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South Tyrol's most popular attraction, situated in Merano, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle present more than eighty garden landscapes (natural and cultivated landscapes) with plants from around the globe on a surface area of 12 hectares. The gardens – encircled by the snow-blanketed mountains of the Texel Group, which tower to elevations of 3,000 meters – are divided into four themed areas: Forests of the World features forests from the Americas and Asia in miniature. The Sun Gardens sweep visitors into Mediterranean landscapes. The Water and Terraced Gardens comprise formal garden areas with stairways and water features. Last but not least, Landscapes of South Tyrol grants insight into the original plant life of the region. The strength of the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle lies in its unique combination of art and nature – its ten Artists Pavilions are a good example – as are its inclusion of thematically relevant animals and its juxtaposition of historical and contemporary architecture. In addition, there are multifaceted Experience Stations, a concert series specially designed for the gardens, and striking blooming highlights in flux throughout the course of the year. Then there is the castle, a former holiday residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, which houses the Touriseum, the first museum of tourism in the Alps. A final reason behind why Trauttmansdorff is such a success is its setting: nestled into a terraced amphitheatre with an altitude differential of 100 meters, the gardens offer panoramic views of Merano and the surrounding mountains. The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle is a total sensory experience for both anyone who is young –or young at heart. It’s a place of recreation and a place to just hang out; it’s for laymen as well as for botanical experts. In recognition of this successful blend of nature and art, and for its innovative spirit, Trauttmansdorff was named Italy’s Most Beautiful Garden in 2005; just a year later, it earned the distinction of being voted Europe's No. 6 Garden. Because of its location, in the Italian province of South Tyrol, Trauttmansdorff serves a bridging function between the German-speaking and Italian-speaking areas, living and communicating in a multilingual way. Respect for the world of plants – ecological and sustainable plant care is a top priority – finds its equivalent in the peaceful coexistence of the garden visitors, who enjoy the gardens as a harmonious and conflict-free place where many cultures come together. At Trauttmansdorff, the main focus is our visitors. Good service is vital to us, from the reception area at the visitor centre to our meticulous maintenance of the stroller- and wheelchair-friendly paths to the regional specialities served at Schlossgarten Restaurant and the Palm Café. In accordance with the theme Gardens in Motion, the look of the gardens changes every week; new garden areas and unique attractions are added every year. The origins of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the architectural centrepiece of the gardens, go all the way back to the Middle Ages. The structure was first documented in 1300 as Neuberg Castle. The medieval walls are still visible on the southwest side, and the crypt dates from that period. The fresco room has also been preserved from the Renaissance period. In the middle of the nineteenth century, Count Joseph von Trauttmansdorff bought the dilapidated building and renovated it using neo-Gothic elements. Trauttmansdorff Castle is thus Tyrol’s earliest example of a neo-Gothic castle. The next owner, Baron Friedrich von Deuster raised the east wing of the castle one level by adding the grand Rococo Hall in 1899, significantly altering the shape of the castle. The castle, which had been neglected after the world wars, was renovated again between 2000 and 2003: the siding, chapel, crypt, Rococo Hall, and Empress Elisabeth’s second floor living quarters have all been restored to their former splendour. The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff are part of South Tyrol's leading agricultural research facility: Laimburg Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry; it was, in fact, built by Laimburg Estate Management. As a province-owned botanical garden, Trauttmansdorff is managed as a recreational attraction with a great deal of team spirit and in accordance with principles of modern corporate governance.

 Listings /  Greater Europe

The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. Founded in 1638, the Hortus has a beautiful collection of over 4,000 plant species from all over the world. It is right in the centre of the energetic city life of Amsterdam. But here, you can get away from the hectic streets and wander around in warm lushes greenhouses, 'discover' flowering waterlilies and enjoy the shades of ancient trees. The Hortus is open every day, every season. Also check the website or the newsletter for more information on extra activities. In the 17th century, medicinal herbs were vital to the city’s health care. Therefore, when the Hortus was founded in 1638, medicinal plants made up the core of the plant collection. The plants were used for the education of doctors and pharmacists in the 17th century. In 1646, Johannes Snippendaal was appointed as prefect (director) of the Hortus Medicus Amsterdam. In that same, year he managed to catalogue the entire collection of the Hortus. By the end of that year, he counted 796 different plant species, the majority of which were medicinal plants, but special ornamental plants were also included. By making this list, he wrote the first catalogue of the Hortus Medicus Amsterdam. In 2007, the Hortus completed a unique project: a translation of Snippendaal’s catalogue and the realization of a garden containing the plants described in the catalogue. The plants growing in this Snippendaal Garden were also being cultivated in the Hortus Medicus in 1646. Nothing is known about the layout of the Hortus Medicus. Bureau SB4 (Wageningen) made a contemporary design, reminiscent of the straight rectangular beds of 17th century gardens.

