(PIA) – One  “must see”  for tourists and visitors   in Atok, Benguet is the Tayao Gardens at   Km. 24  along the Halsema Highway.

Throughout the garden, one can find over a thousand succulents both from the locality and overseas particularly  Korea and Thailand.  Echeveria, String-of-pearls, Astridia, Astroworthia, Opalina, and some kinds of cactus plants abound.

Embedded  are other types of plants  like  malaysian mums, hydrangeas, alstroemeria, monstera, and other flowering plants such as roses and hibiscus. There are also strawberries in the garden.

But did you know? Over a thousand succulents are planted around the garden. Tayao said these succulents are both from the locality and overseas, some  from Korea and Thailand.

The  garden opened during the  COVID-19 pandemic. Owner Lotgarda Tayao said they converted an open space in the area creating a "safe space for families and for everyone who wants  to come and visit."

Asked why they have chosen succulents as the main attraction, Tayao said "dito kasi sa area, walang tubig kasi peak ng mountain, so nahihirapan sa tubig 'pag hindi tag-ulan kaya kailangang mag-isip ng halaman na puwede pa ring mag-thrive despite the environmental conditions."

Tayao said they are likewise trying to plant coffee in the area to  see if it can survive the weather condition there.

The garden has  more  to offer

"Aside from the view and the plants, we also offer coffee,  'yung premium natin na Arabica coffee from the Tayao Farms. Sa mga gustong mag-coffee tasting, coffee appreciation, pwede rin," Tayao said.
 
The garden also features a giant sculpture of a mug spilling coffee, large frames for picture taking, swings for those who want to relax, and a view deck for those who want to take a glimpse of the majestic mountains of Benguet and feel the cold Atok breeze. 

Part of the garden is designated as the events place where locals and visitors can hold their reunion, birthday parties, meetings, weddings, among others.
 
The entrance fee is P100.00 inclusive of a free succulent, with 20 percent discount for senior citizens. The entrance fee for kids aged 1-12 is P50.00.
 
What are you waiting for? Be amazed, be astonished, and be in love with this beautiful  place of Atok. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)