A new project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Italia-Malta 2007-2013 Operational Programme, will create a network of Mediterranean gardens.
Taking part in the project, entitled Gardmed, are the Catania Botanic Gardens (University of Catania), the Argotti Botanical Gardens (University of Malta), the Municipality of Syracuse and the Floriana council.
The network will involve 15 public and private gardens in Malta and the Southern provinces of Sicily with the aim to promote and conserve the cultural and natural heritage associated with historical Mediterranean gardens.
The aim of the project is to educate the public on the natural heritage found in the gardens. To this end, a 10-day gardening course started on June 6.
Garden-related activities are also being held at Argotti during summer (from end of June until the beginning of September). The activities will include tours and hands-on activities in the garden.
Themes will include Fascination of Plants, Decorative Plants, Flowers and Food from Your Garden, Garden Treasures, Sustainable Use of Garden Resources and Garden and Nature.
Entrance for the activities will be on the hour between 9 a.m. and noon.
Further information about Gardmed and dates of the activities may be obtained by contacting Argotti Botanic Gardens, Vincenzo Bugeja Street, Floriana, on 2124 8984 between 8 a.m. and noon, e-mail argottigardens@um.edu.mt or by accessing the link on the University of Malta website: www.um.edu.mt/argotti/activitiesen. The course is free.