Archive for November, 2013
I wrote an earlier article about the ‘Star Garden’ (Jardim da Estrela) in Lisbon, singing its praises as a wonderful example of a classic public park/ gardens and how it has maintained an important role in the life of the capital. On a recent trip I managed to weave in an early Autumn visit, something I haven’t done before.
It was even better than in the Spring – luxuriant foliage was everywhere, people were out and about enjoying the space and the low autumn sunshine provided some wonderful lighting effects. I was particularly taken this time with the little ‘public library’ housed in a picturesque kiosk in the centre of the gardens. Obviously popular with a set of older men, who here, as in other parts of the gardens, were reading or playing cards- one suspects that they are regulars.
This seems to be a wonderful amenity and an idea that’s worth a try in UK parks and gardens! (or are there some examples already out there that I’m not aware of?)
Library in the Garden- brilliant!
Cafes too
Books and Mags to loan on the spot
I also mentioned in my previous article the various statues in the gardens and how these were placed here after the formation of the Portuguese Republic in the early 20th century. I made a point in this visit to seek some more of them out, as I had not noticed them before, hiding, as they seem to be, under trees or in mature shrubbery.
My visit felt rather like meeting up with an old friend, someone I hadn’t seen for some time. I was able to easily recollect their more important physical features and personaility traits, but was also drawn to some new features or angles on them. My ‘new look’ at Estrela was repaid not only with the uncovering of more statues, but also with some superb scenes of dappled sunlight (including the dramatic back lighting of large exotic leaves), superb ‘Dragon’ and other trees, a fantastic decorative ceiling on the bandstand roof, lively play area, late summer blooms of Hibiscus and unusual tree conservation measures (filling in a hole in a trunk with brickwork!)
I wonder what the place must be like high summer when various events inlcuding live Jazz add yet another dimension to this magical place? Another visit beckons…..
The splendid ceiling of the bandstand in Estrela Gardens, Lisbon- a highlight of a recent visit
Related article: Portuguese Gardens: Estrela Garden, Lisbon
Old School Gardener
Old School Garden raised some funding to help support Norfolk local food growing projects under the ‘Master Gardener’ programme. Here’s a story about how some of the money, raised from a garden open day, has been used.
Based at Great Hockham Primary School, Norfolk, Hockham Herbs is a young gardening group established by Master Gardener, Bev Page back in 2011. When Bev stepped back from leading this group, one of the children’s Dads, Rob Muggridge, took over. In July 2013, Mr Muggridge was tragically killed in a road traffic accident.
Bev applied for funds to purchase a tree that the Herbs group could plant in memory of Mr Muggridge. The children adored their growing mentor and coming back this autumn was difficult for them.
To have the opportunity to plant “Rob’s tree”, care for it and watch it flourish will help them come to terms with their grief and loss.
Bev was awarded funds and she purchased a Morello Cherry Tree from Thetford Garden centre and she had enough money left over to add a bird box. The tree was planted on Wednesday, 13 November in the school orchard, with the help of the Hockham Herbs and Mrs Muggridge. The bird box is destined for a mature tree trunk in the school woodland.
Old School Gardener with thanks to Bev Page and Gabbie Joyce
With winter around the corner, this week’s question comes from Penny Rose in Hampshire:
‘I’ve moved house earlier this year and planted some fuchsias in the garden. I bought these from a local nursery and they are described as ‘hardy’. Can I leave them in the ground over winter and if so do I need to protect them in some way?’
Old School Garden 