Al-Baha Nurseries: Cultural And Environmental Assets Enhancing Regional Aesthetics

The agricultural nurseries in Al-Baha are more than just businesses; they play a vital role in enhancing the region's beauty and ecological health. As planting season begins, these nurseries display a wide range of plants, including ornamental flowers, shrubs, and cacti. The Secretary of the Al-Baha Region, Dr. Ali Al-Sawat, highlighted that their mission extends beyond producing seedlings to preserving the genetic traits of local plants.

Al-Baha Municipality's environmental architecture agency carefully manages 11 nurseries across the region. These nurseries collectively nurture 50,000 trees, 60,000 shrubs, and over a million flowers on 190,000 square meters. This year alone saw the planting of 87,841 trees and 133,089 shrubs. Grass-covered areas now span 209,692 square meters with nearly 1.8 million flowers.

Some nurseries have become tourist spots where visitors learn about tree species and agriculture's significance. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ghamdi shared with Saudi Press Agency that these nurseries also teach home gardening techniques. They have become educational hubs for those interested in personal farming practices.

Farmer Azza Al-Khathami turned her hobby into a successful nursery business in the governorate. Starting with one greenhouse made from scrap iron, she expanded to 11 greenhouses housing over 1,000 seedlings. Her journey exemplifies how passion can evolve into a thriving enterprise.

The nurseries offer various fruit trees like oranges, lemons, mangoes, and figs due to fertile soil conditions. They also provide almond and olive trees alongside ornamental and seasonal plants known for their fragrance and beauty. These offerings cater to diverse customer preferences.

According to farmer Mohammed Al-Zahrani, women are the main buyers of seedlings due to their aesthetic and health benefits at home. The nurseries compete by offering a wide selection of fruit trees supported by fertile soil conditions.

Species like juniper, tamarisk, and olive are cultivated in these nurseries. The focus is on producing healthy seedlings that thrive locally while maintaining genetic diversity among plant species.

The efforts of these nurseries contribute significantly to afforestation in the region. They play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance while enhancing the area's visual appeal through diverse plant life.

With inputs from SPA