There is nothing similar on the Iberian Peninsula , neither in size nor in scope, and a proper tour of the grounds can only be completed satisfactorily in about four hours . It aims to eventually house all the plant species that grow on both sides of the Atlantic. The ambitious nature of the project, and the enormous chromatic and biological variety it currently boasts, make it a truly unique "Garden."
This nearby, dense jungle can be visited in an organized way by following a marked route that passes through four distinct zones . At reception, you will be informed of this route, and you can also enjoy a fitting introduction: an audiovisual journey through ecosystems and flora from the earliest times, when there was hardly any continental differentiation. We move forward gradually to the present. Now, the forests and plant species are perfectly cataloged. The Gijón Botanical Garden aims to be the most faithful representation of this recent evolution. It also seeks to raise awareness and instill a love of nature so that future generations will know how to conserve diversity and properly value these living beings, which predate humankind by far.
4 spaces define the Botanical Garden
Asturias currently boasts a renowned wealth of forests. Areas like Muniellos , the Peloño beech forest , and the Redes Natural Park make it a region of exceptional quality in terms of its woodlands and a small biosphere reserve as a whole . This Asturian treasure is perfectly reflected in this immense garden, in the area dedicated to the Cantabrian environment : beech forests, oak groves, holm oak forests, scrubland, meadows, amphibious and aquatic plants, including a fine selection of rare and endangered species.
Forest of Muniellos
Muniellos harbors within its boundaries the ancient Asturian forest , its most deeply rooted character. Visit Muniellos… Read more
The Peloño forest
The interior of Monte de Peloño, this immense beech forest , harbors its own unique vegetation, which allows… Read more
The Plant Factory is another key feature of the Botanical Garden. In this area, the educational focus centers on appreciating plants as useful beings, analyzing where, how, and why we use them. We will also observe a wide variety of those plants that escape our control and grow around us even if we don't want them. Fruit trees from the Old World (such as apple and citrus) and the New World (pecans, avocados, cherimoyas, etc.) are also in bloom. Finally, the Factory will surprise us with a veritable assortment of vegetable gardens from both regions, collections of spices, aromatic and medicinal plants, and more.
We arrived at the Island Garden , a vast expanse of orderly nature, meticulously cared for over 150 years by Florencio Valdés, a native of Gijón. The restoration of this beautiful place allows us to see it now with new eyes, as a unique continent within this small botanical world in which it is nestled. Here, we find the hydraulic structures that were once commonplace in the maintenance of gardens , as well as ponds , labyrinths , the most splendid ornamental plants , and majestic, centuries-old trees , among which the cedars and plane trees stand out. Collections of shrubs complete this section, along with an orderly arrangement of ferns, bulbs, and oriental plants.
We've been walking for quite a while, enjoying the scenery and expanding our knowledge of plants, and we're now reaching the Atlantic Route , one of the largest sections of this park. Here, the aim has been to recreate entire landscapes, simulations of territories that are fundamental to both sides of the ocean. These include the Mediterranean biome, the tropical Caribbean biome, and the temperate and boreal biomes of America and Europe , the latter represented by the Tragamón Oak Grove (declared a Natural Monument of the Principality).
The Garden's character is enhanced by the cultural and ecological initiatives developed throughout the year by its staff. Regular lectures and series, workshops, and seminars... From season to season, the Atlantic Botanical Garden's program is also a journey of learning, an advanced course in understanding our landscapes. To this end, we also have a well-stocked, specialized bookstore, a plant shop, museum exhibits, and a beautiful glass-enclosed café for relaxing between classes.
Gijón Botanical Garden Rates
Address:
Avenida del Jardín Botánico, s / n
33394, Gijón
Contact phone number : 985 18 51 30
How to get to:
· By car: The best way to access the Atlantic Botanical Garden is by the A-8 Motorway (Ronda Sur).
Once there, take exit 385 (La Guía, Viesques) and follow the signs to the Jardin.
· By urban bus: Lines 1, 2, 18 and 26. (Also Micro 2 working days).
Rates:
Adult: 2,90 €.
Senior (+ 65 years): 1,80 €.
Minors 12: free.
Juvenile (12-26 years): 1,80 €.
Group (+ 10 people): 2,20 €.
Annual bonus: 25 €.
Annual family bonus: 40 €.
The SPECIAL RATES, FERTILIZERS and TICKETS FROM PROMOTIONS will only apply on the days of the standard rate, and cannot be used on the days when parties and special events are held.
Gijón Botanical Garden opening hours
Schedule
Hours from September 16 to May 14: from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday). *Last access at 17:15 p.m.
Hours from May 15 to September 15: from 10:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. *Last access at 20:15 p.m.
Open on Mondays in July and August.
Source: Gijón Botanical Garden.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
