16 Jul Exploring the Jardín Botánico Canario

The Canary Islands are home to some of the most incredible biological research—including the cultivation of about 500 unique plant species separated into a series of gardens at the Jardín Botánico Canario. This botanical garden is located on Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco, and it was officially opened to the public in 1959, remaining open year-round to the island’s visitors.

A unique garden landscape

Jardín Botánico Canario sits along a steep slope of a ravine with shallow caves and a waterfall, making this site a truly unique and breathtaking feature of the island. This site was chosen not just for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its ability to cultivate as many species as possible in the botanical makeup of the Canary Islands.

Endemic plant cultivation

The garden spans 27 acres and has several divisions such as the Garden of Cacti and Succulents, the Macaronesian Ornamental Garden, the Hidden Garden, and the Laurel-leaved Forest. Each of these distinct areas is dedicated to cultivating specific plant species, representing about 500 in total. Each of these are endemic to the islands. There is also a seed bank that was established in 1983 and now houses about 400 endemic tree species’ seeds.

Garden history

The story of Jardín Botánico Canario actually dates back to the 18th century, during which Spanish cleric Jose Viera y Clavijo attempted to establish a botanical garden on the islands. Though his attempt was unsuccessful, he is recognized in the full name of the garden, Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo. The garden as it is today can be attributed to Erik Ragnar Svensson, who scouted the spot for the garden and developed it through the mid-20th century.

As you begin planning your residential or commercial landscape, you can find inspiration around the world with impressive gardens like Jardín Botánico Canario. For a local eye with decades of landscape expertise in Tucson, call Santa Rita Landscaping at 520-623-0421.

This article is part of our collection of The Most Spectacular Gardens in the World!