{"id":3578,"date":"2024-12-06T05:35:23","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T05:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thisisdimashq.com\/?p=3578"},"modified":"2024-12-05T10:56:42","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T10:56:42","slug":"the-eco-garden-a-green-oasis-in-the-heart-of-damascus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thisisdimashq.com\/en\/3578\/the-eco-garden-a-green-oasis-in-the-heart-of-damascus\/","title":{"rendered":"The Eco Garden: A Green Oasis in the Heart of Damascus"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tucked away on the western side of the Damascus Citadel lies a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle\u2014the Eco Garden. This isn\u2019t just another park; it\u2019s a vibrant space full of flowers, greenery, and calm vibes that invite you to take a breather from everyday chaos.<\/p>

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How the Eco Garden Came to Life<\/strong><\/h3>
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The story behind the Eco Garden is inspiring. A group of passionate women saw potential in what was once a neglected, trash-filled lot. Wanting to bring life back to this space\u2014especially with its location near iconic landmarks like the Umayyad Mosque and Barada River\u2014they decided to turn it into something extraordinary. With support from the Syrian Environment Association, the project bloomed into Syria\u2019s first eco-park.<\/p>

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Journey to Designing the Garden<\/strong><\/h3>
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When the project began, the first challenge was identifying the right plants for the region. Due to the lack of resources, they relied on self-driven research and meticulous efforts to determine which plant species and trees to cultivate. Finally, the garden was officially opened in 2005.<\/p>

To ensure its sustainability, a traditional Damascene-style caf\u00e9 was opened within the garden, making it the first place in Syria to prohibit smoking. The income generated from the caf\u00e9 helps cover the garden’s needs for seeds, fertilizers, and gardening tools, ensuring its continued growth and upkeep.<\/p>

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A Nature Lover\u2019s Dream<\/strong><\/h3>
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The Eco Garden in Damascus spans about 2,500 square meters and is divided into around 30 small islands, each enclosed by a fence. Each island features plants with shared characteristics, such as: the Shade Plants Island, the Rock Plants Island, the Old Decorative Plants Island, the Forest Island, the Water Island, and the Jasmine Island, whose fragrance fills the entire garden.<\/p>

The garden is home to approximately 300 plant species, representing about 10% of Syria\u2019s native plants. It brings together the most significant plants from the Damascus region, including those found in traditional Syrian homes, the Ghouta of Damascus, and even the plants from the Barada Valley.<\/p>

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Services of the Eco Garden and Its Resilience During the Crisis<\/strong><\/h3>
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During the challenging years of the crisis, significant efforts were made to keep the Eco Garden thriving. One of the key initiatives was building a greenhouse to create a controlled environment for preserving seeds and replanting them season after season.<\/p>

The garden remains open to visitors of all ages, free of charge. It\u2019s a favorite spot for young students to explore and learn about different plant species. It is also a resource hub for university students conducting research or studying the diverse samples of plants on display.<\/p>

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More Than Just a Park<\/strong><\/h3>
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