Despite the run up to this years Spring Garden Fair being dogged by much needed heavy rain, not so welcome howling winds and even a mini tornado across the Algarve, the event went ahead as planned. On the day the rain held off until early afternoon, giving the 350 or so visitors the chance to buy from small nurseries and growers offering a wide variety of plants, shrubs and trees for sale. Some visitors, we learned, had travelled long distances to take advantage of the unique opportunity to buy from the specialist nurseries gathered together for the day.
As well as the interesting plants for sale there were also delightful offerings ranging from organic hand made soaps and candles to garden water features and delicious local produce.
Volunteers turned up undeterred to cheerfully man the entrance gate, plant creche, MGAP book stall and car parking, ably assisted by a group of willing helpers from ESPAMOL (Escola Secundária Padre António Martins de Oliveira de Lagoa).
The fair was officially declared open by Rosa Palma, Mayor of Silves and Tito dos Santos Coelho, President of the Junta de Freguesia de Silves.
An informative presentation was given by the proprietor of Quinta da Figueirinha Dr. Gerhard Zabel outlining the drought and fire resistant qualities of various plants and trees followed by a tour of the quinta’s exotic garden and later in the day a presentation entitled “And if trees could talk, they’d have so much to say” by Christian Grimm, Feng Shui Solutions gave another perspective on the design and layout of our outdoor spaces.
Safe Communities Portugal were on hand to give much needed advice and guidance on the newly introduced fire prevention measures relating to rural land clearance and were joined in the afternoon by Francisco Keil de Amaral from ICNF, the National Forestry Authority.
Unfortunately the planned tour of the MGAP Botanic Garden to be hosted by the aptly named Teresa Chuva had to be abandoned because of the chuva! However there will be an opportunity to visit the Botanic Garden on 7th April when MGAP will be holding their Annual General Meeting. Details of the full schedule for the day can be found on the website www.mediterraneangardeningportugal.org.
If you would like to be kept informed of future garden fairs and other MGAP events held regularly throughout the year please contact Rosie Peddle rosie@thebtf.net to be included in the newsletter distribution list.
