The valley which is protected from grazing hosts 335 species of plants (almost 1/5 of the rich Cretan flora which reaches 1740 species of plants), including 21 endemics. The valley is surrounded by caves and hermitages, and is framed by the two monasteries, Saint Kyriaki and Metamorphosis, and the impressive Cretan landscape. The garden was completed within 9 months, and now it hosts 60 species of herbs, originating from planting material collected with permit from the Cretan landscape , or donated by certified plant nurseries of the Chania Forest Department and private individuals. An additional 40 species of local herbs or other interesting plants of Crete, including endemics, have also been identified and highlighted on the surrounding paths.
Through this work, the connection of the Cretan flora with the tradition, our cultural and religious heritage and the relief of Crete, which is obvious and ancient, is highlighted.
HSPN worked together with botanists, gardeners, garden architects and with the support of the Chania Forest Service, the Chrysopigi Sisterhood of Chania and the Konstantinos K. Mitsotakis Foundation, in order to make the garden a reality today. The landscaping Company Chloroplastes, which specializes in Mediterranean and native plants, prepared the landscaping design and oversaw the construction of the Botanical Garden. The project was scientifically supervised by the botanist Dr. Irini Vallianatou. The garden was inaugurated in June 2019. The maintenance and renewal of its planting material continues under the scientific supervision of HSPN.
