The Ideas Genie Community Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ideasguy on September 02, 2009, 08:59:28 PM
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We are off to Portugal (Albufeira) for a weeks holiday on Friday.
Have never been to Portugal before, so very much looking forward to seeing that country. We've had very good reports from many of our friends who've been there already.
Last time I went on a sun seeking holiday (Spain), I took a complete break from computers, and that will propably be the case this week.
Our sons are looking after things in our absence.
I just hope this rain doesn't follow us there. ;D
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enjoy dont forget our postcards ;D your from ireland course the rain will follow ;) :D, it seems to follow me everywhere i go of late ::)
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Have a great time there George.
Don't worry about the Forum - we'll manage somehow :D
Laurie.
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Thanks Laurie. Seriously, I know its in good hands :)
Cant remember the last time I sent a postcard, Phil ;D I'll take photos though!
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Lucky you, no need for macs or brolly, take the suncream instead.
Day temperatures about 28 or 29c
Night minimum 20c
Virtually wall to wall sunshine for the duration of holiday
See if you can go inland while there. It was Sept 2007 when we where last in Portugal, see here http://www.holidays.lynandmalc.co.uk/portugalsept.htm (http://www.holidays.lynandmalc.co.uk/portugalsept.htm)
Enjoy
Malcolm
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Wow!
What an account of your holiday Malcolm. Brilliant!
That digiscope is well travelled ;)
I can see you enjoyed yourselves. We may hire a car. Not sure yet as we are being picked up at the airport and taken to the holiday home.
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Had a week in Albufeira once, one of the last Freddie Laker package holiday flights. It was a small town when we were there. Looking at it on Google Earth now it looks so......new! Still, they call it progress I believe. :-\ Have fun though George.
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I know you're making an early start this morning George, and won't have time to look in on the Forum.
Have a safe journey and thoroughly enjoy your much needed break.
We'll catch up with you again on your safe return.
Bon voyage ;D
Laurie.
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Have a wonderful trip George and don't forget to take a few photos for us to see where you were..
Peter & Carol
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Hi folk -we had a wonderful time and have returned safely.
Weather was just perfect for us, around the 30's, such a change from the weather we left behind.
Didnt touch a computer all week, and no side effects :) Julian managed very well in my absence :)
It was nice to relax and enjoy the rays, lots of shopping ::) and on returing to the apartment each afternoon we had a swim to cool off.
We were delighted to arrive home to one of the sunniest days weve had in these parts for a long time!
It was too wet to cut the grass in the last couple of days before we left,and it has grown a lot in those 2 weeks. First task is to get out there with the lawnmower!
After seeing so much brown grass in Portugal it was a treat to drive into our driveway - I'll take a photo later when the sun goes down.
Yes Peter I took a few photos and will post them later.
Thanks for all your good wishes folk!
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Welcome back George. It's great to hear you arrived safely.
Not much has been happening on the Forum during your absence, so there's not a lot of catching up to do. :D
I have a feeling things will now change. ;)
Laurie.
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Thanks Laurie, and thanks for keeping the ship afloat during my break. It was very nice to know it was in safe hands :)
Just finished cutting the grass. I'm never going to complain about that job again. It was beautiful to see lush green grass again!
Its been dry here for a few days, I'm told, but the garden is still very soft underfoot, so needs a few more days like this before it return to any semblance of normaility. Weather forecast is good ;)
How has the weather been on the mainland?
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Up here in the northeast it's been a mixture of cold winds (heating on in the house a few days ago :o ), a few showers and sunshine. Very hot and sunny today though.
Laurie.
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We had the heating on for an hour or so each night before we left on holidays, Laurie, and last night on our return as the temps dropped.
It looks like we are going to have a lovely day again today just like yesterday. Its misty at ground level at 8:00 am but sun is shining in a lovely clear sky.
Hope the good weather predicted by the weathermen is correct!
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Welcome back George. I hope you had a jolly good time. We were in Norfolk while you were away and I missed your departure. We did not see any gardens but we saw lots of beautiful churches. I hope you liked Portugal. It is a nice country. We have been about three times but further north. I think the nearest we stayed to where you were was Evora which is inland. It has been cloudless here today in Buckinghamshire and certainly no heating was required :)
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Beautiful here today as well. Spent the afternoon in the garden. My sons and families visited and we had a barbecue - and dined outside :o Nice to be able to do that in mid September!
