Tuesday, January 30, 2024


Jardín Japonés in Buenos Aires



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Japanese gardens have four essential elements (rocks, water, plants, and ornaments)

and five garden design principles (asymmetry, enclosure, borrowed scenery, balance, and symbolism) in a Japanese garden.

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The Jardin Japones was originally a gift from the Japanese citizens of BA to the city. It was inaugurated in 1967 to coincide with a visit by the emperor of Japan, Akihito, and his wife Michiko. 

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While there is a small admission fee, it's nominal and clearly worth the price.  You don’t need to buy a ticket for a guided tour on the Internet.  Just show up at the gate, pay your 1,500 pesos (ca US$2), and enjoy this wonderful place.



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Its entrance on Figueroa Alcorta Avenue, leding to the gardens, a cultural center, restaurant, a greenhouse known for its collection of bonsai trees, and a gift shop featuring an extensive selection of Asian garden seeds, as well as craftwork made by artisans on the grounds. 


The central lake is crossed by the Divine Bridge, traditionally representing entry into Heaven and by the Truncated Bridge, leading to an island where Japanese medicinal herbs are grown.

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Try to come as early as possible to avoid crowds - especially in January and early February when there are summer vacations in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.


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Opening hours are daily from 10 - 18:45, closed from Christmas to mid-January.

Subway: Línea D (green) Station Plaza Italia. Several buses are driving nearby too.

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Saturday, January 20, 2024


Argentina Trees That You Cannot Miss

  


Jacaranda


Another part of the world where it is summer from December to March is Argentina.  Here in South America trees grow and bloom everywhere - from Patagonia in the South to the Northern provinces, and especially in many of the attractive parks in Buenos Aires.  Discover some of the most common trees that can be found throughout the Buenos Aires landscape and parks.


 Ceibo Tree Blooms



Ceibo Tree 


The Ceibo Tree

The Ceibo also called the cockspur coral tree, was declared the national flower of the Republic of Argentina in 1942.  It grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and can reach a height of 10 meters (32 ft.).  The flower itself resembles the crest of a chicken and has five bright, rouge red petals. 

The bark from the plant is extremely light and is often used to replace cork.  It is also said that the bark contains high levels of alkaloids, which have been used since the dawn of man for medicinal and “far out” recreational purposes.  Lastly, the leaves and bark also produce anti-malarial compounds.  The tree’s bark and leaf extract have long been used as a traditional medicine for malaria in Indonesia.

Thanks to its eye-catching petals and the fact that its trunk has no damaging roots, it is perfect to grow anywhere, where it gets enough water.  This is why it is so common to see it in many parks and along rivers throughout the country between October and April when it is at its best.

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Jacaranda Tree


Jacaranda Tree

The Jacaranda, which at the end of the 19th century was taken from its natural habitat in the north of Argentina to Buenos Aires to embellish the streets and avenues of the city with its breathtaking beauty. 


From that moment on, it became much more than a tree. It is now a symbol of the country's history and culture. So much so that the iconic Argentine writer María Elena Walsh dedicated a song to it.  Since 2015 it has been designated as Buenos Aires' distinctive tree. Tourists from all over the world come here, especially in November, when its velvety blossom blooms, to be seduced by its magical colors.


The Jacaranda tree is one of the most recognizable pieces of the Argentina landscape.  The purple leaves are absolutely stunning when the trees bloom in the spring, especially because Jacarandas line many of the main avenues of Buenos Aires. 

Not only is this tree beautiful, but it is also extremely useful in our fight against climate change. The tree is one of the largest consumers of carbon dioxide and each tree can process 1,832 kg per year!

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Tipuana Tree


Huge Tipuana Tree

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Teatro Colon - Tipuana Tree


Tipuana Tree

La Tipa is the quintessential Argentine tree, charming and beautiful.  To the eye, it’s large and abundant with beautiful yellow flowers and there are more than 9,000 in the city of Buenos Aires.  When in bloom, cool drips of liquid gently fall from the leaves of this tree.  But don’t worry, the liquid isn’t toxic and the effect is quite…engrossing.  Plant it well away from building foundations as it forms a shallow, extensive root system.  It is up to 30 meters high once it is mature.

