English
Guided Visit To The Greenhouse And Flowers Promenade
Days of the week: on Tuesdays and Fridays
Time and length: at 10.00 am – 30 minutes
Meeting point: Gate La Posta Access “Paseo de las Flores” (Flowers Promenade)
The “Flowers Promenade and Organic Herb Garden”, along with the “Waste Sorting in Origin” projects are part of the “More Green Hotels” Certification, which is given to the Argentine hotels that show sustainable management, being respectful with the environment and responsible for the local community.
Index
Objectives
The objectives of this Project are:
- Producing agro ecologically and providing the hotel specialty vegetables (as arugula, kale, cherry tomatoes…), edible flowers and aromatics, which improve the dishes quality for the hotel guests.
- Producing flowers agro ecologically to assemble beautiful bouquets for the hotel vases.
- Sorting the recyclable waste.
Because of this, the hotel uses a big amount of products called “Km 0”. It means that this food travel a very short distance from the place they have been produced and collected and the point where they are consumed.
With this Project in mind, in 2019 we built the GREENHOUSE, reusing the hotel rooms former windows (which were replaced by hermetic double glass ones to get the better energy efficiency).
Outdoors we set up the existing allotments with the compost (organic fertilizer) (1) produced in the hotel. In addition, a dripping irrigation system was installed (2) and the sowing and planting started.
Moreover, a WASTE SEPARATION SECTOR was created; for plastic, glass, paper, cardboard and aluminum.
Greenhouse
In this place, we sow all the edible species of the Project. Many of them have their whole cycle indoors too. We also sow here all the annual flowers, and then they are taken to the OUTDOORS PLANTING BOXES. In addition, several shrub species you can see in the hotel, multiply vegetatively. Finally, we sow the flower species to prepare every stunning flowerpot in the hotel.
Planting Boxes
In the outdoor PLANTING BOXES, you can see the development of annual flowers, evergreen species, fruits, aromatics and some vegetables resistant to the local weather. You can observe thyme, oregano, rosemary, lavender, lettuces, arugula, rhubarb, green onion, leek and garlic.
As for the flowers, we can name peonies, roses, snapdragons, sweet peas, lilies, sunflowers, daffodils and tulips, all of them giving their beauty at a particular time.
Many species are annual, so a planting planning is necessary, in autumn and spring.
Do you know that we compost the hotel organic waste?
By Agricultural Engineer Sara Krick
In the following picture, you can see what we call COMPOSTING (in Spanish “COMPOSTAJE”). This is a technique used in gardening and horticulture.
Consists of copying what nature does spontaneously, from the beginning of life on earth, in a small and controlled area. The induction to the AEROBIC FERMENTATION (it means that are involved bacteria, which need air to live) transforms a mix of materials into a homogeneous mixture rich in humus and microorganisms. A pile of compost works as the digestive system of a garden or a vegetable patch. This is where the organic material transforms.
We can find HOT COMPOSTER or COLD COMPOSTER. In POSADA LOS ALAMOS, the composter is a cold one, because when you recycle the organic material the temperature doesn´t rise. An interesting cluster of Californian worms lives in it.
There are many types of composters, but the most important point it is composter allow aeration and staggering in the compost production. To take care of a composter we have to air and irrigate when it is necessary, according to the weather and the compost state. Bacteria need air and water to live.
What could you compost and what you couldn´t?
SUITABLE WASTE: Egg shell, hair, cardboard, herbivore manure, grass, leaves and herbs, newspaper, fruit and vegetable peel, remains of infusions (yerba mate, tea and coffee), rest of plants and flowers, napkins of paper, soil, substrates used in pots, corks.
NOT SUITABLE WASTE: pet litter stones, greasy ashes, color brochures, cans, metals, diapers, aluminum foil, plastics, meat, bones, fats, oily food scraps, glass.
The benefits of this practice are:
- 50% reduction in the hotel waste generation.
- Nutrition of our own garden, knowing its origin.
- Promotes soil life.
