Slashing through Balzan`s gardens

Abstract

Hortibus undique septa, Latin for 'surrounded by gardens', is the motto proudly emblazoned on Balzan's insignia. The local council's website also refers to this legacy, saying "Balzan is wellknown for its typical beautiful gardens and orchards, laden with the fresh scents of citrus fruits. In spite of the decreasing number of such gardens, Balzan still boasts an abundance of traditional town houses with back gardens full of lemon, orange and tangerine trees." Balzan, Attard and Lija (often referred to as the 'Three Villages') are renowned for their inextricable link with citrus gardens, as epitomised in the coat-of-arms of Lija, which is graced by a branch laden with mature oranges.