The Menorca Branch of the MGS

It is with great pleasure that Mediterranean Garden Society introduces a new branch based in Menorca. The number of MGS members on the island has grown over the past few years and is now large enough to warrant the formation of a branch separate from the original Balearics Branch, although of course the two will continue to be closely linked. Two of the members have agreed to head the branch in co-operation: Lorraine Ure who is based in Menorca and Marlene Maguire who commutes between Spain and the UK.

Forthcoming Events 2009

Saturday 28 March - 11.30 am - John Springford’s house, S’Ullestra
"The effect of recent climate change, as demonstrated in my third field"
John and Kelly Springford invite us to join them to see how their garden has developed with particular reference to the title. (Please park in Sa Bottiga car park – you will note that there is now a café there also.) If anyone is interested in lunching at Villa Madrid afterwards, please advise nearer the time.

Saturday 18 April - 11.30 am - The Yarrow’s house in Binibecca
"Our newly developed section in progress and ideas and plans for the future"
Richard and Ann Yarrow invite us to join them at their place. Please also bring any plants and seeds for exchange with fellow members. This will be followed by (an optional) “menu del dia” at Restaurant Morgana in Binibecca Vel (details nearer the time).

Saturday 9 May – 10.30 am - The House of the Danieli’s
Italian influences in Menorca
The Danieli family have kindly given us permission to visit their magnificent garden, which is situated off a right turning at the 6 km mark on the Mahon to Cuidadela road (shortly before La Argentina). Meet at 10.30.

A Friday in June (date to be confirmed) - 10.30 am - Wild Menorca
A stroll round Albufera
We will meet at 10.30 by in the Car Park at Es Grau for a stroll around this beautiful area, concluding with a walk along the beach, followed by refreshments and general discussion at Ali and Ifor’s house in Es Grau.

Friday 10 July - 11.00 am - Lithica
Menorca’s ancient quarry
Jose Brava (an MGS member, who runs the botanical garden) has kindly agreed to repeat his guided tour of this fascinating area, near Cuidadella, for those who missed the last opportunity and anyone who would like to revisit. Meet at 11.00 am. at the Lithica entrance.

Past Events

Minorca Branch visit to Jardins de s’Hostal de Lithica

In June 2008, we were very pleased to visit the "Jardins de s’Hostal de Lithica", which is an old disused quarry situated near Cuidadela in the west of the island. One of our members, Jose Bravo, works full time here, and showed the group round the wonderful botanical gardens which have been created within the old quarry. Jose is responsible for the creaion and maintenance of the wonderful hidden gardens in this extraordinary location. These sandstone quarries were in operation for over 200 years. Sandstone is found all over the southern part of Menorca and was used by Neolithic man to build his megalithic monuments. The quarries today are breathtaking in their size and depth, and hidden within are lovely secret gardens containing aromatic and medicinal herbs, old roses climbing up the cut walls, palms, apricot trees and many other varieties of plant native to Menorca. There are also small ponds which have been planted most attractively and which act as a magnet to dragonflies and other wildlife relishing a damp environment. Every corner offered another surprise. We certainly plan to return next year.

Looking down into the quarries

One of the secret gardens in the old quarries

Entrance to quarries down the ramp

Introducing the new Co-Heads of the Menorca Branch

Lorraine Ure writes: I have been gardening for as long as I can remember. When I was a very young child, my father allocated me a patch within a larger bed in our Surrey garden, and I was able to enjoy the thrill of growing from seed - a great inspiration for a youngster - and generally helping my father, a great enthusiast, with the multitude of gardening tasks throughout the seasons. Later I lived near the Hamble River in Hampshire and completely remodelled my small garden, which fortunately had a commodious greenhouse, introducing my first water feature and also growing some interesting vegetables, such as seakale.

Back in Pyrford, Surrey, I took over a completely neglected garden, redesigned it (with a little assistance from a hard landscaper), and planted it from scratch. The fact that RHS Wisley was just around the corner was the greatest possible inspiration. It did, however, take its toll on my bank account!

Marriage took me to Suffolk, where wonderful walled gardens are the norm rather than the exception. Three years ago we downsized to an elongated terrace garden, which I had a hand in designing, complete with pergola and fountain, and many interesting climbers, fruit trees and mixed borders. We simultaneously “upsized” in Menorca, where I have my first proper Mediterranean garden, right on the edge of Mahon harbour (a substantial water feature!).

I love the contrasts between the two gardens, which are so different and which share virtually no plants in common.

Marlene Maguire writes:

Living in Auckland NZ as a child I was thrilled at the speed with which plants grew, and particularly enjoyed the vegetable patch. I now find myself gardening in Menorca, with a climate fairly similar to that of Auckland, and the delight of being able to grow very similar plants to those of my childhood is enormously satisfying – especially the palm trees, of which we had two splendid specimens in our front garden back home. The only problem is that our parcel of land is small, which restricts my urge to purchase too many plants.

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