More than 2,000 garden lovers gathered at the Fatacil Showground in Lagoa
– November 8, 2024 | Text Eric Roth
Last week’s rains were a blessing for gardeners of the Algarve. But then, on Saturday and Sunday, rain gave way to sunny skies and the annual Autumn Mediterranean Gardening Fair.
More than 2,000 garden lovers gathered at the Fatacil Showground in Lagoa to meet nursery owners, buy plants and garden supplies, attend workshops, chat with kindred spirits, and learn as much as possible about the art of gardening.
The cooler autumn is a good time for planting in the Algarve climate. For the plants, of course it is; but also for the hard working gardeners who are glad to say goodbye to the intense summer heat. The theme of the fair, “Change your Garden, Change our World” focused on ways to be more friendly to the earth and her natural resources. Caring for our planet by using less water, more natural fertilizers, less pesticides, less herbicides, and fewer invasive plants. Encouraging and nurturing a natural garden with biodiversity. There is poetry in this, and it looks, smells, and feels beautiful. The atmosphere was festive with many friends, already bonded in the joy of gardening, having a chance to catch up with one another.
The organizer of the gathering was the Associação de Plantas e Jardims em Climas Mediterrânicos / Mediterranean Gardening Association – Portugal (MGAP). This event marked the celebration of the association’s 10th anniversary.
“For the first time, our partner for this event is the Câmara Municipal de Lagoa, who provided the Fatacil Showground. Our previous venue at the Fissul Pavilion in Silves was cancelled at very short notice. We quickly made a proposal to the Lagoa Câmara and their rapid response to offer their support is much appreciated,” said MGAP Fairs Coordinator Rosie Peddle. “The organization would like to thank Sr. President Luis Encarnacão and his team for their support. The Fatacil Showground is a perfect setting. We look forward to working with the Lagoa Câmara in future years to develop this special event in the gardening calendar.”
Many gardeners attended free talks on the following topics:
- “How to get rid of your lawn and what to plant instead” by Jessica Gomes and Rosie Peddle
- “Trees you can eat”, a new book by Fernanda Botelho , and the third of her “Edible Landscapes” trilogy
- “Natural Swimming Ponds” by Claudia Udo Schwarzer www.biopiscinas.pt
- “Bromeliads for the Garden” a new book by Jorge Freixial www.bromeliasdobrejo.com
- “Bokashi composting” by Joanna and Riki, Green Tribe People
- “Propagating plants for your dry garden” by Jessica Gomes and Rosie Peddle
“The fair ran smoothly thanks to the help of 32 dedicated volunteers,” said MGAP president David Marion. “They worked in the MGAP Bulbs and Bookshop display, Information and Membership table, Leaflet Table, and Plant Creche. The volunteers also coordinated 20 nurseries and 28 stands with artisans and various gardening supplies.”
I’m sure many people will have dirty hands and knees this week, rooting for their new plants to thrive in their lovely gardens.
The Mediterranean Gardening Association is always happy to accept new members. For more information: [email protected] | www.mgaportugal.org
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