Algarve Country Garden November 15th to 20th.2007

The rains have arrived. 2.5 inches between 6 o'clock on Monday evening and 12 midday Tuesday, with thunder and lightning. The wind is from the south west and it looks as though the rain may continue all day.

The average night-time temperature has been 12 degrees ( 15 degrees) Monday evening, and the average day-time temperature has been 18.5 degrees.

We did some planting yesterday morning, in anticipation of the rain, and we have turned off the irrigation at last.

Some of the trees have now lost their leaves, including the Almond ( Prunus dulcis ) and the black Fig ( Ficus carica).

Whilst trimming the old flowers off one of my Yucca plants I discovered a large seed pod, 3 inches long by 2 inches wide. It is the first time I have ever had such a pod, as I usually get new plants by cutting them off the old ones. I have posted a picture of it in this blog.

The Ceonothus continues to flower more and more,( see posts 23rd Oct and 1st.Nov ) whilst its sister plant has no flowers yet, which is as it should be. Notice the difference in the photographs when the sun isn't shining.

I also have two wonderful Bay ( Laurus nobilis ) balls next to the pool. They were two small bushes in a field when we first came here and are still in the same place. I have also got a hedge from cuttings taken from them. We still have plenty of colour in the garden and no doubt, following this rain this will increase by next week. The rose I showed you last week continues to produce more and more flowers, and I only wish I could send you all it's scent which is fantastic.

I also include this week a picture of one of the Sparmania, which seem to grow like weeds here. I have seen them in garden centres in England. They are a beautiful architectural plant with large heart shaped furry leaves and pretty white and gold flowers which the bees seem to love. They don't have any scent however. If you grow them in England you will need to take them in in winter as they are tender plants.