St. Philip’s (San Filippu) Garden or the General’s Garden was set up along St. Philip Bastion by Grandmaster Lascaris. The garden is split on two levels and is accessed through a ditch and via a door operated by a chain mechanism, also known as a Sally Port. The lower level features a citrus orchard and contains different varieties of citrus fruits. The top level is characterized by numerous mature trees belonging to different plant species from around the world and at its centre is an impressive central three-tiered fountain, known as Wignacourt Fountain, which was built in 1615 and was originally located in St George’s Square in Valletta. The top level of the fountain was recently refurbished, and this part of the garden is currently being planted with drought tolerant plants originating from different biogeographical regions of the world. The aim is to convert this level of the garden into a dry garden. Visitors shall thus be able to learn about plants that are adapted to dry environments, such as savannas and deserts, and learn about the strategies that these plants utilize to survive in such extreme conditions. Plants shall include trees, numerous cacti and succulents, shrubs, perennials and bulbs.
