The Garden of Theophrastus

THE GARDEN OF THEOPHRASTUS

Greece has an enormous variety of indigenous plant life and the father of botany Theophrastus was born in Eressos Lesvos were I live, what a fantastic place to start this environmental project. The common practice at present of the garden in Greece is container gardening, done mostly in private households yards that are covered in eco unfriendly concrete. The Garden of Theophrastus would actively involve the local and visitors to appreciate and develop much interest through visits, educational programmes, leaflets distribution,young people and school projects and encourage development of individuals garden and gardening skills thereby increasing care of the environment and awareness of the ecosystem through personal and group achievement. TGT will encourage people understanding and be aware of the importance of plants wildlife, organic practice, the environment and ecosystem design, and environmental aesthetics. TGT would use organic gardening techniques wherever possible thereby offering a safe heaven for many species and assist pollination .. The region has an abundance of wildlife. Some species are only found locally and nowhere else in the world. Many tourist come to appreciate the unspoilt beauty, flora, fauna and wildlife of Greece as so much has been destroyed in their own countries.

Persian Red Squirrel only found in Lesvos.

TGT will be open to the visiting public. A programme will be offered of inspirational educational talks given by leaders in their respective fields, gardening history ecology botanic ect. and a seed bank hopefully in the future will be established with exchange of seeds between members.

This project also will offer part time employment through the year to local gardening team, botanist and cleaning seasonal operatives.

I need financial help to make this dream come true i. Money will go to buy a well pump for a watering system, build a new fence, publicity leaflets and legal fees to set up the TGT charity. Annual maintenance for trees and of a little stone building to use for workshops. The area is very rural and jobs are hard to find so is an opportunity for little job creation for local people.

Hope this dream will come true thanks to the people generosity.

Alessandra Pagani

Alessandra Pagani is been a keen organic gardener for over 30 years.

Originally from Italy I am well versed in Mediterranean Gardening, I lived in England for 10 years were I run a gardening and landscape business. I was an active member of the UK based NATIONAL TRUST and also now of the Mediterranean Garden society. In 2000 I moved to Greece were i developed an organic garden much visited by enthusiast tourist and locals. Wanting to take this project of organic garden further I am now seeking founding to bring to public attention the need to a safe environment and the pleasure nature it bring in this strange times for all of us, along with the possibility of the creations of part time little jobs for local people in this rural area of Greece.