Desert City

Desert City is a plant nursery and botanical garden located in Madrid, Spain that specializes in the cultivation and sale of xerophytic plants. Desert City has over 600 species, including cacti, succulents, and native plants from the Mediterranean region.[1] It is Europe’s largest cactus garden.[2][3] Desert City's greenhouses and gardens have been awarded numerous awards for architectural design.[4] [5]

Desert City
Echinocactus grusonii specimens in Desert City.
TypeBotanical garden
LocationSan Sebastián de los Reyes, Community of Madrid Spain.
Nearest townFuente del Fresno, Madrid
Coordinates40°35′56″N 3°34′56.6″W
Area16,000 m² nursery and 6000 m² botanical garden
CreatedApril 28, 2017
Owned byprivate
Operated byprivate
StatusOpen all year
Websitedesertcity.es

History

Desert City was founded by Jacobo García-Germán, an Madrileño architect, and Mercedes García, a former pharmaceuticals executive.[6] García-Germán, García, and a dedicated team worked together to create the biotechnological nursery specialized in xeriscaping.[7] The nursery is also a site for plant research and cultivation of cacti and other xerophytic plants. Tourists can enjoy the 6000 m² botanical garden containing more than 600 species, including plants native to the Community of Madrid. [1]

The garden
Desert City landscape.

The garden combines the aesthetic elements of the natural landscapes of the arid and semi-arid areas of the planet (such as cacti), with native plants from the Mediterranean climate, like lavender, rosemary and others. It vast collection includes tiny Blossfeldia liliputana, which stands just 12-16 mm, and giant Saguaro, which stands nearly 50 feet in height.[8] The garden is divided into 5 main thematic areas:[1]

  • Arizona, the highlights of this garden are cacti of various shapes, colors and textures. Three hills dominate this space, culminating at its apex with columnar-type cacti of different species and origins.
  • Oasis, a recreational environment for walkers. This space contains a palm forest with a bird nesting environment and a waterfall. All exhibition elements have been designed to create atmosphere of seclusion.
  • Taverns, a minimalist space that breaks with the organic aesthetics of the rest of the garden. The orthogonal line of water limits the garden space and creates a transitional link between the two design concepts. Cleistocactus, Echinopsis, Cephalocereus and other small xerophytes contrast with the black ground cover. The reflections of the plants in the polished sheets of cover provide fugitive effects of light at dawn. The mysticism of the golden ratio designed to intrigue the tourists on the walkway and adds symbolism to this welcoming space.
  • Tuscany, is a reinterpretation of the Italian stately garden. In this space, species associated with Italy, such as olive, pomegranate, myrtle, tamarix or lavender, are mixed with others of Mexican origin such as yuccas, dasylirions, opuntias, agaves as well as many other species of varied origins. This space is characterized by the abundance and diversity of blooms, strong aromas and a singular beauty that produces the interbreeding of xerophytic species from different environments. Pale gravel, used as a cover, is complemented by the dark greens of the Mediterranean.
  • Guajira, located under the walkway that crosses the garden, has a diversity of cacti, xerophytic Mediterranean species and plants popular in classic gardening.

Location

Desert City is located on the A1 highway, km 25, service road towards Madrid. In San Sebastián de los Reyes, Community of Madrid Spain.

Its opening hours during the winter months are Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. During the summer months it is from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.[1]

The botanical garden, freely accessible, has a marked, accessible route designed to accommodate the needs of individuals as well as guided group visits. Free guided tours are held in the garden on weekends and holidays (11:00 am, 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm). Tour reservations are available via email.[9]

See also

References
  1. Desert City Madrid Destino Cultura Turismo y Negocio S. A.
  2. Teddy Minford New ‘Desert City’ in Madrid Has Over 400 Species of Cactus Fodor's August 8, 2017
  3. Reid, Siobhan (October 27, 2017). "8 Places to Feed Your Cactus Craze". Jetsetter.
  4. XIV BEAU Bienal Española de Arquitectura y Urbanismo 2018 Prize, Fuera de Serie Prize 2017, Finalist FAD Prize 2018. Desert City GarciaGerman Arquitectos
  5. (in Spanish) La mejor arquitectura española se muestra en Santander Bienal Española de Arquitectura y Urbanismo (BEAU)
  6. Melkon Charchoglyan Prickly clients Monocle. Issue 118. November 2018
  7. Elizabeth Caldwell With xeriscaping, grass needn't always be greener USA Today 2007-07-15.
  8. Maria Cook Spain's Unique 'Desert City' Brings Cacti To Urban Madrid Green Matters. May 24, 2019
  9. Desert City Tripadvisor
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