 Listings /  Greater Europe

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is a place where you can discover the world of science behind our botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found across our UNESCO World Heritage site. Our mission at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is to understand and protect plants and fungi, for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. Earth is the only planet in the universe that we know for certain supports life. Yet that life is in crisis. The unprecedented rate of degradation means we are living through an age of extinction. We know the next decade is critical to reverse this trend. Our aspiration at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is to end the extinction crisis and help create a world where nature is protected, valued and managed sustainably. Our scientists will identify and strive to protect species of plants and fungi globally, as well as revealing those that could be new sources of food, medicine, fuel or materials. We will promote and provide access to knowledge, ideas and beautiful gardens that motivate individuals to be advocates for nature. The world needs brilliant scientists and horticulturists. We commit to training students from the UK and around the world. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a public body and charity with global collections and influence. We must be for everyone, disseminating our knowledge and collections both physically and digitally for global benefit. We will speak with confidence and prominence to advocate policies aligned with our mission. We will be an exemplar of environmental responsibility in all that we do, including by exceeding net-zero carbon emissions to become Climate Positive by 2030.

 Listings /  United Kingdom

The Blenheim Palace Flower Show is an annual horticultural event featuring hundreds of garden and home exhibitors, a Grand Floral Pavilion, a Floral Art Marquee and live entertainment across the three-day show. The show is set in the grounds of the stunning Blenheim Palace, which is one of the biggest palaces in the UK. The Blenheim Palace Flower Show is the perfect place to discover your favourite plants, flowers and an array of gardening goodies from unique garden gazebos, greenhouses and arbours to beautiful flowers, gardening sundries and hundreds of other products. Every year, they are looking forward to welcoming you back for a wonderful three-day gardening show to celebrate the best of their homes and gardens. At the flower show you can enjoy of their Outdoor Plant Village, filled with more plants, flowers and bulbs than ever before, to peruse and purchase new additions to your home and garden. Also, you are welcome to take a stroll through their shopping village and discover a whole range of products for your garden. From unique garden gazebos, greenhouses and arbours to gardening sundries and hundreds of other products, you'll find everything you need for your garden. The Indoor Shopping Pavilion is packed with the highest quality gift ideas, handmade crafts and exquisite country home wares including artwork, kitchenware, naturally sourced health & beauty products plus much more. Furthermore, you can taste your way around the world in their Fine Food & Drink Pavilion where top billed food & drink companies will sell an array of delicious sausages, oils, cheese and confectionery, many offering irresistible free tasters. There you'll find a whole array of stands selling a selection of food and refreshments. Sit back, relax and take the weight off your feet. The UK’s favourite exhibitors, businesses and sponsors attend The Blenheim Palace Flower Show. Take part in exhibiting and your brand will be associated with one of the finest Flower Shows in The UK. Thousands of visitors attend the show every year and come specifically to try and buy new products.

 Listings /  United Kingdom

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Our exciting gardens are the best for spotting the latest trends and cutting edge ideas in garden design. Our spectacular Show Gardens provide a slice of gardening theatre, while the smaller Sanctuary Gardens embrace the benefits of gardens on wellbeing. The new All About Plants category champions the positive impact of plants, and garden designers new to Chelsea have created Balcony and Container Gardens designed for urban living. RHS Chelsea’s Great Pavilion will again be filled with the glorious sights and scents of spring. Some of the world’s finest growers and nurseries will be back, offering impressive displays and expert advice. After an enormously popular debut in 2021, our Houseplant Studios are returning to Ranelagh Gardens in 2022 to provide more plant-filled home inspiration. Stylists have the freedom to dress each studio to represent any room in a house, and the range of designs is guaranteed to be both fun and fabulous. The Discovery Zone in the Great Pavilion is home to educational exhibits promoting the latest discoveries in horticultural science. Here you can explore these inspiring displays, many of which champion the benefits of gardening and how that action may combat climate change or improve mental wellbeing. Chelsea hosts an array of horticultural products and is the perfect place to browse and buy something for the home and garden. You’ll get to experience the stylish atmosphere of the show with unrivalled boutique shopping.

 Listings /  United Kingdom

Chorley Flower Show is a three-day event, where you can see and speak to gold-medal winning entrants from some of the country’s biggest shows in the professional exhibitors’ marquee. You can also meet experts and celebrity gardeners who will give you top tips on how to improve your garden. This spectacular event, which scooped a prestigious Lancashire Tourism Award for 'Tourism Event of the Year', is the perfect day out for anyone who likes gardening, plants and flowers. Plus, with children’s activities and delicious food and drink, it’s a treat for all the family. Set in the stunning grounds of Astley Hall. You will be able to get all the essentials for your garden with their wide variety of trade stands, which will sell something for every garden. See the amazing amateur marquee with regional competitions hosted by the National Sweet Pea Society and National Begonia Society. Plus, you can also be a part of the show and put your applications on their website. Furthermore, you can enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawns with plenty of entertainment throughout the day for all the family including horticultural demonstrations, children’s activities, food and drink and relaxing music to enjoy. With traders serving delicious treats from a wide variety of food and drink stalls serving local produce, your taste buds will be spoilt for choice. In Chorley Flower Show you can find some of the finest professional exhibitors with multiple gold medals from the country’s largest flower shows and RHS events, national and local societies displaying their plants and running regional competitions, many gardening theatres with demonstrations from professional gardeners, a selection of excellent local and national horticultural traders for all of your gardening needs, a selection of excellent food and drink traders will be at the show to cater for all tastes, live entertainment throughout the weekend with a selection of live music and walkabout acts in the park entertaining our visitors, and different kind of competition as the amateur photography competition, their Flowers, Fruit and Vegetable and Floral Art competitions, the Schools and Community groups Garden Competition, and many more. Chorley Flower Show is a great day out for all the family, there really is something for everyone!

 Listings /  United Kingdom

I am a Zambian born, comes from a family of 8 and the youngest of the Mwila’s. My siblings always thought I was spoilt because I was the youngest, but I don’t think so! I was born in a town called Mufulira on the Copper belt side of Zambia in 1981,the Copper belt province is rich with mineral finds and Mines, hence the name. I am Married to Eric and we have a beautiful daughter called Chanda, she is 15 years. I completed my matric in 1999 and my mother advised me to study food production since I loved cooking, I did it for her though it was a course that I never dreamt of studying. I graduated successfully and worked for 2 years as a chef, got tired of cooking, I dodged that career and went into studying computers, worked as a receptionist and studied Human resources at the same time and obtained a diploma. I worked for a courier company as a Human Resources assistant. In 2012, I moved to South Africa, Cape Town when I got married, joined a Mobile Money company called Zoona with operations in Zambia, and I worked there for 5 years as a support agent. Zoona is an African Fintech company founded in 2009 with the vision of helping communities thrive. Since launching, it created over 2,500 jobs in Zambia and Malawi, empowered over 1,000 entrepreneurs to start their own business and allowed them to reach earnings of over $10 million. I enjoyed working for this company because we really helped girl child prevail. Apart from the above, I am a lover of interior designing, and my wish is to have one of the most successful Interior business one day, through my passion for interior, I designed my sister’s Kitchen area, how amazing!!! I love cooking and baking (especially Cake pops), they are my favorites!!! I love adventure, gardening and working out too, I am a gym freak. Most importantly, I love spending time with my loved ones. I reflect a varied personality, including ambition, and the qualities of generosity and thoughtfulness. I am also a well determined and vigorous individual, and yet calm. I encourage fighting for what you desire and believe in and doing it through God because nothing great comes easy. I believe mindfulness in the workplace is key to success. Having worked in Customer care I have gained extensive experience in; Empathy, Adaptability, Ability to Use Positive Language, Clear Communication Skills, Self-Control, Taking Responsibility and Patience.

 Listings /  Africa

I have four passions in life. My sport, family, work and God. Each I pursue with dogged determination to be better and to excel. The greatest blessing and experience in life is the privilege of life is having a loving and supporting wife and incredible children. My relationship with each of them is treasured above all. I am blessed in that I am healthy, enjoy the blessing of life and am extremely active. I am thrilled to be able to compete on the international stage for home and country. Success therein is just a cherry on top. Career and work has been an incredible experience. Knowing what I wanted to be early in high school and achieving such has brought about economic emancipation and a lifestyle I could only dream about as a little boy. I bask in the success and abilities given to me and the blessing poured out in great abundance.

 Listings /  Africa

I'm the family person, hard-working woman, a mom of a handsome boy, adventures and a God fearing woman. I worked at the Department of Health as an Administration Clerk for 5 years. We've opened an N.P.O Youth Initiative. We are developing youth in programs such as soccer, reading and our culture. We conduct awareness campaigns about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. We facilitate the formation of support groups. And I have passion in farming. We started poultry farming and rabbits and we are selling the eggs in our community. I've done short course in Financial Management at University of Forte at PFMA.

 Listings /  Africa

Edible Backyard is Kath Irvine’s permaculture home garden. Created to support you on your journey to becoming a food gardener, Kath teaches you how to design and run your own low work + low input yet highly productive Edible Backyard. The kind of garden I wish for you is productive, beautiful and most of all easy. Sounds dreamy aye, but its totally doable. With a little forethought and patience in the beginning, and a few helpful nudges from me, you'll create garden nirvana - less pests, less disease, more joy and a bounty of kai. Teaming up with the web of life is the way. The more life your garden supports, the stronger it is and the less you need do. Its such a thrilling ride, my friends and I'm stoked to journey alongside you. As you let go and learn to trust natural processes you'll see that life has you and your garden in its hands. Put your trust in it, and it will steer you to Eden.

 Listings /  Oceana/Antarctic

Very Edible Gardens (VEG) is a Melbourne (of the Australian persuasion) based permaculture design consultancy, directed by Dan Palmer and Adam Grubb. We were co-founders of the permablitz network, which is a volunteer backyard makeover network, and that’s mostly where we earned our stripes in garden design. As Very Edible Gardens, besides designing, we run workshops, build gardens, and write related books and blogs, do some radio. In 2006 Dan was a successful academic in philosophy with two book deals and a teaching job in New York. Adam was running the most popular website on the net about global energy depletion. We’d each been raised in families that practised a lot of self-reliance, but in our own ways we’d each lost site of it. Heck, Adam was pretty much half-computer. And we each had a desire to be doing something more tangible. Independently we enrolled at a two week Permaculture Design Course with the late permaculture godfather Bill Mollison in 2005. For Adam, permaculture was the perfect antidote to his concerns about a future of less resources. For Dan, it was enough of a kick in the behind to give up his university philosophy job and book deals! After practising in our own gardens, on an April Sunday in 2006, we got together with a few friends from a South American community group and helped transform our friend Vilma’s backyard into a tasty edible oasis. And we danced the salsa. That was the very first permablitz; a day on which volunteers come together to install edible gardens, share knowledge, build community networks and have fun. We had such a good time and achieved so much that we did it again at another friend’s house two weeks later. And then again… And again… Others began picking up the concept and there have now been 200 blitzes in Melbourne and the process has gone global.

 Listings /  Oceana/Antarctic

The Orchard Project is the only national charity dedicated solely to the creation, restoration and celebration of community orchards. We aim to make a serious contribution to a better food system, based on people working together where they live to produce and harvest their own fruit. We work closely with community groups in hubs around England, Scotland and Wales helping to design and create new orchards that will last for decades to come, as well as restoring England’s old, neglected heritage orchards. We rebuild orcharding skills and knowledge, hold fantastic orchard celebration events and help groups make the most of their bumper harvests. Our aim is that every home in every city, town and village across the country is within easy-reach of productive, well-cared-for, community-run orchards. We believe that orchards have the potential to build stronger communities by providing cherished, nature-rich, community spaces and empowering people to contribute to reducing food miles. Since our inception, The Orchard Project (TOP) has consistently viewed community orchards as contributing to climate solutions, particularly in urban areas. As the climate crisis worsens, we are striving to apply our expertise more than ever to this end. Read our Climate Crisis Response Strategy.

 Listings /  United Kingdom

Edible Landscapes London was founded in 2010. We pioneered the first accredited course in forest gardening, while training hundreds of students in plant propagation, permaculture and other related subjects. Edible Landscapes London is a not-for-profit community education project. We specialise in forest gardening – a food growing design system that mimics natural ecosystems, involving a variety of perennial plants and trees. Our volunteer sessions help Londoners learn to grow more of their own food, and propagate plants to give away to local projects. We are proud to say that we developed the first ever accredited forest gardening course in the UK, and continue to run a variety of community workshops on related subjects. Our garden contains over 200 species of low-maintenance, edible or useful perennials, which are arranged in guilds to mimic natural ecosystems. Our aim is to provide accessible education around permaculture and forest gardens. We do this while working with the local community to create more biodiverse, edible landscapes – healthier habitats for wildlife and people. Our garden in Finsbury Park provides a space within nature to come together and share ideas. We feel planting forest gardens serves to empower our communities, offering a direct response to issues such as climate change at a grassroots level.

 Listings /  United Kingdom

Le Jardin botanique de Montréal est situé dans le spacieux parc Maisonneuve de la ville, formant une grande partie du quartier des musées Espace pour la vie. Le jardin lui-même contient dix serres et 30 jardins thématiques, et est une plaque tournante pour les amoureux des plantes et les experts pour se réunir et se mettre la main verte. Il a également abrité des sculptures végétales géantes et trippantes en forme d'animaux, dans le cadre de l'exposition « Mosaïculture » du festival de Montréal. Mange ton cœur, Edward aux mains d'argent. On its 75 hectares, the Montreal Botanical Garden presents visitors with a remarkable diversity of plants, all year round. Explore its beauty through the twenty thematic gardens and the 10 exhibition greenhouses. Montreal Botanical Garden is based in the city’s spacious Maisonneuve Park, forming a large part of the Space For Life museum district. The garden itself contains ten greenhouses and 30 thematic gardens, and is a hub for plant lovers and experts to come together and get green-fingered. It’s also been home to giant, trippy plant sculptures shaped like animals, as part of the ‘Mosaiculture’ exhibition of Montreal festival. Eat your heart out, Edward Scissorhands.

 Listings /  North America

The idea of a national garden in Singapore started in 1822 when Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore and a keen naturalist, developed the first ‘Botanical and Experimental Garden’ at Fort Canning. It was only in 1859 that the Gardens at its present site was founded and laid out in the English Landscape Movement’s style by an Agri-Horticultural society. The Gardens was soon handed over to the British colonial government (in 1874) and a series of Kew-trained botanists saw the Gardens blossom into an important botanical institute over the following decades. Today, the Gardens is managed by the National Parks Board, a statutory board of the Singapore government. In the early years, the Gardens played an important role in fostering agricultural development in Singapore and the region through collecting, growing, experimenting and distributing potentially useful plants. One of the earliest and most important successes was the introduction, experimentation and promotion of Para Rubber, Hevea brasiliensis. This became a major crop that brought great prosperity to the South East Asian region in the early 20th century. From 1928, the Gardens spearheaded orchid breeding and started its orchid hybridisation programme, facilitated by new in vitro techniques pioneered in its laboratories. In contemporary times, the Gardens also played a key role in Singapore’s Garden City programme through the continual introduction of plants of horticultural and botanical interest. Established in 1859, the 82-hectare Gardens holds a unique and significant place in the history of Singapore and the region. Through the botanical and horticultural work carried out today, it will continue to play an important role as a leading tropical botanical institute, and an endearing place to all Singaporeans. The Gardens has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) on 4 July 2015. The Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is the first in Asia and the third botanic gardens inscribed in the world following Orto botanico di Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

 Listings /  Asia

Since 1673 Chelsea Physic Garden has occupied four acres of land on the edge of the Thames. First established by the Apothecaries in order to grow medicinal plants, this extraordinary garden in London has had wide reaching impact around the world. The Garden’s location feels special and secret. It is nestled behind walls and positioned close to the River Thames. The ideal Thames location is no accident as back in 1673 the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries chose their Chelsea village site for its proximity to the river to make the most of its warm air currents. It gave them a base to moor their barge, allowing them to conduct plant finding expeditions in surrounding areas and to teach their apprentices to identify plants, those that might cure and those that might kill! The site is also blessed with a south facing aspect and good quality warm light soil, having previously been the site of a market garden. The River access allowed plants arriving from around the world to be introduced to the British Isles via the Garden, allowing the Garden to make a big impact from early on. Its international reputation was established quickly as a result of the global seed exchange scheme, known as Index Seminum, which it initiated in the 1700s and continues to this day. The Garden’s unique microclimate and location has allowed many of our gardeners throughout our history to grow plants not frequently found outside in the UK, including the UK’s largest fruiting olive tree. In 1976 the head gardener collected a record crop of 7lb of ripe olives, which is a London crop record! Chelsea is no longer a village but the Garden’s location still feels special and has been a huge factor in its success to this day. The Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden and contains a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful and medicinal plants that have changed the world.

 Listings /  United Kingdom

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch has sheltered, and provided water and food for many peoples over the millennia. The presence of Stone Age man is indicated by hand-axes and stone implements found in the Dell. By the time the Europeans first sailed around the Cape in the late 1400s, the Khoikhoi people were using this land and had been here for about 2000 years. Two clans lived on the Cape Peninsula, the Gorachouqua and the Goringhaiqua. They grazed their cattle in Table Valley in early summer, travelled to the Hout Bay area in midsummer and crossed the Cape Flats to the Boland during winter. In April 1652 Jan Van Riebeeck, acting for the Dutch East India Company, arrived at the Cape to set up a refreshment station for passing ships. The settlement soon spread to our side of TableMountain in search of timber and farmland. On 27 October 1657 a stretch of forest that included Kirstenbosch was granted to Leendert Cornelissen, a free carpenter and sawyer. At that time, this land was known as Leendertsbos. Cornelissen was responsible for protecting the forest from indiscriminate hacking for firewood in order to provide a steady supply of wood for the settlement. The settlement lay in the path of traditional Khoikhoi grazing routes and open conflict broke out between the Khoikhoi and the settlers during 1659-60. Kirstenbosch lay on the frontier and Cornelissen and his men were involved in a skirmish with a group of Khoikhoi people in the forest in May 1659. Jan Van Riebeeck decided that a defensive barrier was required to protect the settlement. In 1659 they started building a wooden fence, with watchtowers, from the mouth of the Salt River through Rondebosch to Kirstenbosch, using the deeper sections of the Liesbeeck River as part of the barrier. But the fence was expensive, and slow-going. In 1660 Van Riebeeck ploughed up and planted the remaining section between the river and Kirstenbosch with a hedge of Wild Almond trees (Brabejum stellatifolium) and thorny brambles. Sections of Van Riebeeck’s Hedge still survive in Kirstenbosch. By 1661 Leendert Cornelissen was discharged from his office as a Burgher Councillor for brawling, fighting and swearing, and little is heard of him after 1672 when Leendertsbos reverted to the Company. During the time that the forests were being harvested, the woodcutters made tracks through the forest where timber was hauled out, some of them are still in use as footpaths or access roads. All that remains of the woodcutter’s house is a few piles of stones and a line of stones across the Stinkwood Trail.

 Listings /  Africa

In età romana, accanto alle acque che sgorgavano dai monti Lepini, fu costruito un piccolo tempio dedicato alle Ninfe, divinità dei boschi e delle acque: da esse prese il nome il fiume che attraversa Ninfa. La ricchezza di acque agevolò un insediamento che divenne potente in quanto controllava l'unica via pedemontana che, dopo l'impaludamento dell'Appia, portava da Velletri a Terracina. Nacque Ninfa che nel 1297 fu acquistata da Pietro II conte di Caserta, su mandato di Papa Bonifacio VIII, Benedetto Caetani. Nel 1382 Ninfa fu assalita, saccheggiata e abbandonata. Il lungo abbandono durò fino ai primi due decenni del Novecento, quando i Caetani iniziarono a restaurare i primi edifici, a scavare il letto del fiume, a piantare alberi, avviando l'odierno giardino che poi crebbe sotto le cure di tre donne: Ada Bootle Wilbraham, inglese, la cognata Marguerite Chapin, americana, e la nipote Lelia. Nel 1977 con la morte di Lelia, alla Fondazione Roffredo Caetani fu affidato il compito di perpetuare la bellezza di questo luogo. Nymphs, divinities of the woods and waters: the river that crosses Ninfa took its name from them. The wealth of water facilitated a settlement that became powerful as it controlled the only piedmont road that, after the swamping of the Appia, led from Velletri to Terracina. Ninfa was born which in 1297 was bought by Peter II, Count of Caserta, on the mandate of Pope Boniface VIII, Benedetto Caetani. In 1382 Ninfa was attacked, sacked and abandoned. The long abandonment lasted until the first two decades of the twentieth century, when the Caetanis began to restore the first buildings, to dig the river bed, to plant trees, starting the current garden which then grew under the care of three women: Ada Bootle Wilbraham, English, her sister-in-law Marguerite Chapin, American, and her niece Lelia. In 1977 with Lelia's death, the Roffredo Caetani Foundation was entrusted with the task of perpetuating the beauty of this place.

 Listings /  Greater Europe

Solo nel 1852, quando Evelina van Millingen giunge a Vescovana, inizia la trasformazione del giardino. È lei a risollevare lo stato di abbandono e a creare l’aura di aristocratica informalità della “Fattoria del Doge”, dando inizio alla realizzazione del suo “Crispin de Passe”. Cosi chiamò il suo giardino in onore del famoso botanico fiammingo Crispin van de Passe (1600). Il giardino di Villa Pisani manifesta in ogni suo elemento le tre anime di Evelina, dovute, una all’educazione discendente dalla sua famiglia di origine (inglese e fiamminga), una al suo paese di adozione da sposa, e una al suo forte legame con la Turchia e alla cultura islamica. La forte radice inglese, che si esprime nel gusto vittoriano mitigato dal rispetto per la secolare storia dei Pisani, si salda con la tradizione del giardino all’italiana e diviene un armonioso incontro tra un impianto fortemente architettonico e la naturalità del parco circostante. Ma nel giardino sono evidenti i segni che evocano il giardino islamico, come la fontana che sorge al centro dei quattro viali che rappresentano i quattro elementi che governano la vita, l’aria, la terra, l’acqua e il fuoco. Come la presenza dei pavoni di pietra, che sono nella tradizione dei sultani, i custodi della casa, e delle bulbose, specialmente dei tulipani, i fiori di Allah. Intorno alla metà del 1800 si era affermato, soprattutto in Toscana, il gusto per l’Italianate garden filtrato del gusto Vittoriano. Nel Veneto Asburgico questa tendenza non aveva trovato riscontro se non a Vescovana, dove la proprietaria colta e cosmopolita che poteva vantare tra i suoi ospiti i Principi del Galles, realizzò questo particolare impianto con vasi, statue e fontane, fino a farlo diventare un “unicum” di questa tipologia di giardino. Siepe di tassi topiati in forma di solidi divide “l’immediate garden” dalla prateria e dal parco che è percorso da un viale perimetrale con diramazioni lungo le quali si incontrano in successione: la ghiacciaia naturale, la fontana dedicata alla Symonds, il giardino roccioso (la Mockery), le false rovine (“Tempio di Baal e mura di Gerico”), la Cappella di Famiglia, importante ed unico esempio di stile neogotico elisabettiano realizzata nel 1860 dallo scultore Antonio Gradenigo (scultore per Jappelli nel Caffè Pedrocchi a Padova) su progetto di Pietro Selvatico Estense, il Teatro dell’800 e il Tempietto dedicato a Sant’Antonio. Ma il capolavoro di questo splendido progetto è la grande quantità e varietà di piante secolari e monumentali, anche non autoctone, le cui dimensioni e chiome fanno di ciascuno un esemplare, unico oltre che storico. E’ un percorso affascinante, in cui ciascuna pianta dispensa le emozioni più intense: superbe e generose sovrane, esse riconducono al mistero della natura che immobile e viva governa sopra ogni inquietudine e infondono quiete nel gioco di ombre e luci, oscurità e bagliori. Giardino e Parco di Villa Pisani sono la testimonianza della personalità e della fascinazione umana di Evelina Pisani così forte da sentirla ancora presente. Only in 1852, when Evelina van Millingen arrived in Vescovana, did the transformation of the garden begin. It is she who revives the state of abandonment and creates the aura of aristocratic informality of the “Fattoria del Doge”, starting the creation of her “Crispin de Passe”. This is how he named his garden in honor of the famous Flemish botanist Crispin van de Passe (1600). The garden of Villa Pisani manifests in all its elements the three souls of Evelina, due, one to the education descending from her family of origin (English and Flemish), one to her country of adoption as a bride, and one to her strong bond with Turkey and Islamic culture. The strong English root, which is expressed in the Victorian taste mitigated by respect for the centuries-old history of the Pisans, merges with the tradition of the Italian garden and becomes a harmonious encounter between a strongly architectural structure and the naturalness of the surrounding park. But in the garden the signs that evoke the Islamic garden are evident, such as the fountain that rises in the center of the four avenues that represent the four elements that govern life, air, earth, water and fire. Like the presence of the stone peacocks. Around the mid-1800s, especially in Tuscany, the taste for the filtered Italianate garden of the Victorian taste was established. In the Hapsburg Veneto this trend had not found confirmation except in Vescovana, where the cultured and cosmopolitan owner who could boast the Princes of Wales among her guests, created this particular plant with vases, statues and fountains, until it became a "unicum "Of this type of garden. A hedge of topiated yews in the form of solids divides the "immediate garden" from the prairie and the park which is crossed by a perimeter avenue with branches along which they meet in succession: the natural icebox, the fountain dedicated to Symonds, the rock garden (the Mockery), the false ruins ("Temple of Baal and walls of Jericho"), the Family Chapel, an important and unique example of Elizabethan neo-Gothic style created in 1860 by the sculptor Antonio Gradenigo (sculptor for Jappelli in the Caffè Pedrocchi in Padua) on a project by Pietro Selvatico Estense, the 19th century Theater and the Tempietto dedicated to Sant'Antonio. But the masterpiece of this splendid project is the large quantity and variety of centuries-old and monumental plants, even non-native ones, whose dimensions and foliage make each one unique, as well as historical. It is a fascinating journey, in which each plant dispenses the most intense emotions: superb and generous sovereigns, they lead back to the mystery of the still and living nature that rules over all restlessness and instill calm in the play of shadows and lights, darkness and glow. Garden and Park of Villa Pisani are the testimony of Evelina Pisani's personality and human fascination so strong that she still feels present.

