Palace kitchen garden restored, open to the public
The historic kitchen garden of San Anton Palace has been opened to the public after extensive rehabilitation in an 18-month project launched by President George Abela.
The garden, spread over nine tomna, has supplied the palace with vegetables since the time of the knights. A large area, however, had been in shambles until the rehabilitation project was launched (see video).
The garden now has modern paving, new garden furniture and modern, artistic lighting for the trees.
It also features a playing area and animal pens for a variety of animals including Shetland ponies, donkeys, ostriches, emu, cranes and goats, which children can enjoy. The pens were built according to EU animal-care standards.
A spokesman for the Place said the playing area and the pens, while open for everyone, were especially earmarked for persons with disability.
Profits from sales from the cafeteria in the gardens will go to the Community Chest Fund.
The gardens, accessible from opposite the rear entrance of San Anton Palace – near Villa Bologna – are open daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 pm. To 9 p.m. There is no break during the weekends.
The Community Chest Fund this Saturday evening will also hold the annual Ġonna Mdawla event, where the President’s private gardens and the kitchen garden will be open to the public. Tickets are available from the Palace in Valletta and San Anton. Further infromation is available on telephone 21226226.
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David Grech
Jun 25th 2011, 17:35
Kelli l-opportunità li nżur dan il-ġmiel ta' ġnien illum. Bqajt impressjonat! Prosit tassew tal-idea. Grazzi President. Kollox hemm sabiħ u f'ċertu armonija u paċi. Importanti li nkomplu nieħdu ħsiebu biex jibqa' ta' livell għoli kif inhu. President ta' veru.
Yvette Bugeja Ferro
Jun 18th 2011, 11:41
Fl-ahhar ghandna President ta' veru li qed jahdem b'mod konkret ghal gid ta' pajjizna. Issa qed nifhem kemm il-Presidenti ta' qabel m'ghamlu xejn sempliciment ghamlu 5 snin ta' mistrieh fil-lussu tal-palazz. Prosit President u very nixtieq li jtuk ic-cans taghmel term iehor jew sakemm Alla jkik is-sahha. Grazzi ta' kollox.
Mr Giovanni Barbaro-Sant
Jun 25th 2011, 14:24
I fully support your comments regarding President George Abela's initiative, whom I always held in high esteem. It beats me why this man for all seasons was not appreciated enough by those who should have known better some years down the line...May i also show my recognition to the effort of all those involved in the implementation of this project, which once again demonstrates the skills of the Maltese worker to restore our heritage back to its original glory and more. However, i beg to differ on your blanket statement regarding previous holders of the post. Such derogatory comments show lack of sensitivity on the 'Ways of the Presidency'. I refer to delicate moments in our nation's democratic development, where the 'art of persuasion' won the day. Your statement may also be a result of lack of awareness of past achievements and performance, which are attributable to holders of this office, dating back to the term in office of Sir Anthony Mamo to Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami.
Mr Stephen Florian
Jun 18th 2011, 10:54
Good job!
Mr Alfred Grech
Jun 17th 2011, 12:02
I wish someone in parliament brings up the idea of changing the constitution to allow a President to be chosen for more than one term. If that ever happens, George Abela will be more than welcome for a second and more terms. This man changed the Presidency completely. We now have a true President who truly belongs to ALL.
Thank you Mr President and God be with you and your family.
Please have a look at this video we made about Our Beloved President:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bubp1JEpic8
claude mallia
Jun 17th 2011, 11:24
Finally a President which represents all us Maltese!
Ginevra Alvarado
Jun 18th 2011, 10:13
So true!!
Silvana Borg
Jun 18th 2011, 11:47
@ Claude Malia: Totally agree with you. ..this presidents is for the people not as a public figure only!!
Jesmond Micallef
Jun 17th 2011, 01:05
Għażiż President.
Prosit tassew u grazzi ħafna għall dak kollhu l'int qed tagħmel gewwa Malta, pajjiż li jien nħobb, pajjiżi, art twelidi.
D. A . Agius
Jun 16th 2011, 19:34
Yes, this is a real people's President.
Whilst the issue of whether it is possible to have this President serve a second term is a quite lengthy affair, requiring a change in the Constitution, Maltese Politicians should finally understand what is expected from a President and in proposing future Presidents, should strongly keep Dr. Abela's example in mind.
