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.

New HIV Self Testing Kits in Pharmacies

2nd October 2019

The Health Administration Institute (IASAÚDE) confirms that the new HIV self-test is now available in pharmacies and non-prescription drug sales outlets (MSNRM) throughout the region.

However, IASAÚDE has stated that anyone buying the kit should be made aware of the following information.

– Advise on the proper use of the test in order to correctly use and interpret the results obtained.

– Understand the possibility of false positive or negative results and likelihood of their occurrence.

– Advise on action to be taken in case of positive, negative or undetermined result.

– Advise that no clinical measures be taken without consulting a healthcare professional.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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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.