There's more nature than you imagined on the island of Malta. In fact, these gardens are full-blown projects, each of them a true labour of love.

Bahrija Oasis, Bahrija

Bahrija Oasis was born in 2003 out of Peppi Gauci’s passion for permaculture. A wind-swept ridge in Bahrija was turned into a natural oasis thanks to permaculture design systems, which emulate local nature’s own growth patterns. The harsh conditions of salty winds, dry long summers and very little soil and water simply provided the perfect challenge.

See for yourself how a permaculture-inspired vision, good design and lots of stamina, sweat and determination could produce long term ecological results. Today, the project displays a healthy ecosystem. It demonstrates clever rain water harvesting and redirection into swales for slow absorption and reduction of soil erosion. Strategically planted shrubs and trees create micro-climate conditions that mimic natural patterns and attract natural wildlife. Past educational endeavours have taught and inspired many others to undertake similar projects on the island and today the 3.5 acre farm focuses on production. Day visits, team building days, retreats and courses are possible by appointment.

Juno Heights Garden, Marsaxlokk

Permaculture in Malta is now more widespread thanks to greater education on sustainable practices, and Juno Heights Garden is another wonderful example of it. Located on a historic site, this permaculture garden has been in place since 2015 and coordinates open days, school visits and outings, amongst many other things!

Several courses in environmental sustainability and social and economic sustainability are on offer regularly. Learn how to develop an ecosystem at home, how to build a vermiculture, how community gardening works or what the gift economy provides, for example. Juno Heights Garden in Marsaxlokk is also a very special historic site. The megalithic temple at Tas-Silg was a goddess temple, which was later used as a sanctuary of Astarte (the goddess of fertility, beauty and love) by the Phoenicians, until the Romans dedicated the temple to the goddess Juno. It was later taken over by the Christians and finally became the site of an Arab mosque. Due to its continuous use for religious worship by several cultures, the site is considered very energetically ‘powerful’.

Villa Frere, Pieta

Discover a secret garden tucked away amid an urban sprawl. A grotto, fountain, belvedere and Doric-style ‘temple’ with views spanning Mdina to Valletta are just a few of the garden’s original features. Villa Frère and its beautiful gardens are maintained by the Friends of Villa Frère NGO.

The historic villa and its gardens were saved from complete abandonment by heritage architect Edward Said, who set up the NGO in 2013 after becoming deeply captivated by their beauty when he discovered them during his architectural studies. Just over a third survives of the original 12-acre estate, but its mystique lives on, thanks to the dedication of the volunteers and sponsors. Little did British diplomat, poet, scholar and philanthropist John Hookham Frère imagine in 1831 that his garden would continue to be a labour of love for so many volunteers, almost two centuries after he created it. The garden includes a selection of exotic plants, earning it the title of a botanic garden, while its structures are being lovingly restored. You can visit the gardens on the first Saturday of the month.

Have you discovered these hidden treasures yet?