Did you like learning about this practice? We invite you to try it at home and work for a better planet!
Source of information: Escrivá, Maria Gabriela. Huerta Orgánica, Buenos Aires, Albatros, 2012.
Vegetables and Aromatics
ARUGULA (Eruca sativa)
Belongs to the CRUCIFERS family.
Arugula is one of the twenty best food according to the ANDI Index of Nutritional Density.
It is an annual plant, which is consumed from the Roman times. It was not a crop, but it grew wild on the side of the paths and roads in the Mediterranean basin. Several classic Roman authors and poets wrote Arugula was aphrodisiac, so it was forbidden to grow in monasteries during Middle Ages. In 802, Charlemagne included it by decree as a suitable potherb.
It can be consumed fresh or cooked, in salads, pizza, pasta, or as a side dish. Arugula has a slightly spicy flavor and a bitter background.
It is a powerful antioxidant rich in Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamins from B group, especially folic acid. It also generates probiotic effect, which protects the flora and favors the intestinal transit. Moreover, it contains alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that reduces glucose levels, and Vitamin K.
GARLIC (Allium sativum)
It is a star crop in Santa Cruz province. It is planted in the autumn and is harvested between January and February. Nowadays it is very popular the “black garlic”, a culinary and medicinal elixir.
Garlic belongs to the LILIACEAE family, like onions and leeks. It barely has flowers and has no stem. Therefore, its leaves grow from the bulb or underground head.
The origin of garlic dates back several centuries to Central Asia.
The first evidence of medicinal use goes back to Ancient Egypt. It is said that the pharaohs gave garlic to their slaves to keep them healthy and it was considered a sacred icon.
Egyptians used to think that garlic represented the world: the Garlic for the Egyptians represented the world: the outer layers symbolize the states of heaven and hell and the cloves, the solar system. Eating them symbolized the union of man and universe.
It was consumed in Greece to avoid typhus and cholera. Greek athletes used to chew garlic cloves before competing in the Olympic Games.
During the Roman Empire times, garlic began to be part of the daily diet. The assault troops used it due to its high antiseptic and energetic power. In fact, Greek and Roman soldiers used to refer to it as “smelly rose.”
It is not surprising that it has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Today we can see that it contains more than 2,000 active components that give it countless medicinal properties such as antibacterial properties, circulation improvement and cholesterol reduction. It is also an antioxidant, stimulates the immune response and is a diuretic, among many other qualities.
PURPLE LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa)
In POSADA LOS ALAMOS, we produce the most flamboyant lettuce to give color to our dishes.
Purple lettuce is a low calorie and high fiber vegetable. Its red edges are due to a pigment called anthocyanidin, which is an antioxidant that helps to keep the walls of arteries and veins flexible and helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
CHERRY TOMATO (Lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)
In this hotel we produce red and colorful cherry tomatoes because of the local climate. We have a short Patagonian summer, so this tomato allow us to complete the cycle.
It is believed that the first wild cherry tomatoes were found in the Andean Zone of Peru, although historians claim that the first vestiges date back to Aztec Mexico, who cultivated yellow cherry tomatoes since the 15th century AC. Due to the Spanish conquest, cherry tomato cultivation spread to Europe, especially Italy, where it was quickly adapted thanks to the climatic predisposition.
KALE (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)
It belongs to the CRUCIFEROUS family, like broccoli and Brussel sprouts, but it is more related to cabbage. Its leaves are hard and it is very resistant to high or low temperatures while growing.
It is considered a superfood for all the benefits of consuming its leaves. Whether fresh or cooked, it has become a basic ingredient in juices and salads. It stands out because it is super dense in nutrients and contains vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and fiber, which are good for the body.
Word “kale” is a variation of the word “cole” or “col”. In Greek “col” means “bilis”, in Latin “caulis” and in German “khol”.
