• Name: La Almunya del Sur Andalusi Botanical Garden
  • Address: Paraje Tarambana, 284. 04700 El Ejido. Almería, Spain
  • Phone: +34 649 41 49 74
  • Website: https://laalmunyadelsur.es/
  • Email: info@laalmunyadelsur.es
  • Opening hours: To visit, you must make a reservation in advance by telephone or email.

    Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

    Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    Check opening hours on the website.
  • Institution: Private
  • Director: Carlos Collado Pérez
  • Facilities:
    The garden has a total area of 2,500 m². Within this space, there is a 40 m² covered multifunctional area, equipped with audiovisual equipment, intended for educational, informational and cultural activities.
    The complex is completed by two separate outdoor spaces:
    • One space located at the entrance to the garden, with a capacity for 60 people.
    • And another space located inside the garden, with a capacity for 80 people, both suitable for outdoor activities.
  • Number of Species:

    2,000 taxa.

  • Opened in Year: 2016
  • Conservation programmes:
    - Educational programme aimed at raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting native species, aimed at students and other groups.
    - Maintenance, recovery and conservation of traditional fruit and vegetable species, promoting their use and passing on related knowledge.
    - Environmental awareness programme on the responsible and efficient use of water resources.
    - Promotion of knowledge and use of xerophytic species for the design and implementation of sustainable, low water consumption gardens.
    - Contribution and cataloguing of ornamental flora sheets for scientific study and conservation in the herbarium of the University of Almería.
  • Research Programs:
    • Design and development of themed gardens in collaboration with the University of Almería, including: Salt Garden, La Botica de la UAL, Volcanic Geo-garden, Water Gardens, and Mathematics Gardens.
    More recently, collaboration in the design and implementation of the Mediterranean Garden, located in the surroundings of the Castillo de Guardias Viejas (El Ejido).
    • Research associated with gardening projects, focusing on:
      • The cultivation and association of plant species from climates and with opposing ecological requirements.
      • The behaviour and adaptation of xerophytic species during periods of partial shade.
      • The study of the positive effects of the garden on the mood and emotional well-being of visitors.
      • The analysis of the nutrient cycle and the functioning of the garden in relation to the presence of different vegetation strata.
      • The evaluation of soil mulching using plant material generated in the garden itself, as a strategy for soil improvement and system sustainability.
  • Education Programmes:

    Specific educational programme, accompanied by a teaching guide, aimed at raising awareness and knowledge about plants of Andalusi origin.
    The guide is structured around the following main lines of work:

    • Identification and promotion of native species, highlighting their ecological and cultural importance.
    • Identification and promotion of edible species, encouraging knowledge of their traditional uses.
    • Activation of the five senses as a tool for the full and experiential enjoyment of the garden.
    • Knowledge of the fundamental keys to the identification and cataloguing of plant species.
    • Knowledge and dissemination of the use of plants in Andalusi gardens, taking into account their historical, symbolic, and ornamental function.
    • Implementation and dissemination of recycling and circular-economy plans developed within the garden itself.

    Likewise, guided themed routes are developed and duly signposted, including: Plants of Al-Andalus, Native Plants, Magical Plants, and Poisonous Plants.

     

     

     

    • Country: Spain

La Almunya del Sur is an Andalusi-style farm, consisting of a traditional rustic dwelling and a garden-orchard. This Andalusi garden has been designed for the optimal and sustainable use of the natural resources available in the environment.

Water is a key element of the space, present throughout the garden in the form of ponds and fountains, adding environmental, scenic, and sensory value. The route, linked by a network of intertwined paths, offers visitors a unique sensory experience.

Fruit trees, mainly citrus, are combined with exotic and aromatic plants, creating a balanced system that is respectful and sustainable with the environment.

La Almunya del Sur also runs complementary training activities, including practical workshops on gardening, agricultural techniques, and environmental education. All these activities promote the use of native plants, knowledge, and acclimatisation of non-invasive exotic species, botanical dissemination, as well as other initiatives linked to sustainability and biodiversity preservation.

 

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