by Our botanical garden, herb gardens and all the surrounding grounds of the Convento are maintained Bio-Dynamically; of course without pesticides or artificial fertilizes but we also look at cosmic constellations and moon phases while working with the plants.
The Convento’s grounds are full of herbs, rare plants and unusual trees. We grow exotic plants and trees harmonically next to native varieties. We pay great attention to our soil fertility and health, no foreign elements have ever been brought in to avoid disruption of the natural balance of our land.
Together with the abundance of sun and no air pollution this ensures that our plants have high levels of aromatic and medicinal properties. We have been producing herbal teas for more than 35 years and we have a workshop for producing essential oils and natural cosmetics. We try to share meals on a regular basis with with food from the vegetable gardens.
Many centuries ago four hectares of the garden were terraced. Ancient walls surround this area and parallel to the southern boundary, runs a Roman road that linked Mértola to the Algarve.
Old gnarled vines grow on most of the terraces, while trees and bushes overshadow footpaths that lead our guests to lawns, contemporary sculptures and stone seats with perfect vantage points to view both rivers.
Rare plants, including species of wild orchids, flourish in the protection of the grounds and in spring there is a huge variety of wild flowers. During summer, when it can be exceptionally hot and dry, water can be flown in channels around the cultivated areas, providing a real oasis. The system emulates an ancient Moorish method of irrigation but the driving force that raises water from a well is a Mechanical Donkey, rather than a living animal.