Around the world, people prepare KALE in different ways. In Portugal, people cooked kale leaves to prepare a famous “Green soup”. In the Netherlands, a traditional dish called “stamppit boerenkool” is made of kale leaves, potatoes and a sausage. In Spain, the “Fiesta del Trinxat” takes place every year, where the main dish is bacon, potatoes and kale.
SALVIA (Salvia officinalis)
Its name comes from the Latin word “salvia”, which means “the one who saves”. It is because this plant has been used with medical purposes from ancient times, known as “the immortality and longevity plant”.
In traditional medicine, Salvia has been related to many therapeutic properties, such as improving energy, vitality and fertility.
In herbalist medicine, it is used to relieve menstrual cycle discomfort and menopause symptoms. According to several researches, salvia could help against nervous fatigue, temporary depression and anxiety. It is also used to treat circulation, digestive, respiratory and neurological disorders.
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)
The scientific name comes from the Latin term “Ros-marinus” (sea dew) because it was found close to the coastal areas, and from “officinal” which means relative to the everyday medicines. Rosemary plant comes from the South of the Mediterranean Europe, North of Africa and Asia Minor.
This plant has a great symbolic meaning since ancient Greece. Greek students wore rosemary crowns before exams to improve memory. Moreover, it was sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, as it was considered an aphrodisiac.
The Romans maintained its medicinal use and offered rosemary to their gods. Rosemary was used in incense burners, burning during magical rituals to purify homes.
For Christians, rosemary has a special meaning. According to this religion, this plant owes the color of its flowers to a legend: when the Virgin Mary fled to Egypt to save the baby Jesus, she placed him on a bed of white flowers, and when she picked him up, they had turned blue.
In the Middle Ages, the plant was widely used and gave its name to pilgrims, since it was frequently used after hard marches on foot for its calming and relaxing properties. Even at this time, it was considered the plant of love, due to its stimulating power.
Europeans took rosemary to the American continent and to a big part of the world. In the 19th century, it was spread widely throughout northern Europe for medicinal purposes.
THYME (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a kind of small shrub that, together with savory, rosemary and sage, contributes to perfuming the Mediterranean scrub. It grows spontaneously in regions with a temperate climate, especially in well-drained soils. It is grown in Morocco, Spain, France, Greece and Italy.
This small perennial shrub was one of the first medicinal and aromatic plants that spread in the Mediterranean basin. It dates back to 2700 BC. Among its medicinal properties, thyme is good for joint pain and it is considered an antiseptic, which cleans and disinfects the skin. In addition, it is beneficial for diseases of the respiratory and digestive tract.
In ancient Egypt, it was used for embalming.
Romans used thyme to keep food longer because of its antifouling essential oil, especially to perfume wines and cheeses.
In Greece, it was known as a courage symbol. Greek soldiers rubbed the leaves on their chests to receive strength and vigor, or bathed in thyme water before going into battle. In the Middle Ages, thyme became an ornament on tunics and scarves, which ladies used to embroider for their knights as a symbol of good omen. It was also believed that placing the branches of this plant under the pillow could keep nightmares away.
OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano name comes from the composition of two words of Greek origin: “oros”, which means “mountain”, and “ganos”, which means “splendor”, therefore, “splendor of the mountain
Ancient Greek appreciated oregano very much because it was antibacterial, a beautiful decoration and a good-luck amulet.
A Greek legend tells the story of a sensitive and kind young man named Amarachus. One day he was commissioned to bring a precious urn containing a fragrant perfume ointment to the table of the king, for his guests. When Amarachus entered the room, he stumbled badly and the urn fell and broke into pieces. His despair was so great that he died of a broken heart. Gods felt contrition, and transformed him into the oregano plant, attributing to him the extraordinary fragrance of the ointment that had, somehow, caused his death.
In ancient Rome, dried oregano was one of the ingredients of the famous garum (seasoning). Its use also continued in the following centuries, especially in southern cuisine. Its rise northward is relatively recent, and in fact, coincides with the spread of pizza.
