Mediterranean Garden Fair 2017

The Algarve’s only specialist Plant Sale will once again be held this year at the Museo do Trajo, S. Brás de Alportel on Saturday October 28th.

Entry this year remains at €1 per person, under-16s free, and there is parking around the Museo in São Bras.

Following on the success of 2016, this is the second year the organisers, Mediterranean Gardening Association in Portugal, will hold the event in the leafy and spacious courtyard in the museum complex and the 9^th annual autumn garden fair. This lovely historic space is ideal for visitors to browse in comfort, buy plants and shrubs, or relax and have a tasty meal  before launching back to the nurseries for more plant buying or alternatively sit  in on one of the following specialist practical talks, all of which are free:

11.30  Potential of Barrocal native plants as Ornamentals -  'Vegetação natural potencial do Barrocal algarvio: Espécies características com valor ornamental' by Dr Ricardo Canas of the University of the Algarve - an illustrated talk in Portuguese/English.
 
13.00 Keeping Your Home and Garden Safe from Fire  - “Mantendo casas e jardins protegidos do fogo” by  Eng. José Filipe who will give advice on plant choices and garden planning to resist wildfires. He will also present a rolling slide show of his lovely photographs of native flowers of the Algarve for use in the garden in the lecture room between talks and be available to discuss and give information on them.
Blog http://dojavaliconquilha.wordpress.com -  In Portuguese/English.

14.30  Medicinal Gardens /Jardins Medicinais by João Beles – João lives and gardens in the Algarve and is a qualified Naturopath. He will talk about how we can grow plants in our gardens which enable us to enjoy both their beauty and their medicinal qualities. In Portuguese/English.  

Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere and find some trees, shrubs, plants or native plant seed adapted to the Algarve and its Mediterranean climate – as always, you can ask for advice directly from the nursery owners or from the Mediterranean Garden Association’s Information Point.
 
Nature Printing Workshops are a new exciting addition to the programme this year and are with renowned local Olhão artist and Life Member of the Nature Printing Society, Dr. Rachel Ramirez. Rachel will demonstrate how to make fascinating prints directly from nature and you will be able to try out the techniques for yourself. These are planned for 12.30 and 14.00 with the opportunity to buy special inks and paper to take home with you to continue making your own lovely art works.
More info www.rachelramirezprints.weebly.com
 
There also will be organic essential oils and organic local produce (fruit and veg) and the very popular MGAP books stand with titles covering all aspects of gardening in the Mediterranean climate. If visitors have second-hand gardening books to donate the organisers, Mediterranean Gardening in Portugal, will be happy to accept them at their information point.
 
As mentioned earlier refreshments and food are available at this venue and the popular Plant Crêche service will be in operation as usual with a collection point with car access. There will be a drop-off point for less able visitors to the event.
 
The event is open to the public between 11am and 4pm.

For more information mgapfairs@gmail.com OR visit the  Mediterranean Gardeners – Portugal Facebook page. 

For directions click here 
GPS: N37,152617, W7.8 85442

The Friends of the Museum and the Câmara Municipal de Saõ Brás de Alportel were very pleased with the event held last year and their help has been essential to the organisers who say the venue is almost purpose built for the Algarve´s only specialist Mediterranean Garden Fair.