How one man’s secret garden in Dénia transformed into a 30-year nature mission

A remarkable Mediterranean garden near Dénia is marking three decades of conservation work, having grown from one man’s ambitious project into a nature charity protecting land across Spain.

Tucked away in La Sella, between Dénia and Pedreguer, the l’Albarda Garden covers around five hectares and is home to more than 700 species of native plants. Created in 1990 by Enrique Montoliu, the garden has become a showcase for Mediterranean landscaping and sustainable gardening.

From garden project to conservation mission

Montoliu, a former chemical engineer with no professional background in horticulture, originally bought the land and began creating a garden around his new home.

What started as a personal project eventually changed his outlook on nature. In 1996, he established the Fundem foundation, with the aim of acquiring and protecting land for native flora and wildlife.

Fundem now owns more than 20 properties in different parts of Spain, including areas of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón. Its conservation work also extends to Asturias, where land has been acquired to help protect species including bears and wolves.

The foundation’s approach is based heavily on protecting native Mediterranean species and encouraging gardening methods that require less water and fewer chemical products.

A garden unlike any other

Visitors to l’Albarda can explore a mixture of formal and wild landscapes, with the garden drawing inspiration from historic Valencian Renaissance gardens and Arabic influences.

Paths, pergolas, fountains and other architectural features sit alongside native plants, roses and palm trees, while views towards the Montgó provide a dramatic backdrop.

The garden has also received recognition for its landscape design, including a 2002 Magíster de Paisajismo award from the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

Despite its growth, Montoliu remains personally involved. He continues working in the garden when he spends weekends in Dénia, alongside a team of gardeners and other staff.

Climate change brings new challenges

The garden’s future is now being shaped by another issue: a changing climate.

Montoliu says rising temperatures are contributing to an increase in pests, while traditional seasonal patterns have become less predictable.

For a garden built around Mediterranean flora, the changes present a particularly important challenge.

Rather than simply being a beautiful attraction, l’Albarda is intended to demonstrate how native plants can be incorporated into gardens while reducing pressure on natural resources.

The garden remains open to visitors and is located around 10 minutes from Dénia. It welcomes visitors throughout the year, with guided tours also available by prior arrangement.

After 30 years, Montoliu’s original garden has therefore become something much bigger: a living example of Mediterranean biodiversity and the centre of a wider effort to preserve Spain’s natural landscapes for the future.