BAY -LAUREL- (Laurus nobilis)
In Greco-Roman mythology, it was a sacred plant and symbolized wisdom and glory: a laurel wreath surrounded the forehead of the winners in the Pythian or Delphic Games and constituted the highest honor for a poet who became a poet graduate. Hence, it is the figurative meaning of a symbol of victory, fame, triumph and honor.
This plant prevents acidity and flatulence formation. It has bactericidal, antiseptic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it is ideal for reducing uric acid. It is good for regulating menstrual flow and acts as a stimulant in cases of fatigue. Relieves oral infections, reduces stress and anxiety and it is antirheumatic. It has a calming effect and is capable of slowing down the nervous system. Bay is not recommended in large quantities, as it can be harmful.
It can be used for different purposes: culinary, to season meals; infusions, to relieve ailments; aromatherapy, as a muscle relaxant and decongestant; and in the field of beauty and cosmetics, where it provides benefits for both the skin and hair.
Flowers
MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis)
It is an edible flower with medicinal properties. In our hotel, we have marigold in the vegetable garden as a chromatic trap to avoid infestations, for example, aphids.
It is a beneficial plant for the skin. We can use it to make healing ointments, skin creams and even handmade soap. In soap, we use them mainly because they are one of the few flowers that can withstand the soap-making process and keep the color.
Marigold is well-known because its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing natural benefits. Therefore, it is ideal for rashes, scratches, eczema, psoriasis, cracked skin, insect bites and damaged skin. Calendula soap is gentle on sensitive skin and helps to soothe irritated, itchy and dry skin.
NASTURTIUM (Tropaeolum majus)
The owner of POSADA LOS ALAMOS has chosen this flower to decorate every hotel flowerpot and window. We produced 2000 seedlings to reach this aim.
It is planted in spring when the frosts are not so hard.
Originally, from Mexico and Peru, this plant seems to be a proof of its native lands: due to the stinging on the palate, its flavor is often compared to watercress. However, nasturtium opens a huge range of recipes with its multiple uses.
You can consume its leaves in salads, as well as watercress, or put them into glasses as decoration. It replaces basil in a pesto or you can fill them with shredded meats and other vegetables.
Its fruits are similar to capers. It is advisable to marinate them in apple cider vinegar and then consume them. The flowers can add their color to oils, mayonnaises and spreadable cheeses. They can also be consumed in salads, providing flavor and color.
In vegetable patches or gardens, it is useful as a whitefly repellent.
Among its medicinal properties, it is good for the treatment of coughs, colds (infusions with its leaves are ideal), colds, hair loss, and kidney and urinary problems.
LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia y officinalis)
Lavender belongs to the lamiaceae family. Just like oregano, thyme and mint, lavender is an aromatic shrub from the Mediterranean basin.
Its medicinal uses date back to ancient times because of its antiseptic, digestive, anti-inflammatory, relaxing and calming benefits. In addition, its scented flowers are dried and distilled to make an essential oil widely used in cosmetics, cleaning, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy products.
Dried lavender flowers are an excellent ingredient to incorporate in all types of stews, as well as in pastry products (muffins, cookies, mousses), in the preparation of infusions, ice creams, smoothies, jellies and jams, or to flavor creams, crème caramels and cakes. They are also especially indicated to accompany lamb and rabbit meat. Due to their intense aroma and flavor, it is advisable to use them with caution if we do not want to mask the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
SNAPDRAGON (Antirrhinum majus)
Its origin includes Morocco, eastern Turkey and some states in North America.
This is a biannual specie with very beautiful flowers. In cold zones like these, this plant is treated as an annual one. Our garden includes several snapdragon colors: orange, pink, yellow, purple and white. They have symmetrical flowering and we use them as cut flowers because of their color and shape variety.
SCABIOUS (Scabiosa atropurpurea)
This plant comes from the Iberian area and Balearic Islands, coming from Europe and Asia, but also from the north of Africa.
The name was given for two possible reasons: The first one is because of the texture of the plant’s clothing; and in the second case, it is because it was used to cure skin scabies. The term “atropurpurea” refers to the characteristic purple color of this species.
