The gardens, by now celebrated for their exotic, sub-tropical flora, were divided into four zones: the Main Garden to the north of Casa Velha, the Jardim da Senhora (Lady's Garden), the Casa Velha Garden and the wild ravine known as Ribeiro do Inferno, which translates as the oddly-named "Hell's Valley".
The Palheiro Gardens include a series of ponds and water features that interlink with each other, lawns edged with herbaceous border plants, rose and clematis pergolas and an amazing variety of trees, including tulip, blue cedar, palm, Norfolk Island pine and California redwood, and many other rare specimens.
The teahouse in the Jardin da Senhora located next to the golf course was opened in October 2003. It also serves as a half way house for golfers playing the course.
The gardens have won the coveted Garden Trophy at the annual Relais & Châteaux world awards.
Other activities associated with Palheiro Estate include real estate development near the golf course and the production and sale of fresh-cut flowers, namely orchids and proteas at Florialis, situated at the eastern end of the property.
To learn more about the history of the Palheiro Estate choose a link below:
