Algarve Country Garden November 1st. to 7th.2007

November weather continues where October left off. The first seven days have all been sunny although the temperatures are starting to ease off. The average night temperature has been 10.5 degrees and the average day temperature has been 21 degrees, although the last two nights have both been 9 degrees. It is still necessary to irrigate, although not as often, and the majority of plants are loving it. The Cosmos is just about finished, and I have been collecting seeds for next year, although I am sure they will self seed. The Gazanias continue to flower and if I keep dead heading I am sure they will continue.

The garden continues to be visited by many birds, including the first Mistlethrush, which is at least a month early. Another first this year was a flock of about 8 Waxbills, which were pecking about on the front lawn, I was quite excited when I saw them. We also have daily visits by Hoopoo, Azure Wing Magpies, Blackbirds, Robins, Goldfinches, Blackcaps and many others.

We can grow many plants which are grown in English gardens including the Photinia x fraseri Red Robin which seems to be able to survive in most climates, and the Skimmia Japonica which grows very quickly here.

We are still getting Strawberries, not many, but there are still new flowers, so we are hopeful that they will last a bit longer. I will also have to take the Bananas off the tree soon, as they are not growing any bigger.

Some other plants of interest. The Pepper tree ( Schinus.molle ) continues to grow and provide wonderful shade and the Cycas revoluta which was given to us by our neighbours as a Christmas gift seven or eight years ago continues to thrive and grow slowly.

Just a final point. The photographs included in the articles are all taken during the week in which the articles are produced.