Ive now uploaded the photos I took, but will leave it tomorrow to post here. Off to watch the football ::)
If youve uploaded your Churches photos, please post a few links Eric. I'd love to see them. Thats the architecture I appreciate!
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Here are some of the photos taken on our holidays in the New Town side of Albufeira, Portugal.
Our first glimpse from the door of the apartment:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0001A.JPG)
My early morning stroll before the sunlovers took up their places by the pool.
Looking from the far side of the pool towards the apartment. Ours to the right of the blue towel on the drying rail
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0001.JPG)
Now our girls are having breakfast
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0015.JPG)
From the edge of the pool:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0020.JPG)
and one with me at the other side of the camera:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0022.JPG)
Dig those shorts. Yours truly poses in the "Old Town" district of Albufeira
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0019.JPG)
Now for photos of the lovely plants I see on my travels.
A snap of "moi" admiring a very nice plant:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0005.JPG)
and a close up of the flowers:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0004.JPG)
Anyone know what it is? Refer to it as Plant No 1
Another very nice plant - very popular in the region and in various shades. This one in pink, taken close to the apartment:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0014.JPG)
and a close up of the flowers:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0013.JPG)
Anyone know what it is? Refer to it as Plant No 2
Another plant growing just outside our apartment:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0006.JPG)
and a close up of the flowers:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0007.JPG)
Anyone know what it is? Refer to it as Plant No 3
Tara, Erin and Mary stroll under a very nice variety of tree which was planted along many of the streets in Albufeira:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0007-1.JPG)
The flower and foliage
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0008-1.JPG)
The foliage
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0009-1.JPG)
Does anyone know the name of the tree in the above photos?
Refer to it as Tree No 1
And finally for now, a nice presentation of flowers close to a Taxi rank in New Town Albufeira:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/hols09/RIMG0013-1.JPG)
I know a man on our forum who grows these ;)
Go ahead Malcolm, what have we here?
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Great set of photos there George.
I see you have taken the opportunity to set us some challenges to identify those plants. ;)
Okay everyone - get your thinking caps on.
Laurie.
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Yes indeed, yet another set of challenges.
I took them with my older Caplio RR10 camera. I didnt risk taking my new Canon on the holiday.
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Why did you go all that way to Portugal to see those plants, should have come here. ;D
No ! Plumbago auriculata
No 2 Oleander or as we call it "river weed"
The plants at the taxi rank look like Hibiscus rosa sinensis
Back later must go
Malcolm
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I had a feeling you'd have at least a few of those plants in your garden Malcolm ;D
At least one of the holiday makers would have been quite satisfied with a vist to your garden instead of having to suffer all that sunshine and Sangria!
You are quite correct in your sugestions.
From your own webs ite:
http://www.plantguide.lynandmalc.co.uk/PLUMBAGO.JPG
I didnt have a clue on that one, so thanks for the ID.
Its a very nice plant, one of the nicest over there. The ones I seen were about 3ft (1m) tall. What height do yours grow?
Do you have it in the back? (your garden)
The Oleander I had seen in Malaga, and found the name in a Garden Centre there.
You saved me having to trawl through those photos. Mind you, one day I'll d a WPG with them ::)
Lovely plants for weeds. Dont see it in your famous plant list:
http://www.plantguide.lynandmalc.co.uk/
Another one to add?
This says it is poisonous:
http://perennial-plants.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_oleander_plant_for_spectacular_blooms
Oleander is poisonous and can be fatal to humans and animals if ingested. Even the sap is poisonous so wear gloves when pruning. Because of its toxicity Oleander should not be cultivated in gardens with young children.
Yes, the red flowering plants at the Taxi rank were Hibiscus!
From your plants list, I see you have no less that five alternatives to the Orange one, i.e. in different coloursl!
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At least one of the holiday makers would have been quite satisfied with a vist to your garden instead of having to suffer all that sunshine and Sangria!
I don't believe that. ::)
The Plumbago here is about 2 metres tall, and has been flowering for about 3 weeks now, mind you it is in the greenhouse, which is in the back garden.
After last years deluge of a summer, when we had no flowers on it, I decided it would stay under protection this year, a good call I reckon as we have not had a brilliant summer. It is indeed a lovely colour.
The Oleander is in our plant wpg, although you nearly gave me a heart attack, thinking I had missed that one out. It is under it's correct name of Nerium Oleander. We have 3 colours and 4 plants, currently at 2 metres plus in height.
