Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair returns to Lagoa – Portugal Resident

Gardeners, growers and nature enthusiasts are being invited to celebrate the start of the planting season at the Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair, which returns to Lagoa’s FATACIL Showground on October 17 and 18.

Organised by the Mediterranean Gardening Association Portugal (MGAP), the annual event promotes sustainable gardening and landscaping designed for Mediterranean climates, where conserving water and protecting biodiversity are becoming increasingly important.

Held in the Municipal Park at the FATACIL Showground, the fair will run from 10am to 5pm on both days, with entry costing €1.

This year’s edition will feature more than 70 exhibitors, including over 20 specialist plant growers, alongside a programme of free talks, demonstrations and practical advice centred on the theme “Creating landscapes that care!”

Visitors will find a wide selection of plants suited to Algarve gardens, including native species, ornamental and aromatic plants, fruit trees, succulents and heritage vegetable seeds. Garden trees, bulbs and drought-tolerant varieties will also be available, with experts on hand to advise visitors on selecting the best plants for local conditions.

Autumn is widely regarded as the ideal time for planting in the Algarve, allowing roots to establish during the cooler, wetter months before summer arrives.

As in previous years, visitors can pre-order plants from participating nurseries for collection at the event, while the popular Plant Crèche will provide a convenient place to leave purchases until they are ready to be collected by car. Organisers are also encouraging visitors to bring reusable bags and boxes to help reduce waste.

Beyond plants, the fair will feature botanical art, ceramics, garden ornaments and other crafts inspired by gardening, together with a selection of food and refreshments, including vegetarian dishes, Indian curries and dumplings.

Run entirely by volunteers, MGAP is a non-profit association dedicated to promoting best practice in Mediterranean gardening and landscaping across the Algarve. Organisers are also seeking volunteers to help during the fair.

Anyone Interested in being a volunteer during the Garden Fair, please send an email to [email protected]

Further information, exhibitor updates and the full programme are available at mgaportugal.org