 Listings /  Greater Europe

Villa Borromeo Visconti Litta, villa di delizie in cui arte, storia e divertimento lasciano il visitatore incantato da tanta bellezza per la varietà di mosaici, statue, affreschi, fontane e giochi d’acqua. Fu il Conte Pirro I Visconti Borromeo – intorno al 1585 – a ideare il complesso ispirandosi alle ville medicee toscane e a trasformare la proprietà di Lainate in un luogo unico, grazie anche alle maestranze d’eccezione quali l’architetto Martino Bassi, gli scultori Francesco Brambilla il Giovane e Marco Antonio Prestinari, i pittori Camillo Procaccini e Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli detto il Morazzone, Agostino Lodola e Giovanni Battista Maestri, detto il Volpino. Il Conte fece realizzare i giardini e costruire il Palazzo delle Acque, più comunemente conosciuto come Ninfeo. La residenza diventò teatro di grandiose feste e ricevimenti, ma anche importante luogo di incontro per artisti e intellettuali . Il Ninfeo è luogo di grandissima suggestione e – proprio per la ricchezza di decorazioni e di spettacoli idraulici – è considerato l’esempio più importante e significativo del genere, soprattutto perché - cosa assai rara - funziona, oggi, esattamente come allora, grazie a sofisticati meccanismi idraulici governati da abili fontanieri. Villa Borromeo Visconti Litta, a villa of delights where art, history and entertainment leave the visitor enchanted by so much beauty for the variety of mosaics, statues, frescoes, fountains and water features. It was Count Pirro I Visconti Borromeo - around 1585 - who designed the complex inspired by the Tuscan Medici villas and transformed the Lainate property into a unique place, thanks also to the exceptional workers such as the architect Martino Bassi, the sculptors Francesco Brambilla the Younger and Marco Antonio Prestinari, the painters Camillo Procaccini and Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli known as Morazzone, Agostino Lodola and Giovanni Battista Maestri, known as Volpino. The Count had the gardens built and the Palazzo delle Acque built, more commonly known as the Nymphaeum. The residence became the scene of grandiose parties and receptions, but also an important meeting place for artists and intellectuals. The Nymphaeum is a very suggestive place and - precisely due to the richness of decorations and hydraulic shows - is considered the most important and significant example of the genre, above all because - which is very rare - it works today, exactly as it did then, thanks to sophisticated hydraulic mechanisms governed by skilled fountains.

