Classic Quinta near Lagos
Self catering holiday rental villa with seaview and privacy, Western Algarve, Portugal

One half of the horta behind the house, the quinta's old orchard-cum-kitchen garden, has the modest beginnings of a palm garden. Most of the palms in this area are still young, but there is quite a variety of species, some of them - the slow growers - pricy from early youth. For a list of palms planted see Plant Species. Most of the palms do very well, growing at their expected rate or faster, a few are struggling - either because they don't like the soil, or because they are standing on a rock shelf, and are unable to dig deep. The exotic Neodypsis, out of view, is doing remarkably well. Also planted were two avocado stones (after germination in pots). The vigorous young tree left of center was planted as a seedling four years before this picture was taken. The first two or three fruits showed three years after planting. Other trees that do very well here are almonds, of which there a many on the property, cumquats, and figs. The horta has one blue fig that bears excellent fruit, but magpies know this too. A young guave pear, practically a seedling, was planted out of curisity, and surprised by growing very rapidly. According to the Portuguese gardiners who have worked here, the property has very good soil, rich in minerals and fast draining - particularly suited for trees mentioned above and 'winter culture', notably including grapes. It is not very suitable for plants that are most happy in soil which remains humid, such as tomatoes and bell peppers. Grapes however do very well here. Again, magpies know this too, so it is man's ingenuity against theirs.