Читать книгу 101 Romantic Weekends in Europe - Sarah Woods - Страница 7

CONTACTS Madeira Botanical Gardens Tel: + 351 291 211 200 Fax: + 351 291 211 206 Email: jardimbotanico.sra@gov-madeira.pt www.madeirabotanicalgarden.com

Madeira’s treasured 80,000-sq metre (861,120 sq ft) botanical amphitheatre not only contains a dazzling array of over 2,500 plant species but also offers spectacular panoramic views across mountains, bay waters and the city below. Look out across glorious, ramshackle rooftops to dramatic peaks and the deep blue Atlantic from Madeira’s cool leafy enclave where Japanese pagodas and romantic follies lie tucked amidst soaring ferns. Stroll along pebble-dotted pathways past ponds straddled by delicate wooden bridges. Discover handkerchief-sized plazas, boulder-strewn rockeries and crashing waterfall cascades fanned by giant creeper-clad palms. Or hike the orchid-rich leafy trails amongst a kaleidoscope of velvety pink and yellow blooms.

A romantic notion conjured up the Reid family in 1881, the Madeira Botanical Garden boasts a privileged location on the south side of a valley. At an altitude of between 200 and 350 metres (660–1,155 ft), conditions are perfect to support a spectacular array of exuberant vegetation. Nourished by nutrient-rich soils, the gardens are lush, vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful – just as the founders had dreamed. Revel in the fragrances of sprouting herbs, sub-tropical fruits and slender pine trees or discover semi-arid succulents and the dragon tree with its cylindrical trunk. A pattern of harmonious shapes and contrasting colours uses the vivid hues of Funchal Bay as a backdrop to create a tapestry-like floral carpet. Exotic plants from all continents combine to produce a glorious celebration of colour, from lilies, birds of paradise, magnolias and azaleas to bromeliads, cacti and hibiscuses.

For a truly romantic voyage through the gardens and beyond, take the Botanical Garden’s cable car up to the historic village of Monte with its beautiful church, gardens and wicker sledges. Savour expansive vistas of stunning tropical splendour, romantic Oriental tea-gardens and secluded love-seats tucked amongst the palms. Gaze out across the Atlantic Ocean as you cosy up in silent wonderment to the gentle sounds of seabirds and lapping waves. Monte’s fairytale aura once captivated Europe’s high society; today it is synonymous with miracles and centuries-old romantic legends. Since 1850, couples have observed the tradition of sliding at high speed on two-seater toboggans along Monte’s narrow, winding streets down to Funchal. Steered by two men dressed in traditional white cotton clothing and straw hats, the sledges glide on wooden runners. Poles are used for propulsion and rubber-soled boots as brakes, so lock hands and close your eyes for this romantic leap of faith.

The Madeira Botanical Gardens are lush, vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful.