Located in Nosara, Costa Rica, Playa Guiones is a magical spot famed for its mesmerizing waves and breathtaking natural beauty. This pristine beach is a favorite among surfers from all over the world who come here to ride the legendary waves. The beach is known for its consistent year-round swell, making it an ideal destination for both beginners and advanced surfers. One of the most unique features of Playa Guiones is the magic seaweed that can be found along its shores. This special seaweed, known as Sargassum, is believed to possess healing properties. It is said to release essential minerals and vitamins that can provide relief for various ailments such as arthritis, asthma, and skin disorders.
It is said to release essential minerals and vitamins that can provide relief for various ailments such as arthritis, asthma, and skin disorders. Many visitors are often seen covering themselves in the seaweed, hoping to experience its magical healing effects. Apart from its enchanting seaweed, Playa Guiones offers a range of other activities for visitors to enjoy.
Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry
The Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry is a deciduous shrub growing to around 6 feet tall and wide. Bushy, with branches rising from the ground, it is a selected superior form of a native American shrub, so it’s the perfect choice for natural gardens and wooded areas, as well as for the back of shrub beds. It thrives in wet ground, so plant it along streams, in low lying areas, and use it on slopes for erosion control. The plump berries make tasty jellies and juices, and they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Outstanding red and purple fall colors
- White summer flowers followed by large black berries
- Fruits and leaves are glossy and attractive
- Berries are excellent and healthy in the kitchen
- Top choice for natural gardens and wet soil
Grow the Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry in full sun or partial shade. It will color best in fall with some direct sunlight. It grows in any kind of soil, including wet and boggy places. Avoid very dry and sandy soils, although established plants have some drought resistance. Little or no pruning is needed, it has no pests or diseases, and this great bush is very low-maintenance, fitting in anywhere in the garden.
A major trend in gardening today is towards more natural gardens, and to using native plants in the garden. Concerns about the impact on the local environment from the escape of some non-native species, and a desire to have gardens that feel more like our rapidly-vanishing natural surroundings have driven this trend. We can also walk a ‘middle-way’, and use attractive native plants in any garden, and the appreciation of their quieter beauty has also grown. If you already have a natural area on your property you have a great start, and you can enhance the beauty and diversity of that space by planting different native plants that may not be growing there already. Some of our native shrubs are already attractive enough to hold their heads high in our gardens, and when special forms are carefully selected, they can make a big contribution to every kind of garden. You may want to choose a plant that is natural to North America, or you may simply want to grow attractive shrubs in your garden. In either case, the Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry satisfies all these impulses and needs. Carefully selected by plant experts for its excellent fall colors, this shrub is valuable everywhere – and edible too.
The Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry grows into a rounded shrub with an open form, reaching 3 to 6 feet tall, and spreading just a little wider. It has many upright stems rising from the base, creating a full plant with a tidy look. The young stems are smooth and reddish brown, turning purple-brown as they mature. Older stems and trunks are dark brown, and they remain smooth, without deep fissures or cracks. The oval leaves have a short, pointed end, and fine serrations along the edges. They are glossy, 1 to 3 inches long and a bright green color. In fall this tree becomes a blazing red beacon, because the leaves turn excellent shades of bold, vibrant red and rich, deep purples. The outstanding fall colors were the main reason this variety of chokeberry was selected and preserved.
Between June and August, the ends of the branches of the Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry carry clusters of 5 to 10 white flowers, each about ½ inch across. With their five petals held out flat around a center of spikey stamens, they have a quiet beauty, and a plant in full bloom is an attractive feature in any bed. Pollinating insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar. By late summer and into the fall those flowers have turned into dark, glossy, purplish-black berries the size of blueberries. On this variety they are exceptionally large and abundant. A single bush is self-pollinating and carries a large crop. The berries are a valuable winter food for native birds, but they are also edible and useful in the kitchen. They are semi-sweet but sour and astringent when fresh, but once cooked into jellies, jams, syrups, teas and even wine, they are tasty and enjoyable. Rich in antioxidants, numerous phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, this bush is a valuable addition to any food-producing garden. Rich in pectin, the berries are very easy to turn into jelly, alone or mixed with other fruits.
The Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry grows easily in full sun or partial shade, such as along the margins of a woodlot, or in clearings. It grows in most soils, including wet ones, and it thrives along the edges of streams and lakes, as well as in low-lying, boggy areas. With its strong roots and multiple branches, it is a great choice for banks and slopes, giving good erosion control and preventing banks from collapsing. It grows at a moderate pace, and although it does sucker from the base a little, it is not invasive. Regular pruning is not needed, although after a few years you can remove a few of the oldest branches at the base in spring to stimulate the development of new young stems.
The black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa , is one of three chokeberries found in North America. The others have red or purple berries. It grows wild in woods and swampy areas from Newfoundland and Ontario all the way south to Georgia. Plants from seed are variable in size and fall color, and the variety ‘Autumn Magic’ began its life as a seedling. Some plants were grown from seed at Hadlow College a horticultural training center in the UK, and among them was one with exceptional fall colors and large berries. It was sent to the Botanic Gardens of the University of British Columbia for assessment, and they released it to nurseries in 1994 under their Garden Plant Introduction Scheme. Since then it has become the ‘go-to’ variety of black chokeberry, and an outstanding plant for gardens, both cultivated and wild. If you want a handsome food plant that is ornamental and easy to grow, order now, because our stock will not last long.
Between June and August, the ends of the branches of the Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry carry clusters of 5 to 10 white flowers, each about ½ inch across. With their five petals held out flat around a center of spikey stamens, they have a quiet beauty, and a plant in full bloom is an attractive feature in any bed. Pollinating insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar. By late summer and into the fall those flowers have turned into dark, glossy, purplish-black berries the size of blueberries. On this variety they are exceptionally large and abundant. A single bush is self-pollinating and carries a large crop. The berries are a valuable winter food for native birds, but they are also edible and useful in the kitchen. They are semi-sweet but sour and astringent when fresh, but once cooked into jellies, jams, syrups, teas and even wine, they are tasty and enjoyable. Rich in antioxidants, numerous phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, this bush is a valuable addition to any food-producing garden. Rich in pectin, the berries are very easy to turn into jelly, alone or mixed with other fruits.
The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. There are several hiking trails nearby that lead to stunning viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can also explore the nearby Ostional Wildlife Refuge, home to an abundance of wildlife, including sea turtles. For those looking for a more tranquil experience, Playa Guiones is an ideal place to relax and unwind. The long stretch of pristine sandy beach provides the perfect setting for sunbathing, yoga, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore. The warm, clear waters of the Pacific Ocean are also great for swimming and snorkeling. When it comes to accommodation, Playa Guiones offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy eco-lodges, there is something for everyone. Visitors can also find a variety of restaurants and cafes serving both local and international cuisine, ensuring that their taste buds are satisfied. In conclusion, Playa Guiones is a magical destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure. Whether you are a surfer seeking the perfect wave or a nature lover looking for a peaceful retreat, this beach has something to offer everyone. With its magic seaweed, stunning views, and range of activities, Playa Guiones is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered..
Reviews for "Nature's Beauty: Photography of Playa Guiones' Seaweed"
1. Jane - 2 stars: I wasn't impressed with Playa Guiones Magic Seaweed. The accommodations were average at best, with outdated furniture and amenities. The beach access was also not as convenient as advertised, as we had to walk quite a distance to get to the water. Additionally, the noise from nearby construction was disruptive and made it difficult to relax. Overall, I was disappointed with my stay and would not recommend this place to others.
2. Mark - 3 stars: Playa Guiones Magic Seaweed was not what I expected. The room was clean, but the overall atmosphere was lackluster. The staff was friendly enough, but not particularly helpful or attentive to our needs. The pool area was small and overcrowded, and the beach was overcrowded as well. It felt more like a tourist trap than a relaxing vacation spot. I think there are better options available in this area, so I wouldn't choose to stay here again.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: Playa Guiones Magic Seaweed was a disappointment. The room we stayed in was not well-maintained, with stains on the furniture and a musty odor. The Wi-Fi was unreliable, making it difficult to stay connected. The location was also not ideal, as it was far from any restaurants or other attractions. The only positive aspect was the friendly staff, but that wasn't enough to make up for the other shortcomings. I would not recommend this place for a comfortable or enjoyable stay.