A botanical garden is a living collection of plants cultivated for education, conservation, and outreach. In our case, it also carries a cultural heritage mission, such as the cultivation of Rubia (or madder)—a plant with a long tradition in Segovia, both in its use and in its trade. The rubiales (madder fields) of Castilla were once renowned for their quality and abundance.
Our botanical garden is part of the monastic landscape, featuring scattered trees, areas of shrubs, and herbaceous plants, together forming a uniquely beautiful setting.
We have created two walking paths through the garden. One is shorter and more compact, where most of the herbaceous and shrubby plants are arranged in beds; the other is longer and allows for the observation of a greater variety of tree species. Accompanying these walks are small publications with maps, historical notes, and anecdotes about some of the garden’s most notable plants.
To complement the cultivated dye species, we are also developing a seed bank, including seeds from both our garden and other regions. Additionally, we are creating a herbarium to preserve examples of dye plants that cannot be cultivated here due to climate limitations.
Botanical gardens have existed throughout history and across cultures. In our case, the garden is a source of attraction for eco-travellers, who seek spaces that convey calm, serenity, and a wabi-sabi aesthetic, where the beauty of nature and the handmade are celebrated.
A botanical garden always brings added cultural value to the place it inhabits.
Text: María Olmos MochalesPhotos: Pablo Gómez-Ogando