The Botanic Gardens in Funchal, Madeira, are, and this is not a surprise, steeply terraced gardens with a mix of native and international flora, displayed in tropical, desert, formal, forest, succulent, medicinal and herbal…. different zones with winding paths leading up and down the hillside.
There is a sad and unnecessary aviary here too with bare concrete cages and depressed looking birds on show. Not pleasant.
Some of the displays are superb – the cycads for example, the ‘English’ topiary garden, the desert plants (particularly for an enthusiast) and the bedding parterre – but there is a municipal and like the birds on show, desultory air to much of the planting. Glad I went, but would not go again (though I would revisit both the Palheiro Gardens and the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens without hesitation). Wonderful views over Funchal though.
LINKS
http://www.telefericojardimbotanico.com/en/botanical-garden.html
http://www.alternativeeden.com/2011/03/madeira-series-funchal-botanic-gardens.html
An island of flowers – Part 4: Madeira Botanical garden
The Teddington Gardener 