The real Ilha das Flores is actually an island in the Azores, but visiting Madeira in April, I understand why it’s often mistakenly called by the same name. Around the coastal cities and towns, a colourful riot of flowers has bloomed – even though it’s been a colder-and-rainier-than-usual spring.
It’s a completely different floral picture to the more muted yellows, pinks and whites of the daffodils and cherry blossoms of springtime New Zealand.
Striking purple jacarandas bloom down by Avenida del Mar, cascades of vibrant pink bougainvillea tumble over walls and African tulip trees scatter their showy reddish-orange or yellow flowers over the streets. Nasturtiums grow wild up the hillsides and have taken over many a vacant plot, and the distinctive bird of paradise flowers seem to appear on my radar everywhere.
As we walk down the hills, we get sneaky peeks of perfectly manicured gardens through intricate wrought-iron gates, smell the heady scent of wisteria wafting over high walls and spot flowerpots bursting with bright red amaryllis and anthuriums on balconies and rooftops.
Although a different hue, I’ve also become quite jealous of the terraced vegetable plots cultivated all over the steep hills. Perfectly straight furrows of deep reddish-brown volcanic soil burst with the healthiest looking leafy greens, and every single space seems to be used.
With its subtropical climate, sunshine and extensive levada system to help with irrigation, it’s no wonder many plants thrive here.
