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Levada Walking

With the recent rains, our levada’s have taken on a new vibrant look. Verdant greens mingle with old and emerging leaves. Everything looks brighter and greener and the birds are singing in the trees. For me, there is no better time than now to go for a walk. Fleabane (Mexican daisies) decorate the edges, the grass has grown back and with it, this years spring flowers and wild herbs are getting ready to burst forth.
Of course, the rains present their own problems with slippery paths and adequate footwear is a must, as are walking poles (depending on the type of walk), waterproofs and extra layers. It may sound a faff, but the island is getting ready to burst into spring, and I’ve already seen spring blossom on some of the trees. It’s magical and walking along the pathways enjoying the sights and sounds is a soothing tonic to our busy everyday lives.
So whether you are a seasoned walker or someone who enjoys pottering, the islands levada walks are spectacular and now is the time to visit them while they are fresh, bursting with energy and magnificent.

IRS 2018 Expenses: Health Insurance and other expense

bank notes

IRS 2018 Expenses: Health Insurance and other expense

24th February 2020

This is a weekly series of articles about the rules and changes in the IRS system which will apply to the individual income tax declarations for 2019. The respective series about IRS income can be read in The Resident and the series about IRS procedures are to be found in…

Hottest Day in February – Ever!

Hottest Day in February – Ever!

24th February 2020

A Look Back at Madeira’s Natural Disaster

A Look Back at Madeira’s Natural Disaster

20th February 2020

EasyJet Strengthens its Presence in Madeira and Ibiza

EasyJet Strengthens its Presence in Madeira and Ibiza

20th February 2020

Prayer for Life

Prayer for Life

20th February 2020

Madeira Shopping Centre Hosts Whale Museum Exhibition

Madeira Shopping Centre Hosts Whale Museum Exhibition

20th February 2020

New Urban Art in Campo da Barca

New Urban Art in Campo da Barca

20th February 2020

JP Santa Cruz Donates 198 KG of Food to Animad

JP Santa Cruz Donates 198 KG of Food to Animad

18th February 2020

20th February 2010 Flood Exhibition

20th February 2010 Flood Exhibition

18th February 2020

Apple to Launch Low-Cost Iphone

Apple to Launch Low-Cost Iphone

17th February 2020

IRS 2018 Expenses: Tax Credits for Housing

IRS 2018 Expenses: Tax Credits for Housing

17th February 2020

Emirates Airline Cancels Recruitment Day

Emirates Airline Cancels Recruitment Day

16th February 2020

Dating Violence Seen as Normal

Dating Violence Seen as Normal

16th February 2020

Classical Orchestra Concert

Classical Orchestra Concert

14th February 2020

Student Rubbish Collection

Student Rubbish Collection

14th February 2020

Proposed Chemical Castration Law – Unconstitutional

Proposed Chemical Castration Law – Unconstitutional

13th February 2020

Dock Strike – Make Madeira an Exception

Dock Strike – Make Madeira an Exception

13th February 2020

Forum Madeira Celebrates Valentines Day

Forum Madeira Celebrates Valentines Day

12th February 2020

Festa dos Compadres – Road Closures

Festa dos Compadres – Road Closures

12th February 2020

Annual Gathering of Sugar Cane Producers

Annual Gathering of Sugar Cane Producers

12th February 2020

Gardening Tips

The weather is perfect at the moment for spring bulbs, and it’s not too late to add a splash of colour into your garden. Iris, Narcissi, Tulip and Daffodil bulbs (if you are high enough) are still available in places like Maxmat and local garden centres. However, you do have to be careful and test them as the bulbs need to be firm to the touch and not soft or squishy. Freesias are ideal out here as they multiply so quickly that within a couple of years, they will have set themselves across your garden. And nothing beats them for colour or smell.
Once you’ve got your bulbs in now is the perfect time to trim back bushes and shrubs, collect dead leaves and give lawns a feed and borders a good composting. Your roses will thank you for it. Prune out any dead wood, tie back any straggly loose ends and if you are thinking of creating a new border, now is the time to dig it, when the soil is softer and malleable.
It’s also a time to be ruthless. Dig out old woody shrubs and no longer flowering perennials. I know we all have favourites, but sometimes we have to say goodbye and make up for it by visiting one of the local nurseries or market stalls. You may have to hunt around a little bit, but it’s well worth the effort and cultivate your stallholders. The more you go back, the more they will value you and small discounts here and there are always well appreciated.
Finally, get some inspiration and visit some of the island’s gardens, especially hotel gardens whose planting and plants may give you that little spark you need.