Open Gardens Day, 20 April 2008
Once again, on 20 April Cabrera threw open the garden gates for visitors:
The Open Gardens Day proved to be even more popular than in previous years and some people travelled from quite a distance to walk around the village and stroll through the gardens. This year the entry proceeds went to a very good cause, a charity for cancer support in Mojácar called MACS, (look at their website for more details: www.macscancersupport.com).
There was also an art exhibition and the Cabrera Fiesta Poster/Art competition, plants were for sale at some gardens and tea and cakes at some others.
Ian and Jill Radcliffe were there taking photographs.
Gardens Open for Viewing:
1. Casa Kobi – Lesley & Mike Byard (Calle Rivera)
A very new garden created out of the side of the mountain consisting of beautiful rock wall terraces. These terraces have been planted with yuccas, mimosa, and jacaranda trees and a variety of ground plants. The colours of these plants that are native to Spain are wonderful. There is also a small Mediterranean garden credited with all manner of cacti, rocks and shingle.
2. Alborada – Anne & Bruce Viccars (Calle del Pastor)
This north facing garden has been carved out of the steep slope and benefits from the early morning sun. There are many fruit and flowering trees, grape vines and along the drive the flowers give a riot of spring colour. It is a joy to wander through this interesting garden with many seating areas to enjoy the views in full.
3. El Castillico – Margaret & Dick Bird (Avenida de Sopalmo)
In 7 years this garden has been changed from a wild steep slope to a terraced oasis of peace and serenity, which has views of the Mediterranean. There are traditional Spanish courtyards filled with scented and beautiful plants, one of which has a fountain and a Gaudi style bench. The owners feel that the terrain is not suitable for small children.
4. Los Canalones – Sheila Hilditch & David Watkins (Calle de Los Leones)
“A Garden in the Making”. The house is 22 years old and has at the front formal terraces with some well established plants and fruit trees, whilst the rest of the garden area has been left to nature. Newcomers to Spain Sheila & David have already extended the formal terracing into a “tumbling rockery” and on the upper garden have created new plant beds and pathways which lead up to a stone table were one can sit and take in the stunning panoramic views.
5. La Escondida – Gill & Keith Sharpe (Calle de la Fuente)
Although a small, difficult and rocky plot, this garden is an inspiration. It is filled with colour and variety and even includes a home for tortoises. It is planted with fruit trees, flowering shrubs, climbers and succulents.
6. La Atalaya – Mike Butters & Kathy Allison (Avenida Abenjoar – Cascada)
This south facing garden is set into a steep hillside facing Eagle Rock. Comprising of nine natural stone terraces filled with a variety of suitable cacti and trees. There are a few small borders and also a large border with well established plants and trees that appear to defy nature by flourishing on a very rocky bed.
7. Baja Cascada – Jo & Roger Chambers (Avenida Abenjoar – Cascada)
This is a new villa and the garden reflects this. As well as having fantastic views, the garden and pool area are ‘embraced’ by the mountains as it is the closest villa to ‘Eagles Rock’. Wildlife abounds among this beautiful setting.
8. Torre de Luz – Adrian & Jenny Jones (Calle de Capitán Reynaldos)
Adrian & Jenny are the new owners of Torre de Luz The front garden has a central pergola decked in Wisteria passing through formal rose beds. At the end there is a beautiful fountain which is a good place to enjoy the view down to the golf course or across to Bedar. At the rear there is an informal garden with indigenous plants.
For information and photos of the 2007 Open Gardens Day, click here.
