Keeping the magic alive at El Retiro Park

Legend has it that, back in the 18th century, during the time of Philip V of Spain, strange things happened in El Retiro Park in Madrid. Hundreds of new plants and flowers appeared all over the park overnight. This magical happening enchanted the king during his long walks.

There was no shortage of confusion and surprise among the members of his court, who wondered at such a strange occurrence. No one knew how or why it was done or who was responsible, but that was what happened: every day, new plants adorned the impressive garden.

Over time, a rumour began to circulate among the gardeners of El Retiro. Many of them swore they had seen an elf walking through the royal gardens. Some even said they had seen him making plants and flowers grow along the way. Much as they tried, they never managed to capture him. He was too nimble, and was quick to hide among the park's vegetation.

To this day, the legend of the elf is as alive as the diversity of plants adorning the hectares of parkland. But we know for sure who is responsible for keeping El Retiro in bloom. And no, it's not a mythical creature. It's a great team of professionals that cares for, maintains and cleans the Spanish capital's most emblematic park.

ACCIONA is responsible for the comprehensive management of public services for municipal parks and nurseries, including El Retiro Park, for Madrid City Council. Read on as we show you how this team waves its magic to bring the park to life.

Perhaps, by explaining our work at El Retiro, we may have destroyed a little of the mystique that surrounded the park's flora thanks to the story of Philip V's elf. Nothing could be further from our intention. At ACCIONA, we believe that the magic of El Retiro is found precisely in the life that it brings to the inhabitants of a place like Madrid.

Parks have become an essential part of our cities. They are spaces for communal recreation and enjoyment, but also places that provide green areas and well-being for inhabitants of big cities.

We have been maintaining and taking care of this magic since 2014 in the eight most emblematic parks in Madrid, the historical and artistic heritage of the capital. In addition to the gardens of El Retiro, we also manage the Parque del Oeste, Quinta de los Molinos, Quinta de la Fuente del Berro Park, El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna, Sabatini Gardens, the Plaza de Oriente Gardens and Dehesa de la Villa Park.

More than 300 professionals strive daily to maintain these green oases, which involves the conservation of more than 300 hectares of the capital. The team comprises agronomists, agricultural technicians, forestry technicians, public works technicians and fine arts graduates, professionals and experts in gardening, landscaping, civil works and restoration.

ACCIONA also applies its quality, environment and sustainability policy, as well as the use of electric machines and vehicles in some of the parks to minimise CO2 emissions and contribute to the sustainable development of the capital.

As you can see, the magic behind the beauty of El Retiro Park and many other spaces does require a few tricks: it needs technology and the hard work of a team caring for the lungs of this big city.