Botanical Garden

Why did Columbus stop at La Gomera? The Botanical Garden, El Descubrimiento de las Américas, whispers the answer. This 16,219 square meter park in Vallehermoso isn’t just a collection of plants. It’s a living museum, celebrating La Gomera’s role in the Age of Exploration. The garden’s name, “The Discovery of the Americas,” sets the stage. It highlights the island’s link to Columbus’s voyages. He used La Gomera as a vital stopover. He replenished supplies and took on fresh water before venturing across the Atlantic. The garden showcases plants from five continents. It emphasizes species encountered by New World explorers. Imagine Columbus marveling at these same plants before his historic journey. The garden also features endemic plants from La Gomera itself. This juxtaposition underscores the island’s unique flora. It demonstrates its place in the global exchange of botanical treasures. The Botanical Garden is more than just a beautiful landscape. Architect Fernando Menis, in collaboration with botanist David Bramwell, designed it as a sensory and cultural experience. The paths meander through the garden. They respect the existing centenary palms. They offer gentle slopes accessible to all. The lines, initially geometric, have softened over time. Nature has embraced the design. The result is a surprising, idyllic landscape. A black concrete building houses the visitor’s center and a cafeteria. It acts as a lookout point and a boundary between the park and the road. Its terraces offer panoramic views of the garden and the valley beyond. The Botanical Garden serves as a testament to La Gomera’s history. It honors the island’s contribution to a pivotal era of exploration and exchange. It also celebrates the island’s unique natural heritage. The Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis of discovery. It is a place where history and nature intertwine.