GARDENS 7 Plants that deter Mosquitos

Gardens

7Plants

thatrepel mosquitos

Ahh, mosquitoes, they must serve a purpose to the eco system, but to most they are a pain. Try our guide to repelling pesky mosquitoes without the use of chemical and by using plants.

CATNIP

Catnip drives your cat wild and will drive mosquitoes away. Researchers at Iowa State University found that catnip is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET! Catnip is easy to grow and maintain, but it does spread. Best way to contain it is to grow your catnip in pots. Catnip also makes for a delightful tea.

LAVENDER

Lavender is a great way to add a little calm to your day. However, Lavender contains the terpene alcohol linalool and mosquitoes and other insects hate it. Lavender can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It’s most effective when you crushed and applied to your skin. Mosquitoes can carry disease and leave you with itchy, red bumps where they bite you. Here’s how to fight back. Do mosquito repellent plants work? Mosquitoes are fickle, they are not fans of the scents or oils produced by certain plants. Some plants (like basil) are even toxic to mosquitoes or their larvae. Pro tip: You likely need to cut, crush, chop or give your plants a good rub with your hands for most of these plants to release the oils and scents that make up their mosquito-repelling powers.

CITRONELLA GRASS

This is one of the most common ingredients in many insect-repellents. Mosquitoes hate its lemony fresh scent. It is low maintenance and an easy plant to grow. It can be grown outside in frost-free areas, it also does well indoors as a potted plant.

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SAGE

Sage does more than clear out that bad energy, it clears out mosquitoes too. Sage contains caryophyllene, a common terpene which helps keep bugs away. Sage works best when you burn it.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary is an effective way to keep pests away and a good way to add flavour to your food. This herb contains rosmarinic acid, a natural mosquito repellent. Like sage, it’s most effective at repelling pests when you burn it, add a little to your bonfire or bbq.

MINT

Mint is an effective repellent, especially the peppermint variety. One study found that applying peppermint plant essential oil to your skin offers protection from bug bites for over 2 hours! Peppermint is easy to grow indoors or outside in pots. Add a hint of mint to your fave tea!

BASIL

Basil is a gorgeous herb, mouthwatering, and perfect with tomatoes and summer dishes and mosquitoes aren’t a fan. Basil doesn’t need to be crushed or chopped to do it’s mosquitorepelling duties. Studies show that compounds in basil are toxic to mosquito larvae.

WOODEN ART

In October 2020 a lockdown idea was conceived by Peter and Valerie Else in Tavira. It was based on an old plan they had of a small Victorian rocking horse. However, when work began it was discovered the plans were incomplete, lacking technical advice and instructions for the painting, rocking mechanisms and the construction of the blanket, tail, mane, saddle, bridle, reins and bit. Research on the internet ensued during the first week of November along with the construction which was hindered somewhat by the shops being closed. Hence the woodworking skills of Peter and the artistic skills of Valerie enabled work to be started using remnants of materials left over from other projects. The months passed and eventually Peter’s woodworking skills came to fruition with the construction of the horse itself completed. Then came the task of making the metal rockers and stirrups using left over metal rods from previous constructions. Valerie’s artistic flair came to the fore with the making of the saddle, reins, blanket, bridle and bit along with the mane and tail. The last section of the project was to transform the plain wooden horse into a dapple grey. The first paint was applied in January 2021 and by July that year the transformation was completed admirably by Valerie, the horse with a beautiful blonde mane and tail was saddled and reined ready for riding. From the start the idea behind this amazing piece of craftmanship was to raise some funds for a children’s charity on the Algarve. Lynn Clark-Wright, a member of the Hangover Unicorn Golf Society of which Peter Else is also a member,decided to make a substantial donation for the horse with the intention of it going to an orphanage. It was then given to Tavira 2nd Chance, along with the monetary donation, to find a suitable place for it to go. It was recently delivered to the orphanage Refugio Aboim Ascensao in Faro along with the money where it was greatly appreciated and left with the children to name him and enjoy. We would like to say a special thank you to Peter, Valerie and Lynn and would also like to say we are so grateful for the loving and generous support and donations our charity, Tavira 2nd Chance receives. In these difficult times it is even more important to help as much as we can. All funds raised are in turn used to support our local community.

Written by Maggie Rowlands

CHRIS WRIGHT SIGNS OFF

Long standing personal friend and writer for the East Algarve Magazine hangs up his boots and pen

We would like to take a moment to honour a special someone that has been incredibly loyal and faithful to the East Algarve Magazine for well over a decade, since 2009. Chris Wright has been a dedicated writer of our sports column and has also written many historical pieces as well as driving fundraisers for various local charities and goodwill organisations. Sadly for us, our readers and Chris' sports fans, Chris has decided to take a step back from writing Sports News. We will miss the candid, animated articles and wildly appreciated the tongue in cheek style you have written for us over the years. From our hearts and as huge fans of yours, we thank you for the passion you have shared with us. Chris Wright, a legendary sports enthusiast and writer, we salute you.

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Vistas Rui Silvestre restaurant at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, headed by Chef Rui Silvestre, offers a complete gourmet experience – fresh, locally sourced ingredients used to create the finest gastronomic delights, a welcoming ambience, uncompromising levels of service and stunning views over rolling hills, to the Atlantic Ocean.

Rui’ s style of cooking represents a return to culinary essentials. A respect for nature, pure tastes, genuine aromas and superb flavours.

Recognised with a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide since 2020, Vistas Rui Silvestre became the first starred restaurant in the East Algarve region, establishing the local area as a destination for gastronomy lovers.

OPENING HOURS From March to November Tuesday to Saturday 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm RESERVATIONS Call +351 281 950 950 Email vistasruisilvestre@monterei.com Website www.vistasruisilvestre.com