Off on hols... but where is it?

[OllieC]

Who knows where these were taken? We went last year & are going again this week... a surprisingly great place to visit! So, I won't be about much for the next couple of weeks.

A cactus


Another cactus


A cactus garden


Not Forgetting the vineyard:



Go on, have a guess...

[OllieC]

[sarah]

canaries?

[caroline7758]

Yes, I wasgoing to say Lanzarote.

[asbean]

Definitely volcanic. I'd guess Canaries (not sure which one) or possibly, but less likely, Cabo Verde.

[Busby]

I'd say it if I were you caroline 7758.

[OllieC]

Oh alright, you win, it is indeed! Last year, owning a 1-year old child, not having too much money and seeking sun with the shortest journey time, we opted for Lanzarote. I was dreading club 18-30 in the streets outside, burberry and beerguts, "oy mate CAN YOU DO ME A BURGER" in the restaurants...

But we found beautiful cactus gardens, cochineal farms, salt farms, astonishing scenery, innovative gardening methods, and were so impressed that we're going back. And I can't wait!

Anyone else discovered this side of this beautiful place?

[cambourne7]

yes lanzarote has some very beautiful areas and so does ibiza away from certain areas where the louder eliments tend to go.

I would recomend wine tours as a way of seing the sights :) but cars are quite cheap to hire.

[caroline7758]

We were in exactly the same situation a couple of years ago at Easter, but with teenage children, and were also very pleasantly surprised. Did you go to the volcanoes? And the Manrique centre? If not, put them on the list for this time!

[ACE]

Being a big fan of Cesar Manrique, I had to go and see his works and influences on Lanzarote. Fantastic place, I was talking to Sarah  Eberles who had the best in show for this years Chelsea garden show. Her influences for the Mars garden came from the landscape of Lanzarote. Interesting is their use of the natural volcanic chip 'mulch'  called picon.
The picon absorbs moisture from the air, releases it into the ground and prevents evaporation. This enables a method of dry cultivation known as ‘enarenado’ which is completely unique to Lanzarote.

You can see it in Ollie's photos around the cacti.

I am still trying to work out how to 'Manrique' a part of my garden, I particularly like the idea of building a rock garden inside and outside of my conservatory so it looks like it is coming straight through the glass.

[OllieC]

I'm pretty sure that Manrique designed the cactus garden where the first 3 picture were taken, but I think he died before it was finished. Went to the Manrique place up on the North with the view over to Isla de la Graciosa. I love the way he mixes man made stuff with the natural surroundings - without spoiling the natural look.

Did you mention Mars, Ace? Here's wife with 1 year old Martian explorer... looking to the southwest, I think, because you can see the lichens on the distant rocks.

[ACE]

It's not hot, honest! Go on pick it up.   You wicked parents.