‘Welcome to Hikmet’s garden paradise’
AN ABUNDANCE of orchestrated colour and wildflowers as far as the eye can see, endemic flower species of Cyprus, and even fossils found on rocks dating back 30,000 years are all on show in a Lapta garden.
The springtime palette is located at the home of artist, photographer and teacher, Hikmet Uluçam, located in the Başpınar quarter of the village.
Originally from the Baf (Paphos) village of Uluçam (Maroni) Mr Uluçam, 71, moved to the derelict house with his family in 1985.
He restored the house and started his “wildflower” project to transform his garden into a colourful paradise, where beautifully scented freesias and flora welcome guests. More than 35 years later, he has expanded his gardening hobby, growing massive cacti overarching to provide a natural frame for a photograph with the panoramic view of the Lapta mountains behind; a 5m euphorbia, and ancient Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.
The garden, which he says is “made out of love”, has fields of mauve and white cyclamen, and endemic medoş tulips – the seeds of which he gives to every visitor, who in return are kindly asked to donate to the Help Those With Cancer Charity (Tulips).
Visitors can also find Arabis cypria, (endemic to Cyprus), crocus flowers, Hilarion cabbage (endemic to Cyprus), Sedum lampuase (endemic to Lapta), and orchis lapadetica, to name but a few.
“We have 95 per cent of tree species endemic to Cyprus here,” Mr Uluçam said, and more than 600 varieties of cacti.
Mr Uluçam said that when the main Lefkoşa-Girne road at the Ciklos area was widened some 15 years ago, he found rocks which have fossils of different leaves on them, most notably a fig tree, which are on display in the garden.
The garden is currently open to visitors from 10am to 4pm except on Sundays, admission is free.
Mr Uluçam can be contacted on 0533 866 0057 for more information.