I have a rotation pruning regime for them, the two I pruned back last November have no flowers on, the two I didn't prune have a few flowers, would have been more with more sun. The two I pruned in November will not be pruned this coming November, the other two will. Reason for pruning back, they will just grow too big.
I take no protective measures when pruning, It is a well known fact that many holiday makers abroad have been ill from cutting parts off the Oleander down to make sticks for sausages etc when having a barbeque. ::)
Our description of Oleander being a river weed, stems from the fact that they often grow on the edges of large streams, in the summer when the stream turns into a trickle, they have good roots to find the moisture, next time you fly over Spin/Portugal, keep a good look out the window, you will see the gorges cut into the hills by the steams, lined with colourfull Oleander. One of the reasons I always want, and get the window seat on the plane, the other reason is so I don't have to sit next to an obnoxious person or child. Lyn has had a few :-X
All of our Oleanders came from cuttings we bought back from Spain, which were rooted in water.
Regarding the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis we have here. One of them has pink OR red flowers. Ok so there must have been two different plants in the pot when we bought it. But no, as it will flower occasionally with a flower that is red and pink. ;D will see if i can dig a picture out for that.
All the Hibiscus sinensis we have were originally bought in local garden centres, as small decorative plants. After keeping them for about 3 years they will suddenly start to make bigger plants, I think they are sprayed with a dwarfing agent, or growth retardent to keep them small. Much better when they grow out of it.
Malcolm
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Could Picture 3 be Rosemary, cant think of the proper name, did you smell the foliage?
Malcolm
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No 3 is indeed Rosemary. At least I hope it is - my son said he used it for cooking when he stayed in the apartment in Oct last year (or spring this year - not sure which holiday)
Nerium oleander - ah, yes, thats better. Its in the Master Database (no wonder I couldn't find it under the under the "Genus" oleander ::))
Thanks for clearing that up!
The Plumbago here is about 2 metres tall, and has been flowering for about 3 weeks now, mind you it is in the greenhouse,
That being the case, Plumbago is not something for Ireland!
Yes, a very beautiful plant. The ones I seen were all a pale blue. Same as yours?
RE: It is a well known fact that many holiday makers abroad have been ill from cutting parts off the Oleander down to make sticks for sausages etc when having a barbeque.
Nasty!
We discovered that barbecues are "banned" at the apartments where we stayed. My son made the mistake of buying one and neighbours complained when he lit up. On our stay, Tara brought it round to the front where it was quiet but a neighbour from across the way came over and in a very friendly way said they werent allowed.
If theres a choice, I always go for the window seat, Malcolm. Fortunately my wife doesn't have any such preference.
I had a window seat going and enjoyed the view. The plane flew very close to my own home town - the first time Ive ever spotted it from the air. I recognised the shape of the dual carriageway ring-road and then the town. Then it flew over the East coast over Newcastle (Co Down) where my son teaches. Then on down just off the coast and I spotted Carlingford Lough which leads to Newry Co Down. Then all down the south of Ireland. Next pick up of land was over Northern Spain, and the plane flew down just inland of the west coast. I was on the right hand side and had a lovely view of all the coastline and the various inlets. Fascinating.
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George
Are you sure that in your picture of tree 1, the flowers are not from a climber climbing up the tree? and also are you sure the foliage in the picture shown below tree 1, is the foliage of tree 1.
Maybe you had too much of that sangria ? if not I apologise. ;D
Malcolm
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Positive on all Malcolm.
As you see (right click - properties) they are numbered consecutively - RIMG007, 8 and 9
I took the photos while the ladies walked across the street to pose in front of Linekers bar. It is no RIMG0010 (not uploaded)
I have to admit the foliage in 8 looks different from that in 9 but it was one and the same tree, although there were lots of trees of that variety all over the town (with the same climber growing through them LOL).
The flowers were in large trusses, each about 8in or so across. They can be seen in RIMG0007.
The Sangria followed shortly ;D ;)
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If youve uploaded your Churches photos, please post a few links Eric. I'd love to see them. Thats the architecture I appreciate!
We have just had a very busy family weekend so I haven't uploaded any church photos yet, George. I will let you know when I do. We had another of those four generation lunches yesterday which I love. I feel quite a patriarch :D.
