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maltatoday SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018 39 Travel Unlike northern latitudes, where most plants sleep for the winter, many plants here are in vigorous leaf but most of them are still not in flower. Not so the Mediterranean heath (M. erika): go for a Sunday stroll today, head for those rocky slopes and you may come across a shrub covered in clusters of delicate pale pink (sometimes white) flowers that, on closer inspection, look like tiny bells. Welcome to the beautiful Mediterranean heath. And where you find one specimen you will probably find more, indeed in some places it is the dominant shrub. But do not be fooled: the Mediterranean heath is not particularly widespread or common. But with careful protection of garrigue areas – which doesn't include turning the land into a supermarket or a petrol station – this plant and other scarce species can spread again. Incidentally this plant is not to be confused with the heather, a different species that prefers cooler climes and more acidic soils, and doesn't occur in Malta. Ah, the humble potato. If you go out for a stroll in the countryside you'll surely see fields and fields of them growing, and the first harvests being brought in. Although admittedly there are more exciting vegetables, the potato is a versatile and delicious staple, and shouldn't be overlooked. The potato is Malta's most famous agricultural export product and is considered a delicacy in other potato loving countries such as the Netherlands. The exchange of potatoes and seed potatoes between the two countries has been happening for over a century, and inspired the Poetry in Potato Bags initiative, which is a collaboration between Valletta and Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, the two cities sharing the title of Capital of Culture in 2018. FoE Malta published the AgroKatina report about the local fruit & vegetable supply chain, and the pocket guide highlighting when local fruits & veggies are in season. Find out more on www.foemalta.org/ agrokatina, where you can also order a free copy of the pocket guide. 594. MEDITERRANEAN HEATH Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 497: Here is a delicious recipe for Maltese oven-roasted potatoes (patata fil-forn): www.foemalta.org/fab/potato/ Text and photo Victor Falzon What's in season - January BEST PLACE TO WIND DOWN AND ENJOY NATURE The best area to wind down and enjoy nature is absolutely anywhere. There are secluded beaches and off-road tracks everywhere. Just find a few spare days to pack a swag and you will discover something new. BEST PLACE TO STAY It depends entirely on your budget. There are basic, backpacking-style accommodation throughout WA starting from around $10-20 a night, and hotels starting around $100 a night. The best and most versatile option is to hire a camper van and explore this stunning coast at your own leisure. There are camel rides available at Broome, and pearl farms off shore. There is the Karijini National Park with its gorges and waterfalls. BEST SPOT FOR SIGHTSEEING Geraldton, Western Australia is 450km north of Perth, West Australia's (WA) capital city. Geraldton is in Midwest Australia, overlook- ing the Indian Ocean with Exmouth, Broome and the Kimberley's spanning the top of WA. The regional city of Geraldton is home to ap- prox. 48,000 people from 50 countries around the world, and easily accessible by road or plane. The aboriginal, Yamaji population ac- count for 12% of the residents. Best spot for sightseeing is anywhere on the beautiful Batavia Coast, with white sandy beaches and turquoise water. The Bata- via was the name of a ship wrecked off the stunning coast among the nearby Albrolhos Islands. From tranquil Dongara, Port Deni- son, to the remote, wind-scoured Zutydorp Cliffs stretches a dramatic coastline steeped in history, littered with shipwrecks and rich in marine life. While the region proved the un- doing of many early European sailors, today modern fleets make the most of a lucrative crayfish industry, and travellers hunt down empty beaches. Many a good snorkelzazzling trip can be had straight from the beaches. Geraldton is home to some of the best windsurfing spots due to a constant breeze most of the year round. If you are not into water sports, then you can drive north to see whales migrating and turtles hatching on the beaches. There are great fishing spots and endless opportunities for 4WD surrounded by desert and Australian bush land. There are lots of native, wild animals to look out for, wandering emus and friendly dolphins as well as the local kangaroos. BEST PLACE TO EAT With Geraldton's multi-cultural vibe there is a va- riety of restaurants to choose from and it is hard to pick just one. If you are on a budget there are many take-away restaurants such as Indian, Chinese and Thai that are very satisfying and affordable. Archi- pelagos restaurant expertly prepares my favourite Malaysian home-cooked food, Thai Beef Salad. The trendy Hogs Breath Café offers mouthwatering steaks and grills, Skeetas on the marina has gor- geous homemade Pizza and freshly-made coffee.