Spring Mediterranean Garden Fair 3rd March 2018

Once again, this event was held at Quinta da Figueirinha with the collaboration of Dr Gerhard Zabel and his family. 

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. 

  

Tree Label in the Fruit garden 

On the day itself the rain held off until early afternoon, giving the 350 or so visitors the chance to buy from the small specialist nurseries and growers offering a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs 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 in one place on 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 had turned up undeterred to cheerfully man the entrance gate, plant créche, MGAP book stall and manage the car parking. All were ably assisted by a group of willing helpers from ESPAMOL (Escola Secundária Padre António Martins de Oliveira de Lagoa). 

  

The event was officially opened by Rosa Palma, Mayor of Silves and also Tito dos Santos Coelho, President of the Junta de Fregusia 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 fruit garden. Later in the day there was also a presentation titled "If Trees could Talk, they would have so much to say" by Christian Grimm. Feng Shui solutions gave a presentation 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 they were joined later 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 there was too much chuva (rain) ! However, there will be other opportunities to visit the garden in the coming months.

If you would like to have news of our events and garden fairs you can send an email to Newsletter Editor Rosie Peddle  rosie@thebtf.net  and be added to our distribution list.