Signs made from tiles – a very cool idea!Malaga’s botanical gardens
It was amazingly quiet and we didn’t see a soul for the first hour that we walked through the gardens. Could be the COVID-19 effect, I guess – or maybe we were just a bit too early for most visitors. The weirdest thing is the gardens’ location: it’s just next to the motorway, and from some parts you can see the built-up areas of Malaga’s suburbs just beyond the garden walls. What a big contrast, though from most parts of the garden you really wouldn’t know.
View towards The Mirador, symbol of the gardens, and over Malaga suburbs
The variety of plants we saw was outstanding. A big area was dedicated to “80 trees from around the world”, with species from Australia, South Africa and as far away as Ecuador and Bolivia. As the gardens were built and developed early last century, it must have been some effort (and some cost) to transport all of these to Spain.
Water falling on Swiss Cheese plants
The Heredia Livermore and Loring Oyarzabal family started off the gardens in 1855, but it was the Echevarria-Echevarrieta family who really developed them into what you see today. There’s a display with a brief profile of each family member – each very talented in different ways, including one of them being a founder of Iberian airlines.
Bamboo forest
The all time favourite for Hilary was the cactus garden, with its massive and unusual (and prickly!) shapes. This area has recently been renovated and looked pristine, not a weed in sight! And if you’re into cacti and succulents, it’s the place to be.
And my favourite – without the shadow of a doubt – is the subtropical gardens, where the foliage is dense and dark green, and the sound of running water is everywhere. Lush!
Magical sub-tropical forest!
We also noticed some very healthy-looking pampas grass, although I’m not sure if the gardeners in La Concepción know about the often hidden meaning…
Pampas grass, also sometimes known as ‘swingers’ delight’
The little café by the entrance was also a real discovery, as it served home-made cakes (the carrot cake and apple strudel were very tasty), fresh smoothies, and healthy looking lunches.
As it’s nearly Autumn, the botanical gardens weren’t at their most colourful, but we still loved them. And we can’t wait to go back in the Spring, and walk down Wisteria Arbour, or Hibiscus Way!
Have you ever been to Malaga’s Botanical Gardens? What would be your favourite time of year to visit?
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