Introducing the Gardens
The gardens of Argotti, San Filippu, the Mall, Sa Maison and tal-Milorda, all located in Floriana, are historic gardens that were set up between the 1600 – 1800s. These gardens are of great historic wealth and botanic interest, due to the diverse plant species that were planted in the gardens over time, the presence of ancient trees and the presence of historic and architectural treasures, including numerous fountains. The gardens are also of military interest since they are located along military bastions that form the Floriana lines or else glacis.
Together with the Pinetum, these gardens from an important green space, each with its own set of environmental conditions. The creation of a Botanic Garden network shall involve the interconnection of these gardens to form different areas where visitors can appreciate the diversity of plant life and the different habitats they represent. Each garden shall thus contain different plant species from different areas of the world, thus creating a diverse botanic collection.
Initially a private garden for Grandmaster Pinto, Argotti Garden transformed into a botanic garden in 1805. It houses a variety of tree species from different countries, including Draceana draco from the Canary Islands and Argania spinosa from Morocco and Algeria. Currently, the garden is being expanded with plants from various regions, arranged by plant family to demonstrate plant evolution. Visitors can explore plant diversity, learn about evolution, and enjoy the garden’s serene atmosphere and beautiful fountains with aquatic plants. Read More
Originally created for the Knights of St. John, the Mall or Maglio Garden became a botanic garden in 1805. Now a public garden, it showcases monuments, fountains, and mature trees of interesting species like Tipuana tipu from South America and Kigelia africana from tropical Africa. Currently, it’s being transformed into a pollinator garden, featuring attractive flowering plants to educate visitors about the importance of pollinators and the beauty of flowers. Read More
St. Philip’s Garden, established by Grandmaster Lascaris, lies along St. Philip Bastion. Divided into two levels, it features a citrus orchard below and mature trees from around the world above, with the notable Wignacourt Fountain at its center. The top level is being transformed into a dry garden, showcasing drought-tolerant plants like cacti and succulents, allowing visitors to learn about their survival strategies in harsh conditions. Read More
Sa Maison and Tal-Milorda gardens are connected, with Sa Maison named after its bastion and Tal-Milorda named after Lady Julia Lockwood.
The gardens offer views of Marsamxett Harbour and the yacht marina.
They will be transformed into a shade garden and coastal garden, respectively, with restoration efforts underway to revive pathways, bastion walls, fountains, and wells. Visitors will learn about plants suited to shade and coastal environments. Read More
The Pinetum is a large green space planted on top of what was military glacis and is currently planted with pines. This area shall be conserved as is. However, other tree species shall be planted to create a more diverse woodland garden. Recreational spaces will allow visitors to get respite and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, while appreciated a woodland feel. Read More
