Visits to Areeiro: a guided tour among camellias, tea plantations, orchards and forestry crops, and a final tasting
The Estación Fitopatolóxica Areeiro, a research and experimental centre on forestry, agricultural and ornamental crops belonging to the Provincial Council of Pontevedra and located in Pontevedra, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of camellias and tea plantations in As Rías Baixas. The provincial institution runs a programme of free guided tours whose aim is to introduce participants to the history of camellias, the tea plantations of As Rías Baixas, and different agricultural and forestry crops. It is guided by experienced staff of this centre expert in plant health and is open to the general public, schools, associations and other groups. The visit lasts two hours and ends with a tasting of seasonal products grown in Areeiro.
Participants will visit the orchards and gardens boasting beautiful and unique botanical collections, as well as plant nurseries. This centre carries out important research work on controlling pests and preserving the plant heritage of the province. The tours take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except public holidays). and two Saturdays a month. Those interested in taking part in the tours can sign up on the Areeiro website. Each group will consist of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 people. Here is the programme of the tour:
1. Estación Fitopatolóxica Areeiro. About us: a little bit of history.
2. Origins: what is plant pathology, its importance and impact on food crops.
3. The camellia, the flower of Galicia: garden of Pedro Mansilla.
4. Camellia Higo: for the emperor's eyes only. Franco Ghirardi's garden.
5. Insectarium and forestry plant nursery: controlling pests.
6. Kiwi plantation: the technology behind the fruit.
7. Tea plantation, producing the most consumed beverage in the world.
8. The camellia, more than an ornamental plant.
9. The feijoa: an exotic fruit whose name is strongly linked to Galicia.
10. The importance of autumn fruits, nuts.
11. Tree ferns, memories from the past.
