Did you know that a most diverse botanical collection on the Maltese Islands forms part of the University of Malta?

It is in fact housed by the Argotti Botanic Gardens & Resource Centre in Floriana, which has, for decades, been cultivating plants, shrubs and trees and has further assisted in teaching and research activities with various other departments at the University.

And whilst the world grew quieter in the times of the pandemic, the staff at Argotti has been busier than ever with a number of restorations that have certainly helped bring the gardens to exhibit the beauty of Spring!

See for yourselves below:

Part 1

  Part 2

1. The Japanese Area was the first section to be restored. The buffalo grass lawn was replaced with grey and white pebbles designed  to replicate yin and yang. A number of plants from Japan and neighbouring areas were relocated here.
2. This is an overview of the central pathway leading to the villa. This shows the Cactus area and the shade plants growing underneath the Argania spinosa, Morocco’s national tree. Contrasting covers of gravel, bark and turf emphasise the different growing habitats for different species of plants.
3. The Opuntia area that was overgrown with a fallen prickly pear tree was cleared. The central Euphorbia had to be pruned as it was damaging the greenhouse, and the remnants of a Maltese cross were restored. A selection of Opuntia species was set around the perimeter.
   
4. All trees in the Citrus garden were given a good pruning. Additional citrus trees were planted and the central pond was restored.
   
5. The Mediterranean area has had an increase of more local trees, including carob, oak and poplar, and informal pathways were laid out with gagazza stones to create a more rural look.
   
6. The central pond was also restored to stop the leaking of water. A new and safer border fence was also installed and goldfish were introduced to control mosquito larvae.
7. A selection of Cacti were relocated to the sunniest area. Two of the larger cacti were also transplanted from pots to this site. White gravel to reflect heat and light was provided.
8. A new Euphorbia area to house a large variety of Euphorbias was also designed. Most of the Euphorbias are now in this place.
9. An area for Agaves, Aloes, Yuccas, Dracaens and Cordelines was also developed. The grey gravel also helps more heat to be absorbed.
10. A selection of Tradescantias and Araceae were grouped in a shaded area. Bark chippings were provided as ground cover to keep the area cool.
11. Four new ponds with different aquatic plants with different varieties of Cyperus including the papyrus, different varieties of Canna and Nymphae were set up. Turf was also introduced to this area.
12. A new area to house a variety of planted ferns is the latest addition.