El Jardin Albarda – A Garden of Wonder
For those who have eyes to perceive beauty, nature never ceases to amaze. Different climates and environments enclose varied landscapes and abundant flora and fauna. Horticulture heritage is an effective way to preserve plants native to an area. Let us walk through one such nature's amazements – a Mediaeval garden in the heart of Spain.
Situated in the town of Pedreguer near Denia and Javea, El Jardin Albarda is a lush garden established in 1990. It is home to a wealth of flora and fauna. A foundation called Fundem owns this place. They aim to promote sustainable gardening and conservation of plants. Moreover, a little digging into its history tells us that it was initially a terrace of lemon trees owned by the engineer Enrique Montoliu, who later built it into a Mediterranean garden. It houses a resplendent, neo-classical villa with a surrounding area of 50,000 square meters running in different directions. Seeking advice from various botanists and landscape gardeners, Enrique developed and nurtured the garden for the public and restored the landscape. The magnificent garden consists of a nursery as well as a reservoir in the wilder regions.
A Hidden Gem in Nature's Lap
Set against the backdrop of the scenic Montgó Mountains, the garden is in total harmony with nature and the Spanish climate. The garden landscape itself is breathtaking with charming flowerbeds and myrtle shrubbery. Thus, highlighting the Renaissance-designed garden. Another part of the landscape reflects a traditional Valencian garden with an Arabian resemblance. The garden also recreates wooded regions typical of that area.
More than 700 species of flora thrive in the garden, endemic to the Mediterranean. You will witness a wide variety of fauna in the forests, thus maintaining the ecological balance. Besides colorful flowerbeds and pergolas, the garden features canopies, fountains, terracotta and marble sculptures, and other architectural marvels that houses tropical plants. Tourists enjoy the journey to medieval times as they explore the pathways, pergolas, and other architectural wonders.
Conclusion
The sweet fragrance of orange and jasmine wafts as you explore the walkways. Flowers of different colors bloom throughout the year, and pine and thick Mediterranean dry forests line the mountain range. The garden of El Jardin Albarda in Alicante has evolved as a yardstick for preserving Mediterranean biodiversity and sustainable gardening. What's more! It merits a place in one’s bucket list.