You seemed to have had a good time judging from the photos and I am glad a discussion has sprung into life on identifying plants. I can't contribute to that I am sorry to say :(
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Apologies for doubting George.
This is what I thought it might have been had it been a climber, second up from bottom of page. Thunbergia grandiflora
(Clock Vine)
http://www.jungleseeds.com/PlantShop/Climbers.htm (http://www.jungleseeds.com/PlantShop/Climbers.htm)
Malcolm
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No need to apologise Malcolm! It made me check and thats good when there is reason for doubt.
Definitely not a climber through the plant. I should have taken a photo of the bark of the tree as it was quite striking.
Another thing to add. The photo of foliage and flowers (RIMG0008) were taken from above the foliage. The photo of foliage alone (RIMG0009) was taken under the canopy. That may explain the difference.
RE: Eric. We had another of those four generation lunches yesterday which I love. I feel quite a patriarch
I can imagine how nice that would be Eric. Cherish the moments :)
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Ok tree no ! solved.
We have seen these in Spain, they are normally covered in flower, your picture shows a solitary group of flowers, so presumably is throwing some late or early flowers, not the main flowering.
It is a Jacaranda mimosifolia
And no we haven't got one, haven't got a tall enough conservatory. :'( :'( :'( :'(
Malcolm
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Well done, you've got it Malcolm!
Once you have a name, its easy to find more images. This one confirms it for me:
http://www.growsonyou.com/plant/slideshow/Jacaranda_mimosifolia/100535
Heres one where they are remarking how unusual it is to have it blooming in December:
http://www.growsonyou.com/plant/slideshow/Jacaranda_mimosifolia/55001
Heres some in full splendour:
http://www.growsonyou.com/plant/slideshow/Jacaranda_mimosifolia/44198
http://www.growsonyou.com/plant/slideshow/Jacaranda_mimosifolia/83277
The tree appears to bear flowers when the foliage is young. In my photos, there has been a whole summer of growth so the tree is well clothed.
Its a real beauty! I'm glad I took those photos!
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More for the Master Database ?
Malcolm
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Yes, Ive just added Jacaranda mimosifolia.
Then clicked the RHS button and find there are 11 suppliers in the UK :o
In the master database I had Jacaranda ovalifolia :-[
That is now no longer flavour of the month with botanists, Jacaranda mimosifolia is now its accepted name.
Its also listed in the Chiltern Seeds catalog 8)
Quoting from their catalog:
A Brazilian shrub which, when fully grown, has very large, bi-pinnate leaves up to 18 ins. long, and drooping, silky blue flowers in panicles. When small, however, it is an admirable foliage pot plant that will tolerate pruning to keep it in shape.
Thanks to your contributions, Plumbago auriculata is already entered, linked to your photo.
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A belated welcome back, hope you had a great time, dig them shorts ;D, not been around these parts lately been rushed off my feet with the seeders, and taking advantage of the fantastic weather down here been doing plenty of odd jobs outside aswell, picked up 10 big double glazed windows to make a greenhouse from, watch this space ;), could it be the only double glazed greenhouse in ireland ?
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Thanks Phil. Yes, enjoy the dry spell while it lasts. Its grey outside today - but brighter oin the Eastern horizon. Hope the sun makes an appearance soon! You'll enjoy the greenhouse - its great in all seasons.
Heres the "Welcome Home" photos:
From the far side of the road:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0573.JPG)
From the gate, and my black dog in the frame as always
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0587.JPG)
Behind the left gate:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0575.JPG)
Up the driveway
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0576.JPG)
Looking back down the driveway
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0577.JPG)
Turning the corner to back of house
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0582.JPG)
And one of the plants making an impact
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0581.JPG)
From the back door:
(http://www.garden-software.co.uk/images/sept/IMG_0584.JPG)
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If youve uploaded your Churches photos, please post a few links Eric. I'd love to see them. Thats the architecture I appreciate!
At long last I have put them on Flickr, George
Here is a link to my set "Norfolk Churches" http://www.flickr.com/photos/erichardyuk/sets/72157622387478906/
And one to "Ely Cathedral" http://www.flickr.com/photos/erichardyuk/sets/72157622366032708/
And one to Kings College Chapel, Cambridge" http://www.flickr.com/photos/erichardyuk/sets/72157622378637580/
There are really a great number of them and you can't possibly want to look at them all but you might like to dip in :) I hope you enjoy what you find.
Eric H