en

Embark on a sensory journey through the Garden

Blooming of the Cameilias: A month-long spectacle of nature at Parque Terra Nostra

Blooming of the Cameilias: A month-long spectacle of nature at Parque Terra Nostra

The magic of camellias is revealed at Parque Terra Nostra, home of over 800 trees, with trails, guided tours, and workshops to learn all about this secular tree. 

 

With over 800 camellias, Parque Terra Nostra in São Miguel, the Azores, unveils a unique spectacle of nature that announces spring's arrival in the islands when the flowers bloom.

From February 26 to March 26, more than 800 camellias adorn Parque Terra Nostra in Furnas, São Miguel, Azores, painting a picturesque scene that heralds the arrival of spring. The Garden hosts the Camellia Blooming event to celebrate this enchanting spectacle, featuring workshops, guided tours, and exciting digital challenges.

The guided tours by Terra Nostra Garden's team take place every Saturday between 3 and 4 p.m. Costing € 15, they require prior registration at the hotel reception, by email or telephone, and have limited spots.

On March 20, a 4-hour workshop will be taught by agricultural engineer Carina Costa. The theoretical portion will occur at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, whereas the practical visit will take you to the Garden. Topics related to the camellia's history will be covered, such as the different uses of the plant, its cultivation in gardens, some of the most common phytosanitary problems, and the most used forms of propagation. The workshop is an investment of € 40 per person.


Digitally, the beauty of camellias is shown to the world through an Instagram challenge where people are invited to take their best photo, share it on their Instagram page, identify, and follow the account @bensaudehotelcollection. 
The best photos can qualify to win two admissions to Terra Nostra Garden and two signature cocktails at The Gardener Bar. The final award is a free stay with breakfast at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. Rules can be consulted on the Bensaude Hotels Collection Instagram page.

The Camellia Collection of Terra Nostra Garden is known for its beauty and exclusivity. Some of the varieties of existing camellias are over 100 years old and were brought to the Garden by the Marquis of Praia and Monforte around 1872. In the 1990s, head gardener Fernando Costa focused on this collection since it is a plant that adapts very well to the Azorean climate and Terra Nostra Garden. He started introducing species from various parts of the world, namely North America, the Netherlands, Spain, and mainland Portugal. and even the Azores.




About Terra Nostra Garden

Terra Nostra Garden (Largo Marquis da Praia e Monforte, Furnas, São Miguel. Tel. 351 296549090) dates back to 1775, when Thomas Hickling, a wealthy American merchant, fell in love with Furnas and decided to create the perfect relaxation retreat.

Alongside its remarkable camellia collection and unique plant species, the expansive grounds of Terra Nostra Garden Hotel are globally renowned for their immense thermal pool. Fed by volcanic springs, maintaining a steady temperature of 40°C/104°F and enriched with skin-nourishing minerals like iron, this pool offers unparalleled relaxation. Amidst this haven, you'll encounter romantic architectural gems, such as the enchanting Ginkgo Biloba Avenue, inviting you to immerse yourself in sheer enchantment.


Admission to the Garden is free for Terra Nostra Garden Hotel guests, who can also experience the unforgettable thermal bath until 10 p.m. For non-guests, admission costs € 5 for children from 3 to 10 years old; € 15 for adults. 

Bensaude Hotels Collection - Azorean Hospitality - consisting of five hotels on S. Miguel Island (Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Hotel Marina Atlântico, S. Miguel Park Hotel, and NEAT Hotel Avenida), one on Terceira Island (Terceira Mar Hotel), one on Faial Island (Hotel do Canal), and one in Lisbon (Hotel Açores Lisboa) was one of five PNT - National Tourism Award finalists in the Sustainable Tourism category.

The PNT is promoted by Expresso and BPI - and has the sponsorship of the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition, the institutional support of Tourism of Portugal, and the technical support of Deloitte as a knowledge partner - it distinguishes the best companies, practices, and tourism projects in Portugal.

Source: Expresso