The Alameda, Gibraltar - Revisited

The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Project, started in 1991, aims to restore the aesthetic beauty and interest of the Alameda for the benefit of visitors to the gardens, establish a living collection representative of Gibraltar and its hinterland, display a collection of plants from Mediterranean climatic zones around the world, contribute towards the conservation of the flora of Gibraltar and its hinterland, establish a collection of succulents from around the world and contribute towards the dissemination of information about plants, their economic value and their conservation by means of an active educational programme.

This is an ongoing project as the Alameda is gradually being converted into a botanic garden with something new to see every season. January to March is a good time to visit with the succulents in particular being of interest. These bromelias, showing vivid stem and leaf colour now, will flower early in the year.

Two other shrubs should also be displaying at their best in the early months, the Bush Violet and Cape Honeysuckle.

As you wander around the Alameda you will find constantly changing vistas with the famous dragon trees providing the vertical framework with their peculiar elephantine trunks and branches, and tranquil spots to just sit and contemplate well away from the bustle of Main Street.