Plants Blog at Golden Mermaid Villa



White double flowers with dewdrops at Golden Mermaid Villa, Ribeirinha Portugal

Morning Whispers: The “Bridal Wreath” Season in Ribeira Grande



There is a specific kind of magic that happens on the north coast of São Miguel during the first few weeks of April. As I...
Vibrant pink azalea flowers blooming at Golden Mermaid Villa in Ribeirinha, Portugal

Spring’s Grand Entrance: The Azaleas of São Miguel



There is a specific magic to arriving back in São Miguel in March. As the island shakes off the winter mist, the landscape is suddenly...
White agapanthus flowers with green foliage at Golden Mermaid Villa, Ribeirinha

Winter Whites: 3 Flowers Blooming in January



I always try to keep an eye on what’s blooming here on our “Green Island,” even during the windy and cloudy winter months. There is...
Red poker flowers blooming in rural Ribeirinha, Portugal landscape with green fields

Aloé-de-Natal: The Fiery Flower of the Azorean Winter



While the warmth of a Portuguese summer offers a riot of color, finding local blooms in the depths of winter can be a delightful challenge...



Shelf fungi growing on tree branch at Golden Mermaid Villa in Ribeirinha, Portugal

Azores and the Land of the Mushroom: Curiosity and The Call of Nature



The Azores offers an abundance of natural wonders, from soaring volcanic peaks to deep-green valleys. At the Golden Mermaid Villa, we celebrate the unique environment...