The Tenth Anniversary event for the annual autumn garden fair took place on Saturday October 27 in Sao Bras and celebrated the start of the gardening year. We were fortunate to have a dry sunny day following the first few rainy days of the autumn, encouraging everyone to get busy in the garden again.
This special Anniversary garden fair was organised as usual by the Mediterranean Gardening Association for Portugal. The organisers had been working hard to find a diverse range of nurseries so the event was well supported by a record 22 plant sales stands ready to receive the 1400 eager plant buyers who attended on the day – impressive numbers indeed ! There were colourful container plants, fruit and ornamental trees and a wonderful range of succulents 
as well as other drought tolerant plants. We are very grateful indeed to all the volunteers who came along to help and who make this event possible. Good support from the Câmara of Sao Bras and the Amigos de Museu all contribute to success on the day.
There was a great response to the appeal for cash donations to buy fruit trees for those affected by the Monchique fires and 252 euros bought nine sets of 5 trees for distribution by Ajuda Monchique – even more impressive numbers.
As well as plant sales there were good quality craft stands relating to the garden, and, for the first time, a traditional tin worker. O Latoeiro had many hand made items for sale as well as a live demonstration showing the techniques used to produce them. The zinc metal watering cans were very popular as they avoid the problems associated with plastic disintegrating in the sun. Other popular “firsts” were a stand showing recycled wood used for garden furniture and the opportunity to buy gardening books in English, Portuguese and French.
The free talks were very popular once again and are now a regular part of the day. Both Fernanda Botelho and João Gomes shared their knowledge and experience, so that everyone who attended went away with new ideas and inspiration. The day is planned so that there is an opportunity to share experiences of gardening in the mediterranean Algarve and learn more about the marvellous possibilities of making a garden here avoiding harmful chemicals and without wasting water.
There were many requests for information about the next Spring garden fair, this is planned for March 2019 in Silves and all details will go onto the MGAP web site – see you there !
W: www.mediterraneangardeningportugal.org
