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Landscape Architecture

Turia Gardens .. Valencia's Green Zone

Valencia Turia Gardens Wall  © Alice Joyce

The Turia Gardens project traces to 1957, when flood waters devastated the city’s historic district. To avoid another such deluge, the government diverted the Turia River, relocating the watercourse. Rather than turn the old river bed into a highway, as some suggested, the vast area became a public green zone, with renowned architect Ricardo Bofill assuming a primary role in the overall planning. Bofill envisioned a green sward meandering around and through the city of Valencia on a path toward the sea.

Valencia Turia Gardens Bofill Design © Alice Joyce

Valencia’s bridges and old walls add atmosphere and character to each stretch of the Turia gardens. Walls embrace the path as Flower Bridge comes into view, a popular pedestrian walkway replanted annually with masses of colorful seasonal blooms.

Bofill’s Modernist aesthetic characterizes the Turia area linking the 16th century Bridge of the Sea – where a spacious circular pool evokes the river – to the Bridge of the Guardian Angel.

Bofill laid out this parcel in a symmetrical, rectilinear arrangement, softening all the straight lines with a lush green oasis incorporating groves of orange trees. A progression of fountains, set into the ground and enlivened by red tinted walls, produces a refreshing play of water as you move on. The fountains serve as a gateway, announcing the Palace of Music, where concrete colonnades articulate the palace’s formal courtyards. Olive trees, emerald lawns, and elaborately patterned carpet bedding emerge, along with a vast reflecting pool that springs to life with water jets synchronized to music coming from the concert hall.

Bofill Design Turia Gardens Colonnade © Alice Joyce

The mirror image of Bofill’s design is restated in the path beyond, its soothing geometry leading to a 21st century marvel – the City of Arts and Sciences – soon to follow on  Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz.

The scope of the Turia is increasing, with the addition of the 35-hectare Cabecera Park at the western boundary. This parkland features a reconfigured terrain, giving rise to naturalistic hills and a lake, winding paths and a series of overlooks. The contrast between old and new is particularly striking as one strolls the varied enclaves of the Turia Gardens, perhaps most apparent in the distinctive bridges.

Valencia Bridge of the Sea: Photo © Alice Joyce

Exposition Bridge – designed by Valencia’s own, now world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava is an iconic symbol of the city in the 21st century. The sight of the bridge signals the amazing architecture of the City of Arts & Sciences, emerging as the Turia lures you forward. Exposition Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava Photo: Turismo Valencia

3 comments - (Comments are closed)   Landscape Architecture, Spain   , ,  
Botanical Gardens

Botanic Garden, Valencia, Spain

Valencia, Spain .. a city  of tantalizing contrasts! Stroll the vibrant town center amid ancient Roman ruins, and you may find yourself surprised by elements of 21st century garden artistry.  There’s a newfound panache to this city which extends to its port, an elegantly rejuvenated area where the America’s Cup competition has been held. The seafront commands attention with an array of chic restaurants, glittery hotels, and broad promenades giving rise to atmospheric displays of palm trees and lavish flower beds.

Valencia Botanical Garden Umbracle Photo © Alice Joyce

In the days ahead I’ll share my impressions of  this coastal destination – Spain’s third largest city, where I was drawn, in large part because of Santiago Calatrava. Architect and native son, Calatrava has created buildings and bridges that garner praise and spark controversy worldwide. And he has been instrumental in putting Valencia on-the-map with his recently completed buildings that make up the City of Arts and Sciences. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of this must-see complex, and Valencia’s TURIA GARDENS. Just as architect Frank Gehry brought Bilbao, Spain to life when his design for the Guggenheim Museum began attracting pilgrims among the cognoscenti of art and architecture, Calatrava has put his mark on Valencia!

A bit off the beaten path, outside the ancient city center on Calle de Quart is the Jardí Botànic– the University of Valencia’s Botanic Garden. The garden’s motto – Science – Culture – Nature – sums up the setting and the visitor experience. Dating back to 1567 for the study of medicinal plants, the current garden and research buildings emerge on the site of a 17th century orchard. Established in this location in 1802, the garden offers an architectural standout in the iron and brickwork umbracle (shade house). Plant collections, too, are exceptional: palms, Mediterranean and regional species; succulents and tropical specimens are highlights displayed in an open-air layout and greenhouses. 

Valencia Botanical Garden  © Alice Joyce

Comments are closed   Botanical Gardens, Historic Gardens, Spain   , ,  
Botanical Gardens

Native Plants at The San Francisco Botanical Garden

Plan a Visit: San Francisco Botanical Garden

SFBG: Entry Border Photo © Alice Joyce

Although there are always planting displays to savor at the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, Springtime is especially alluring when California’s wildflowers put on a breathtaking show in the Native Plant Garden section. It will be interesting to see to what extent the dry winter thus far impacts this year’s wildflower exhibition.

Point of fact: California has more native plants than all the other states combined. We can all enjoy their beauty, while gardeners look to native species for their drought-tolerant character; a benefit to pollinators and beneficial insects. Visit the web site for information on guided tours of the garden. Tours leave from the Friend Gate at the north entrance.   San Francisco Botanical Garden

SFBG Water Element Photo © Alice Joyce

The Garden’s Collections include countless rare and wonderful displays year-round, like the lavish blooms of Deppea Splendens, a cloud forest plant.

Deppea Splendens Photo: SFBG

In the Entry Borders alone, you’ll see succulents paired and  blue bamboo among vast arrays of foliage forms, textures and hues. New plant introductions are melded with flora from around the world, basking in the temperate San Francisco climate.

Elegia capensis / Photo © Alice Joyce

Himalayan Blue Bamboo / Himalayacalamus hookerianus Photo © Alice Joyce

Botanical Gardens & more .. Books on Amazon

Photo © Alice Joyce

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