mediterranean plants. She will share her experience of working with clients in reducing irrigation needs and making appropriate plant choices.
We are lucky this year to have Fernanda Botelho with us for the weekend. She will bring her range of books on herbal remedies, edible plants, shrubs and trees. Her talk at 1.30pm will be looking at her book on edible trees (Árvores Que Se Comem) and her new Agenda for 2026 will be available at this event. Fernanda regularly appears on Portuguese national television and is a well-known medical herbalist.
Salvias are a wonderful plant for Algarve gardens and this year, for the first time, we have a specialist grower with a range of over 20 different salvias for sale at this event. Tom Stobbelaar will give a talk at 3pm on ‘Salvias for Your Algarve Garden’, including time for a Q&A session.
On Sunday, October 19, we will have another three free presentations from exhibitors with specialist knowledge to share. At 11am, Tomás Brito from Apicultura Algarve will encourage you to make your gardens bee-friendly by sharing his knowledge on what bees need to thrive.
The benefits of microorganisms in clearing toxins from water and soils is the topic for the 12.30pm talk from Green Tribe People. They will also be giving more information on Bokashi composting and have the range of their products available.
As the garden fair is held in Lagoa, we will also have the chance to hear about the very special wetland zone of Alagoas Brancas, which is near to the FATACIL exhibition site. More info on the future Natural/Biologic Park of Alagoas Brancas: from activism to joint work between citizens, academia, and local government.
Some stands are also offering specialist advice. Orchard of Flavours from Tavira will share research and information on making sustainable fruit orchards, with owner Miguel Cotton. Felco tools sharpening and maintenance is offered by Magniflora Lda with a workshop on their stand.
Information on bromeliads for the garden will be available on the stand from specialist grower, Jorge Freixial. A display of hand-spinning from textile expert Sue Sutherland will prepare you for knitting and making your warm winter woollies.
There will be hot meals and bar service with ample space to sit and enjoy the special atmosphere of this event dedicated to plants and gardens. Something for everyone? We hope so!
Open Media/Portugal Resident is proud to be media partner of the Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair.