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Ombu Tree


The Ombú Tree

Phytolacca dioica, commonly known as ombú in Spanish is the perfect tree for public parks. They’re both horizontally and vertically massive with a girth of 12 to 15 meters and can attain a height of up to 18 meters (60 ft.). The umbrella-like shape is perfect for hot sunny days.


 

Ombu Tree


The tree itself takes on an umbrella-shaped form and has numerous trunks thus giving it the appearance of a large shrub with its dark green oval leaves.  The Ombú tree is an evergreen tree native to the pampas grasslands of South America.  It is easy to grow and needs little care except for free-draining soil as it will rot if sat in water.  Its enlarged bole means it can withstand periods of drought once established - so the tree has developed a unique way of storing water by forming a large fleshy base.  However, it is best to give it a good soaking occasionally, once the soil has dried out.


Palm Trees





Palm Trees


Huge Palm Trees San Martin Park



The French Landscape Designer Carlos Thays was a botanic genius.
Designing and installing the majority of Argentina’s public landscapes can be accredited 
to this French landscape architect.  He was responsible for 69 squares and public
boulevards in Buenos Aires, and 16 in the provinces. 

He directed the planting of over 150,000 trees and plants in the capital city alone, 
among them the famous Parque El Rosedal (Rose Garden-Park.  He was the
Buenos Aires Parks Director from 1891 until 1913 and also created the city’s botanical
garden, that became a global center for South American flora and fauna studies.


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Tuesday, January 9, 2024


Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix-Scottsdale

 


 

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The Desert Botanical Garden helps you enjoy the beauty of the desert and care about it.  Come for the events or exhibits or simply make a reservation to roam and enjoy the Garden’s beauty.  But watch out that you don't miss the road that leads to the Garden. The small sign is only visible from one direction of the road.  Traffic in Scottsdale is rather heavy at all times of the day. 


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On the trails, experience the unique and beautiful plants that thrive in some of the hottest and driest parts of the world.




The Fall Plant Sale at Desert Botanical Garden is every October.  Choose from a unique selection of cacti, succulents, and agaves as well as aromatic herbs, vegetables, and flowering perennials.  Garden experts will be available to help you select the ideal plants for your home.

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Unfortunately, I was too late to enjoy dinner there.  But if you go, don't miss brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails at Gertrude’s.  A "Diners’ Choice Award" winner - offers a fresh food experience at the garden, focusing on ingredients directly from the farm and pasture to the plate. 



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Musik in the Garden:  Enjoy a stunning Garden backdrop as you experience local bands during the Friday’s night series.



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Come to see this exhibition: Fernando Botero - El Maestro
Harmony of color and beauty of form come together in this exhibition of paintings, drawings, and monumental sculptures celebrating the visionary Colombian artist, Fernando Botero.
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Since 1939, Desert Botanical Garden has served as a global leader in the research and conservation of desert plants and their habitats.  Today, the Research & Conservation staff at the Garden collaborates with academic, research, and conservation groups across six countries and four continents. 



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I was wondering when I came to the garden that all parking spaces were occupied at 6 p.m.  The reason might have been their invitation to visitors: 
"Enjoy complimentary admission to the Garden every second Tuesday of the month."

Usually, the admission is $24.95 – $29.95 
Youth 3 – 17 - 14.95- $16.95
Stiff prices, compared to Tucsons Botanical Garden, which is smaller but has a similar collection of plants. So, try to take advantage of these free admission days if you can.

The Scottsdale Botanical Garden is open from October to April 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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Once you reach these mountains, stay focused as the entrance to the Desert Botanical Garden 
will be soon to your right - not well signed...


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