The Cabildo de Lanzarote and La Graciosa’s Biosphere Reserve office has improved the public garden La Línea y la Sombra in Arrecife.
Key work included restoring a sculpture of a cigarrera vine, crafted from cigarette butts collected during a volunteer clean-up. A new bilingual information sign and markers identifying the garden’s native plant species have also been installed.
Additional enhancements involved renewing the surface layer and upgrading cleaning and maintenance services for the area. Samuel Martín, the Biosphere Reserve councillor, emphasised the garden’s significance within Arrecife and urged residents to help keep it clean and well-maintained. “It’s essential for the community to understand the importance of preserving our green spaces, keeping them free from litter and treating our unique native flora with respect,” he stated.
The garden features various local species, including tabaiba dulce, verol, tajinaste blanco oriental, guaydil, cerrajón, matorrisco, and drago. Covering around 379 square metres, it lies between Inspector Luis Martín Street and Avenida Coll, visually linking the historic centre with Arrecife’s marina.
The garden originated from a competition to revitalise a site left vacant after the demolition of the former police station. The winning design by PA-MPC Arquitectos was initially intended as a temporary installation but has since become a permanent public space. Its name, La Línea y la Sombra, reflects the layout of the garden and highlights the importance of shade for outdoor living in Lanzarote.
