This used to be a municipal rubbish dump - ‘El Palmetum’ in Santa Cruz Tenerife

From dump to botanical garden - An example of sustainability.

Palmetum Santa Cruz Tenerife

Furthermore, the ground is mulched with shredded vegetable debris, coming from the residues of the pruning taken place in the city, converted into a natural mulch that dampens the ground temperature, provides nutrients, and saves water.
The botanical garden was open for the public in 2014, however, its development lasted over 20 years. It uses an artificial mountain that started as a dump site, accumulating trash on the 70’s. Since 1996 work has been done to transform a space that was completely degraded into a paradise for nature.
A garbage mountain of 40 meters high is left behind. In the following years a public debate is created to decide what to do with the space. In the early 90’s the idea from the agricultural engineer, Manuel Caballero, is taken into consideration, who proposed a project of a botanical garden for the closed dump site.
Ideas turned into a Project and Palmetum appears in the media. In 1996 construction work begins with an investment of around 4million euros mainly from European funds. Debris is covered with fertile soil; roads are open, and an extensive gas extraction system is installed.
Meanwhile the creation of Palmetum collection begun. In the spring of 1996 biologist Carlo Morici becomes in charge of botanical matters. Major part of the species are germinated in greenhouse from imported sees from around the world, frequently proceeding from botanical institutions.
Work on the hill was now in full stride: the Octagon, the palm museum, streams, waterfalls, and other structures were being built.
The first phase of the works was completed, and the project was put on hold, the park was closed, and the gardens received minimal maintenance.
Minor advances were made in 2000 and 2002. The Pacific Island sections were created, and species added that now take pride of place in the park.
Less than half of the hill had yet been planted and vast empty spaces remained. In 2007, the project was reactivated with funding from the Government of the Canary Islands and the Town Council.
Also, in 2007 the Palmetum went "green” using organic mulch instead of herbicides and pesticides. In addition, reclaimed water from municipal sewage began to be used for irrigation.
In the spring 2010 building work began that after two years allowed the park to be open for visitors. Finishing touches overall were built transforming the place completely making ‘El Planetum’ a presentable park leaving behind the look of an experimental field.
Autumn 2013 a first step to the public inauguration is given by the organization of guided visits. ‘El Planetum’ appears in local media and stops being a closed and hidden project.
https://palmetumtenerife.es/historia/
https://palmetumtenerife.es/sostenibilidad/