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Desert City is a plant nursery and botanical garden specialized in the cultivation and sale of xerophytic plants from the five continents, with over 600 species on display. It exhibit and disseminate cacti and also succulents and native plants of the Mediterranean region. It is Europe’s largest cactus garden. Desert City has remarkable plant greenhouse and garden, which architectural design won numerous awards.

History
Desert City is a brain child of Jacobo García-Germán, an Madrileño architect, and Mercedes García, a former pharmaceuticals executive. Together with dedicated team they created a biotechnological nursery specialized in xeriscaping. It is well equipped to conduct research, cultivation, exhibit  and promulgate knowledge about cacti and other xerophytic plants. Tourists can enjoy a large botanical garden of about 6000 m², with more than 600 species, including plants native to the Community of Madrid.

The garden
The garden combines the aesthetic elements of the natural landscapes of the arid and semi-arid areas of the planet such as cacti with native plants of a Mediterranean climate, like lavender, rosemary and others. It vast collection includes tiny Blossfeldia liliputana, which stands just 12-16 mm, and giant Saguaro, which stands nearly 50 feet in height. It is literally cacti museum. The garden is divided into 5 main thematic areas:
 * Arizona, is the center of attention of the public eye. Highlights of this garden are cacti of various shapes, colors and textures assembled in a harmonious set. Three hills dominate this space, culminating at its apex with columnar-type cacti of different species and origins.
 * Oasis, a recreational environment that welcomes the desert walker in search of refuge. The palm forest, the birds nesting in their canopies and the water sliding down the stones offer delight and relaxation. All exhibition elements have been designed to create atmosphere of seclusion.
 * Taverns, a minimalist space that breaks with the organic aesthetics of the rest of the garden. The orthogonal line of water limits the garden space and creates a transitional link between the two design concepts. Cleistocactus, Echinopsis, Cephalocereus and other small xerophytes contrast with the black ground cover. The reflections of the plants in the polished sheets of cover provide fugitive effects of light at dawn. The mysticism of the golden ratio designed to intrigue the tourists on the walkway and adds symbolism to this welcoming space.
 * Tuscany, is a reinterpretation of the Italian stately garden. In it species, associated with Italy, such as olive, pomegranate, myrtle, tamarix or lavender are mixed with others of Mexican origin such as yuccas, dasylirions, opuntias, agaves as well as many other species of varied origins. This space is characterized by the abundance and diversity of blooms, strong aromas and a singular beauty that produces the interbreeding of xerophytic species from different environments. Pale gravel, used as a cover, is complemented by the dark greens of the Mediterranean.
 * Guajira, located under the walkway that crosses the garden, has a diversity of cacti, xerophytic Mediterranean species and plants popular in classic gardening.

Location
Desert City is located on the A1 highway, km 25, service road towards Madrid. In San Sebastián de los Reyes, Community of Madrid Spain.

Its opening hours during the winter months are Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. During the summer months it is from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The botanical garden, freely accessible, has an indicated and accessible route designed to accommodate the visit of individuals and guided visits of schools, town halls or institutions. Free guided tours are held in the garden on weekends and holidays (11:00 am, 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm). Tour reservations are available via email.

Literature

 * Georg Kreis, Beat von Wartburg (ed.):  Basel. History of an Urban Society.  Merian Verlag, Basel 2000, ISBN 3-85616-127-9, pp. 105-107.

Category: Contract (Switzerland) Category: Contract (16th century) Category: Counter-Reformation Category: History (Basel) Category: Christianity in Basel Category: History (Canton Basel-Landschaft) Category: History (Canton of Basel-City) Category: History (Canton of Aargau) Category: Baden AG Category: 1585

Lahli, Lahla, Laila is peak in Georgia, in Mestia Municipality. Located in Svaneti Range, Enguri], Lentekhi Municipality Is the highest point of Svaneti Range. Laila (4008 m) is a mountain with three peaks located near Mestia in Svaneti. In Svan language the word “laila” means “flame” probably because of the frequent storms occurring in the vicinity of its apex. The easiest way to the peak is 2A in the Russian valuation system. On the first day we reach the height of about 2200 meters above sea level where we camp under the pass Chishdi (3228 m asl).

Height 4008 m It is built with superpaleozoic-triangular quartzite, metamorphic slabs and sandstones. Snow-ice is covered. Glacier type glaciers on the northern slopes of the summit are glaciers.

Enguri River The Lahail skirts run out of the glacial flows of the lahiil glacier. The first peak was captured by John Cockin in 1887.