Well done.
Ms Maria Vassallo
Jun 16th 2011, 19:21
Congratulations, Mr. President.
A Big Thank you to those who provided the funds.
Johann Pace
Jun 16th 2011, 18:41
Prosit lil Ecc. Tieghu il-President u it-team kollu li hadem biex dan il-progett min holma saret rejalta
Lonza Borg
Jun 16th 2011, 17:24
Prosit Mr President,you are a Man for All Seasons.
Patrick Sacco
Jun 16th 2011, 16:37
Thank you Dr. Gonzi for choosing Dr. Abela as President. You have done a very good service to us in noticing the great potential of this man!
To think that JPO was against this nomination!
Godfrey Grima
Jun 16th 2011, 16:15
Whilst politicians rabbit on about what they think is best for us George Abela, with his limited powers and resources, goes ahead and provides more that is meaningful for the common man. I'll sign any petition that seeks a second and third term for this truely exceptional president.
Mr john vella
Jun 16th 2011, 17:00
Dear Godfrey Grima
How true! How true! This man deserve a better recognition for his dedication and impeccable understanding towards fellow men.
My personal experience when I needed his professional advice I went to see George Abela (as known at the time) and all he ask was to reciprocate his smile.
However I rather sign a petition to see him as a Leader of the Malta Labour Party rather keeping him politically under control at Sant Anton.
Mario Debono
Jun 16th 2011, 17:27
I would sign a petition to see him leader of Malta. I believe he would be great!
H Agius
Jun 16th 2011, 19:30
An Intelligent man with charisma , Well done President !
Jesmond Micallef
Jun 17th 2011, 01:00
Mr. Godfrey Grima.
President Dr. George Abela is a truely Maltese gentleman with true and deep love towards his nation, fellow countrymen and women at his heart. He truely believes in what is a nation's wealth belongs to the nation's people. This project under his presidency is mostly appreciated and welcomed.
Joe Grech
Jun 16th 2011, 16:05
What a man this President is! Well done to this laudable project Excellency.
Hopefully you will please do something about Malta's underground potable water. Experts have declared that Malta is facing a big Water Crisis as a result of what's going on - illegal boreholes; pumping of our national water by Drinks suppliers and others who then actually have the cheek to sell it to us as mineral water or simply to fill up swimming pools.....the list is endless.
NGOs have protested to no avail.
It is said that potable water is also actually being used to water our roundabouts, centre strips....
Surely it is time for the administration to do something NOW. Before we stop having any water left down below.
Hopefully you will please check on all this and help the common people for it is these vulnerables who stand to lose most if the water really fizzles out.
Mario Camilleri
Jun 16th 2011, 15:56
This president should be confirmed for a further 5 years and even more. Good work with great ideas from an extra ordinary man!!!
Publius Cordina
Jun 16th 2011, 15:53
I say a big thank you to the President and his staff for the job well done on The Kitchen Garden. My wife and I have already been there and we surely recommend it as an additional place of relaxation for both young and old. Lets hope that all visitors to the garden will respect the impeccable environment.
Mr Emmanuel Bonnici
Jun 16th 2011, 13:29
Well done to all concerned and a special thanks to our formidable President, whose great idea behind the restoration of the palace's kitchen garden, makes it now possible for us all, to enjoy.
I will definitely be paying a visit to this "Secret Garden" every now and then, with family and friends, for some tranquil afternoons or evenings.
Lets hope that it will be kept under strict surveillance and that it will not turn up into a noisy, run-down family park.
Stephen Koludrovic
Jun 16th 2011, 12:47
Thumbs up to our President. Truly a man of the people for the people.
Mr J Galea
Jun 16th 2011, 12:45
What a good idea to restore this garden. Regarding access to the neighbouring public San Anton Gardens, these always seem to be closed in the evening (when you need a garden open?). why are they not kept open till late as with the public gardens in Valletta. The number of cars in the vicinity make it essential that residents of the area have access to this garden.
Stephen Koludrovic
Jun 16th 2011, 12:40
Would it be too much to ask who gave the order for it to be created?
It does look nice.
Ms C. Dimech
Jun 16th 2011, 15:22
The President and his formidable team
M Cauchi
Jun 16th 2011, 12:24
A well deserved upgrade!