The botanical heritage of Quinta Jardins do Lago
Perched on a serene plateau overlooking the city of Funchal, Quinta Jardins do Lago is a botanical retreat that captures the essence of Madeira’s horticultural legacy. This historic estate spans over 6 acres, featuring a diverse array of plants that reflect the island’s role as a crossroads of exploration and cultivation. Its gardens, cultivated over centuries, are a living testament to the beauty and diversity of Madeira’s landscape.
A History Rooted in Nature
The gardens trace their origins to the 18th century when the estate became a haven for Madeira’s elite. By the 19th century, Quinta Jardins do Lago was at the forefront of a flourishing culture of botanical competition among vineyard owners, each vying to create the most impressive private gardens. Over time, the estate became renowned for its collection of native and exotic species, mirroring Madeira’s status as a hub for botanical acclimatization and exploration.
The Quinta’s gardens were not only a display of wealth but also a reflection of the island’s biodiversity. Here, plants from the subtropical regions of Asia, the Americas, and Africa found a home, thriving alongside Madeira’s indigenous flora.
A stroll through the grounds reveals a carefully curated world of natural wonder:
- The Arboretum: Ancient giants such as Dracaena draco (dragon tree), Araucaria bidwillii, and Cinnamomum camphora line the arboretum’s paths. Alongside these monumental trees, over 30 species of ferns and flowering shrubs like Camellia japonica create a tapestry of textures and colors.
- Terraced Lawns and Scenic Views: The south-facing lawns, framed by Jacarandas, Spathodea campanulata, and graceful palms, open to breathtaking views of the Funchal bay and its shimmering coastline.
- Vibrant Climbers and Delicate Orchids: The manor house is adorned with flowering climbers, including the cascading blooms of Thunbergia mysorensis and Pyrostegia venusta, ensuring year-round color. Nearby, orchids such as Brassia, Phalaenopsis, and Phragmipedium thrive in borders designed to highlight their natural beauty.
- Edible and Medicinal Plants: The Quinta’s kitchen garden holds treasures like papaya, jackfruit, and loquat trees, alongside rare specimens such as tamarind and guava. These plants, once introduced to Madeira during centuries of exploration, reflect the estate’s historic ties to global trade.