Mediterranean Gardening Association’s Spring Fair – Silves, March 3rd

Once again, the MGAP (Mediterranean Gardening Association Portugal) will be holding its annual Spring Fair – Saturday 3rd March – at Quinta da Figuerinha, near Silves. See www.qdf.pt for directions.

There will be excellent opportunities to buy the most appropriate plants for your garden and to benefit from advice and guidance from knowledgeable nursery suppliers.

It’s a rare occurrence to get the chance to browse such a diversity of offerings in one location – this can be invaluable to the keen gardener seeking the very best plants, shrubs, trees, and herbs.

After completing your purchases or if you need some time to consider the choices available, you can enjoy one of the free talks.

This year there will be a presentation from Dr. Gerhard Zabel, the proprietor of Quinta da Figuerinha, on the subject of drought and fire-resistance in plants and trees.

Gerhard’s vast experience and scientific background continues to motivate him to research ever better species and growing methods for our climate and conditions. He will be happy to share his knowledge and answer questions after his talk and he also invites visitors to tour his exotic garden.

“If trees could talk, they’d have so much to say.”

The second presentation of the day is from Christiane Grimm of Feng Shui Solutions. Christiane will be discussing a different approach to the design of our gardens and outdoor spaces taking into consideration the best plantings, colours and shapes to bring harmony and balance to your environment and thus, to your life.

The afternoon schedule will be concluded with a hosted visit to the MGAP Barrocal Botanic Garden just a short walk from the plant stalls.

Weather permitting, Professor Celestino Ruivo, will be demonstrating the fun of solar cooking and offering the chance to sample his delicious creations.

Catering and bar service also will be available at the ‘Quinta Bar’ and from a “pop up café” run by the volunteers from the charity, Friends of the Canil of Portimão. Their proceeds will help fund a sterilisation campaign for the dogs of homeless and low income owners.

There also will be a range of organic produce and products for sale and of course the MGAP stall, offering specialist gardening books, wildflower seeds, advice and information.

Entrance fee is €1 per person (under 16s free) and there is free on-site parking as well as the popular plant crèche where you can leave your purchases in safe hands while you continue to enjoy the many attractions of the day.

Timetable

10.00 – Fair opens to members and invited guests
11.00 – Fair opened to the public by Rosa Palma, Presidente da Câmara Municipal de Silves (to be confirmed)
11.30 – Presentation by Dr. Gerhard Zabel – “Reflections on drought and fire resistance in plants and trees”
12.30 – Visit to the Exotic Garden with Dr. Gerhard Zabel
14.00 – Presentation by Christiane Grimm, Feng Shui Solutions – “If trees could talk, they’d have so much to say”
15.15 – Visit to Barrocal Botanic Garden with Teresa Chuva
16.00 – Close

More information and updates will be posted on the MGAP Facebook events page www.facebook.com/events/177142883058782/