“95 per cent observation /5 per cent  glue and sticky tape”

The day started with a few words from Udo Schwarzer (Algarve Biologist based near Aljezur) on the approach he would use to teach us how to observe and learn from the natural vegetation. He emphasised that it was not important at this stage to know the names of the plants we would see, it would be more important that we observed closely the differences, and collected specimens of foliage/flowers of each individual. These specimens should be an accurate record of trees, shrubs, climbers, bulbs and annuals which were in the marked areas of the Barrocal garden near Moncarapacho. Udo had previously marked areas of typical vegetation types for the workshop.

The group was split into teams and sent to the selected parts of the garden, a large A3 sheet of white paper was used to collect single specimens of every specie distinguishable in the selected vegetation area. The sheets were folded by four and then numbered one to  four. These areas on the paper were to allow collected specimens to be divided between the most dominant (area 4) and least dominant (area 1) on the vegetation sampling site.

When this task had been completed the teams returned to the shady terrace to stick down their collections.  Udo was kept busy running between each of the areas to help out when necessary and to check that useful specimens were being collected.

Checking the sheet

Each sheet from the groups was then laid side by side for everyone to see. Udo emphasised again that we should closely observe the similarities and the differences between the sheets. It became obvious that the six study areas of vegetation types were three pairs of equal vegetation because the participants recognized that there were three pairs of sheets with similar plant composition, both in species and in abundance/domination.

With guidance from Udo, the significance of the selected areas became clear. Woodland, edge of woodland, and exposed areas all had their own plant communities relevant to the conditions of each area.  The relevance for those trying to establish natural gardens or use native plants in the garden was discussed. If we can properly observe what plants we have growing already, then we can make an assessment of the plant community and encourage/add the relevant plants.  In this way we can increase the bio-diversity of our gardens in one of the richest botanical areas in Europe,  this would also mean  a flowering garden without any irrigation.

Useful Books – to order from local bookshops

Flora e Vegetação,  Barrocal Algarvio (Tavira – Portimão) Carlos J. Pinto Gomes & Rodrigo J. P. Paiva Ferreira Published 2005 by the CCDR (Commissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Algarve)  ISBN 972-95734-9-2  This is the definitive flora for the Barrocal with a full listing by botanical name of trees, shrubs, bulbs and plants. Available directly on application to the CCDR Biblioteca at the  Museo Regional do Algarve in Faro.

Plantas do Algarve com interesse ornamental/Algarve´s Plants with ornamental interest Fernando Santos Pessoa, José Rosa Pinto, José Rocha Alexandre 2nd Edition 2007 ISBN 978-972-36-0715-4

Wild Flowers in the Algarve, an introductory guide Pat O´Reilly & Sue Parker 2008 www.first-nature.com

Wild Orchids in the Algarve Sue Parker 2009 www.first-nature.com

Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean – a complete guide, over 2700 colour illustrations Christopher Grey-Wilson and Marjorie Blamey 2004 A & C Black (Domino books) ISBN 0-7136-7015-0