MARCH  IN  THE  GARDEN

A TRIP TO VALLARTA  BOTANICAL  GARDENS

The swimming area was at the bottom of this 1100 foot mountain, so we decided to head there first.  The river was in a ravine located between two mountains.  The water was clear, cool and inviting,  but not enough for us to go swimming.  The huge boulders and slabs of smooth rock surrounded by tropical trees. babbling water with the warm sun filtering through enticed us to stay and enjoy the moment.  But once we discovered the sign for the trail labelled  "DIFFICULT  AND HIKING  BOOTS  ADVISABLE",   we knew our immediate destination.   

Once we climbed over the huge boulder with the help of some tree roots to cling to,  we realized that we were on a man made path.  As the path ascended, we realized that we were zigzagging up the mountain.  About every 30 to 40 feet, the path would make a sharp 180 degree turn.  On the right was the mountain with palms, ferns, mango and avocado trees, and many tropical trees that I did not recognize.  On the left, was a drop into the gorge where the river was.  One false move and you could be in serious trouble.  We huffed and puffed our way to what we thought was the top of the mountain, when we started to descend .  As it turned out, we jigged and jagged and way up and down the turning paths  for about forty minutes.  As we came into more sunshine the vegetation was changing into more desert conditions with agaves and cactus growing wild in the forest.  The path led us up to the back of a building, where we popped from the path unto a deck where there was an info centre and washrooms, right where we first arrived, into the centre of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

The first stop when we arrived at the Vallarta Gardens, was the restaurant.  A tall wooden chalet like building, with clay tiles on the roof and red, orange, hot pink and white bougainvillea, climbing and cascading this 30 to 40 foot building.  We climbed the Mexican tiled stairs to the upper floor, where refreshments were  being served, on the deck surrounding the whole building.  When we looked out there was a drop of a few hundred feet, where  a path and river could be seen in the distance  surrounded by tropical forest.  Closer to the building were manicured gardens, paths, the orchid and vanilla conservatory, the tree fern grotto, the agave hills trail and many more areas in which to explore.

The waiter brought us our complimentary hibiscus tea with tiny orchid flowers that hung on the to edge of the glass.  This tea was sweetened with agave nectar and was really quite tasty.  Then we ordered our nachos and beer, served on clay baked plates with their delicious  avocado dip, salsa  and hot  spicy oil dip.  There was an iron rod attached to every post that supported the roof.  From the end of these rods, hanging baskets of fresh fruit, attracted many colourful birds of all sizes and even some butterflies.  This truly was a beautiful setting sitting almost in the canopy of the jungle, on a warm sunny day without a care in the world......  But that was when it was decided to take that path down to the river.  And sandals and mountain climbing are not the best mix. But we survived!!

After lunch, the gift shop on the main floor had many typical Mexican souvenirs.  Colourful dishes and plates, silver  bracelets, tablecloths, etc........ but they did not have any books for sale about the Botanical Gardens that I could see.  Up stairs in the restaurant  there was  library of very old books, which  I did not stop to look at, or I would still be there.

Across from the restaurant, was the Orchid house with ferns and vines climbing up the wooden poles and trellises.  Orchids were in pots, in tropical trees, growing on the wooden structure itself.  The ceiling and walls were the vines and plants growing on the structure.  

Beside the Orchid house was a garden of  pathways that turned and intermingled, dividing the area into smaller gardens with some benches and rock formations on which to sit.  This little garden were planted with collections of similar plants.  There was a fern area, a palm tree area, and palms can be very small to very large and tree like.  This is where a gardener was walking around with a backpack tank filled with water, watering many of the tiny plants in the numerous decorative planters that were placed throughout the gardens.

There was a large raised pond where water lilies and  water lotus  were showing there colours, while tropical fish hid beneath their leaves.  A giant concrete painted water serpent  was the King in this water garden.  And there were  benches and colourful plantings in this courtyard garden, where one could linger to enjoy the scenes.  

On the way back up the road to the entrance, each side of the road bordered  a four foot wide garden area where collections of agaves, small ornamental palms, aloe vera, vinca, roses, cactus and tree ferns to mention a few, adorned the cobblestone and river rock road.  At the top of the hill, was a small rustic log building where we entered and payed our fee of 50 pesos or 5 dollars American.  With this you received a map of the gardens.  There is much more to see  here. When we return, we will visit other garden areas and nature paths.

Large black iron gates at the entrance, really show off the mass plantings of blue agaves.  There were cabs arriving to take some people back to their hotels.  We  were returning by bus, the way in which we came.   We caught the bus in Old Vallarta and for 22 pesos, we were wisked up the mountain road, clinging to the edge of the road.  I was so glad that the driver had driven this many times before.  The bus was full on the way back, but we managed to get a seat.  And in no time at all, we were back walking on the Malecon Boardwalk again.

If you are in Puerto Vallarta and decide to visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, here is the info:

telephone  322-223-6182

info@vallartabotanicalgardensas.org

No matter where you are, you are always surrounded by natural vegetation, landscaped gardens or potted gardens at the front of the hotel you are staying at.  So take note.  If you see something really impressive, you may want to take some of those ideas into your own gardens.

Till next time,