Various venues have hosted the Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair over the years, but the wonderful increasing support of plant lovers and gardeners has been the main inspiration for our volunteers.
We are always very grateful to the growers and specialist plant nurseries who bring their plants. Some of our growers have been to every event and have responded to the demands of visitors by increasing the range of drought-tolerant and native plants for sale on the day. An increasing awareness of the impact of climate change and drought has proved the value of working with nature.
It is our local growers who can supply the plants needed to make a sustainable garden. Twenty-three plant nurseries and growers will be at the garden fair. A full list of exhibitors is available on the MGAP website (if you wish to make any pre-orders) and to help you plan your visit.
MGAP is a not-for-profit educational organisation run entirely by volunteers. The Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair is our principal educational and fundraising event, helping us promote sustainable Mediterranean gardening.
The autumn garden fairs started in 2009 and have continued since then with the inevitable break for Covid. We estimate approximately 350 people attended our first event in 2009 – perhaps you were one of them! If you were, we would love to hear from you. In 2025, there were 2,400 visitors over two days.
The FATACIL site in Lagoa has ample free car parking and is easy to find with direct access from the EN125.
New plant nurseries for this year include:
- Small, specialist water plant nursery with a range of plants for freshwater ponds and lakes – Aguaflora
- grower of robust mediterranean climate zone plants – Susan Finlay
- specialist native plant nursery with a good selection of native trees – Marca ADL
- a specialist grower of lawn replacement plants – Sementes à Espreita
- the well-known Tavira growers will return with a big display of their drought-resistant plants and will have a special section devoted to trees – Jardim Seco
The MGAP stand will have a range of bulbs available for sale, including hard-to-find natives for naturalising such as Paperwhite Narcissus, Scilla peruviana and Bluebells.
The MGAP bookshop will show the full range of gardening and wildflower books, with some new titles for this event.
There will be a programme of free presentations each day relevant to making beautiful and sustainable gardens and landscapes. The full programme is available on the MGAP website and Facebook page. Together we continue to build a truly unique gardening event that educates, inspires and connects the gardening community.
An exciting addition to the growers present will be Aguaflora, a small specialist water plant nursery which has a range of plants suitable for freshwater ponds and lakes. Their range of water lilies is rarely seen for sale to the public.
Also new for this year are ceramic and resin garden ornaments, recycled wood bird nesting boxes and an impressive display of geodesic domes for tough outdoor structures in various sizes.
Benefits of attending:
- New members signing up at the garden fair are valid through to December 2027
- Free gardening advice from experienced Mediterranean gardeners
- Advice and inspiration for your edible garden
- All invasive plants are prohibited – check invasoras.pt
- Free talks and demonstrations during both days
- The popular Felco garden tool stand will once again provide a free sharpening service and maintenance advice as well the latest range of their good quality tools
- Access to specialist growers, nurseries and gardening product suppliers
- Inspiration for gardens suited to Mediterranean climates
- A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of food and beverage options and comfortable seating areas
- Plant crèche where visitors can leave their purchases while they continue to enjoy the garden fair
- A carefully curated selection of complementary exhibitors, maintaining a strong focus on plants and gardening
The opportunity to learn from one another, share our members’ gardening experience, and gain the confidence to try new techniques and plant combinations is what makes this event so special in the gardening calendar. Come along and celebrate the start of the gardening year with us!
For the full programme, visit mgaportugal.org
Rosie Peddle
Contributor for the Portugal Resident