The
Judea Deseret, giant cliffs, underground channels which burry deep in the
ground, the ocean blue which touches the dark brown desert sand and colors its
lip with white crystal salt, primal scenery and in the heart of it all- a green
patch which is, Ein Gedi. The desert oasis's beauty bursts wild green over this
small patch of heaven, where one of the world's prettiest botanical gardens is.
What
makes Ein Gedi unique? What enables this wide range of different kinds of
plants from around the world?
The
summer's heat and relatively calm winter alongside the areas unique climate
quality enables the growth of plants, unique to this area.
The
minerals which are in the air allow especially rapid growth in a worldwide
botanical scale.
This
fact helps to imagine how in such a short time (the kibbutz was established in
1956) these plants have reached massive proportions, and give visitors to this
small sweet spot's visitor- feel as if he is in the midst of the jungle.
The
garden holds 1000 kinds of different plants from around the world, along
hundred of rare miniature cacti.
Along
the tour, different types of palms, such as shade palms and sun palms, which
rise up alongside miniature palm which are scattered around. Can
be seen
Typical
trees such as olive and fig trees are also to be found here, growing alongside
Madagascar, Australian and North American vegetation.
Spice
plants are entwined along the garden, alongside myrrh and frankincense.
On
the northern side of the garden, is the observation point, out of the
"Arugot" club overlooking the entire oasis.
The
impressive Moab Mountains ahead, Ein Gedi fountains on the distance to the north,
and to the foothills of Tel goren- Arugot rivers estuary (which in the winter
becomes an impressive attraction). To our feet is the ancient synagogue of the
ancient Ein Gedi village, which is located to the north of the Arugot estuary.
Ein
Gedi is a magical oasis, with its own time, colors, fragrance, animals, people,
blooms and desert surroundings.
The
botanical garden tour includes:
- Entrance to the gardens lobby, where soft beverages are
available.
- An audiovisual presentation about the gardens uniqueness.
- A tour
through the amazing garden.
- Entrance to the "animal experience"- a
beautiful small animal corner.