The President’s Kitchen Garden where some of the fruit and vegetables used in meals at San Anton Palace are grown, was yesterday officially opened for public enjoyment.

“When I learnt that the public area of San Anton Gardens did not fall under the remit of the President, I was slightly disappointed because I thought it would be a good idea to reintroduce animals in the garden. However, there was another area in the President’s private gardens which was in a derelict state and could have been used for a similar purpose,” the President George Abela explained in his speech.

Some months ago, the President and his staff sat down and gathered ideas on how to convert the area which the Knights of St John used as a kitchen garden and which was converted into an entertainment area under British rule. In fact the reservoir had been converted into a swimming pool and used until around 1970. The area stopped being used because transporting supplies for parties was somewhat inconvenient since the area is situated at the back of the gardens across narrow St Anthony Street.

Over the years the area was neglected resulting into a dilapidated overgrowth, with some dangerous structures and broken down water ducts.

“We came up with the idea of recreating a specimen kitchen garden where children and the public can informally learn about organic agriculture through hands-on farming. Thanks to various entities we managed to give the gardens a new lease of life while creating something original which the Maltese people can enjoy. It is a gift for all Maltese families,” he said.

Mrs Abela’s personal assistant, Darleen Zerafa explained the educational, recreational and inclusive concepts behind the project. Children visiting the garden will be engaging in a holistic experience at one with Maltese nature, history, geology and agriculture coupled with fun and adventure.

“There are infinite possibilities of what teachers and their students could do here. Sometimes teachers face a challenge to be creative and engage students in fun and educational activities. We are helping them by giving them the tools. We made sure the garden is inclusive for all so it can be used by people of mixed abilities,” Ms Zerafa explained

Thanks to Heritage Malta, a room overlying the stables (l-ghorfa) which was used as a store, was converted into an Eco-Agro walkthrough experience. Animals were introduced in the stables. A donkey called Tiku features prominently as the garden’s mascot and workbooks were developed around his story. Food prepared by the President’s own chef will be made available in the garden’s snack bar. Profits from the meals sold will go towards the Malta Community Chest Fund. The public can visit the garden everyday between 7am and 7pm. Ġonna Mdawla, a fundraising activity for the Malta Community Chest Fund will be held tomorrow, the eve of Father’s Day. Tickets can be bought from the San Anton Palace and the Presidential Palace in Valletta.