In Argentina, we also called it “beautiful lady”, “beautiful mother”, “purple widow” or “widow hat”. These names are related to the fact that during Victorian times, widow women wore a brooch with the Scabious plant shape to let the rest know their new marital status.
TULIP (Tulipa sp.)
It is a symbol of the Netherlands, but it really comes from the Mongolian hills (central Asia) where it was discovered. From that moment, tulip spread with the Genghis Khan Empire until the Turkish hills in Anatolia. Its name comes from the Turkish turbans called “thoulypen”.
In the mid-16th century, Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq, a man born in Austria, saw a beautiful and unknown flower on the turban of a Turkish man. He immediately asked his translators to ask him the name of that flower. However, the Turkish man thought they were referring to the turban so he said “thoulypen”. In this way, the name Tholypen became “tulip” (“tulipán” in Spanish).
Giving flower is also a beautiful and subtle way to send a message, and it depends largely on the color you choose:
- Red: means passion, energy, excitement and love.
- Violet: represents sophistication and elegance.
- Pink: fineness and tenderness, symbol of pure love or friendship.
- Orange: is related to sensuality, enthusiasm, action or even lust.
PEONY (Paeonia officinalis)
This is an Asian flower, but nowadays it is spread around the world, especially in the template zones.
Its name honors a doctor of Greek Gods, Paen. Legends say that peonies were used to cure Plato. Another legend from the Mediterranean coast says that there was a nymph called Peony. She was the platonic love of all the Gods. One day, an enraged Goddess, tired of this situation, turned her into a flower: the Peony. Since then, this flower has been closely linked to beauty, offering a spectacle of color and aroma in spring.
Its flowering is limited in time and does not last long in a vase. Maybe that is what makes it so attractive!
CORNFLOWER (Centaurea cyanus)
The name “Centaurea” comes from the Greek term “Kentauros”, which means “man and horse related to culture”. This plant was consider as the centaurus herb, and also a medicinal one. Chiron, the only centaur who did not die, discovered this flower. He stood out for his virtues: kindness, justice, wisdom and he also had great knowledge in the area of medicine.
On the other hand, “cyanus” is also a Greek term that is written “kyano” and its meaning is dark blue.
Depending on the uses that each person gives this flower, it has the ability to function as medicine, dyes or cosmetics.
ROSES (Rosa sp.)
Rose comes from Asia. 4.000 years BC, the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians and Greeks already used this flower to take care of the body in their baths and as a decorative element. The first record of the use of roses dates back to the island of Crete in 700 BC where it was used for ornamental purposes. Ancient civilizations considered the rose synonymous of beauty. During the Middle Ages it was almost totally restricted to monasteries. By the 19th century, it became a status symbol.
Greek legend says that Cybele, the goddess of mother earth, was extremely jealous of the great beauty of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Therefore, she decided to create something on earth that could compete with her beauty, so Cybele created a beautiful red flower, to take revenge on Aphrodite.
Roses have a large amount of vitamin C and are good for treating colds, coughs and flu. They also have laxative and analgesic properties. It can be used to combat headaches, cramps and menstrual pain. In gastronomy, they can be found in jellies, soups, salads and jam.
Due to their fragrance, they are usually used in cosmetics to create perfumes and beauty creams. The composition of roses makes them ideal for oily skin.
LILIUM
The large market for lilies as cut flowers is no coincidence since it is a flower highly appreciated by consumers. It has quality and ornamental possibilities in its different applications.
Lilium flowers have aristocratic bearing, elegance, finesse and slender architecture, managing to have a leading role on their own.
Lilium botany family comes from cretaceous period but men have been grown it for 3.000 years. Historically, the Lilium flower became the sacred flower for the Assyrians, who cultivated it intensively in the gardens of Babylon along with the rose and iris.
Also in China, they were highly appreciated due to the popular belief that they warded off the evil eye, attracted love and had an eternal duration. Perhaps that is the reason why these flowers were known as “always love.”