 Listings /  Greater Europe

Villa Carlotta conserva e valorizza un patrimonio storico-artistico e botanico unico sul Lago di Como e lo offre come realtà da vivere per tutto il territorio. Costruita alla fine del Seicento dai marchesi Clerici di Milano, la Villa racconta oltre trecento anni di grande collezionismo e ogni anno apre le porte di un affascinante giardino botanico a migliaia di visitatori da tutto il mondo. LA NOSTRA MISSION: Conservare e valorizzare con competenza il patrimonio storico-artistico e botanico di Villa Carlotta. Vogliamo accogliere ed emozionare ogni ospite attraverso un’esperienza di qualità, unica e personalizzabile nello scenario del Lago di Como. Villa Carlotta è una realtà da vivere per tutto il territorio. Villa Carlotta preserves and enhances a unique historical-artistic and botanical heritage on Lake Como and offers it as a reality to be experienced for the whole territory. Built at the end of the seventeenth century by the Marquis Clerici of Milan, the Villa recounts over three hundred years of great collecting and every year opens the doors of a fascinating botanical garden to thousands of visitors from all over the world. OUR MISSION: Competently preserve and enhance the historical, artistic and botanical heritage of Villa Carlotta. We want to welcome and excite every guest through a quality, unique and customizable experience in the scenery of Lake Como. Villa Carlotta is a reality to be experienced for the whole territory.

 Listings /  Greater Europe

“Un bel giardino non ha bisogno di essere grande, ma deve essere la realizzazione del vostro sogno anche se è largo un paio di metri quadrati e si trova su un balcone”. Così spiegava il Capitano Neil Mc Eacharn a cui dobbiamo la nascita di questi meravigliosi giardini. Tra le piante presenti alcune delle quali uniche in Europa ed acclimatate dopo lungo lavoro, sono state disposte con senso d’arte in una cornice di bellezza, fra lago e monti. Nel lontano 1931, infatti, il Capitano Scozzese decise di acquistare la proprietà dalla Marchesa di Sant’Elia per trasformarla in un esemplare giardino all’inglese, ubicato in un lembo d' Italia che, pur con maggior morbidezza e ricchezza di toni, poteva ricordargli la nativa Scozia. Quest’opera doveva conciliare due esigenze fondamentali: estetiche e botaniche. Esigenze botaniche, in quanto le varie vegetazioni dovevano trovare condizioni di terreno e di clima il più possibile ideali. Le tappe della creazione dei nuovi giardini videro diverse fasi lavorative, sino alla loro ultimazione nel 1940. Molte migliaia di piante, importate da ogni parte del mondo costituiscono collezioni rarissime. Tra le opere più significative possiamo nominare: la “Valletta”, realizzata dopo imponenti lavori di scavo; l’impianto d’irrigazione, la cui acqua viene pompata direttamente dal lago in un capace serbatoio e quindi irradiata in ogni angolo della proprietà; i “Giardini terrazzati”, con le loro cascatelle, piscina, vasche per ninfee e fior di loto; il “Giardino d’inverno” ed il “Giardino palustre”; fontane ornamentali e giochi d’acqua. Realizzato così il “suo” giardino, che chiamò Villa Taranto, in memoria di un suo antenato, il Maresciallo McDonald, nominato Duca di Taranto da Napoleone, il Capitano volle che il significato dell’opera gentile e poderosa venisse proiettato nel tempo e, con un esempio di squisita generosità, donò la proprietà allo Stato Italiano esprimendo il desiderio che la sua opera avesse continuità nel futuro. Oggi il patrimonio botanico dei Giardini di Villa Taranto è vastissimo: comprende circa 1.000 piante non autoctone e circa 20.000 varietà e specie di particolare valenza botanica. La Villa non è visitabile, in quanto è adibita a sede della Prefettura della nuova Provincia del Verbano - Cusio - Ossola. Dal 1952 i Giardini sono aperti al pubblico, da Aprile ad Ottobre, e l’afflusso dei visitatori supera ormai le 150.000 unità per anno. Dall’Australia, dalle Americhe, dall’Europa, da ogni parte, numerosi gruppi di studiosi e di appassionati, raggiungono Villa Taranto, attirati dall’interessante raccolta botanica, dalla perfetta organizzazione e dalla cortesissima ospitalità. Al Cap. Neil Mc Eacharn, morto il 18 aprile 1964, e le cui spoglie mortali riposano ora - unitamente a quelle della famiglia del suo Amministratore dott. Antonio Cappelletto - in una Cappella - Mausoleo appositamente costruita nei giardini, è subentrato, nell’onerosa opera di manutenzione del compendio, l’Ente Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto “Cap. Neil Mc Eacharn”, col preciso scopo di conservare all’Italia e a tutto il mondo questo impareggiabile gioiello di botanica e di bellezze naturali. Visitando i Giardini, ognuno ritroverà intimi scenari e figurazioni di fantasia celate in trasparenze d’acqua, o nelle distese dei misteriosi fiori, sacri alla mitologia egizia. Dalla romantica Valletta alla distesa delle Eriche, dalle serre con la “Victoria cruziana” ai viali di Azalee, Aceri, Rododendri e Camelie, dai giardini delle Dalie, con oltre 300 varietà, ai mille colori delle fioriture autunnali, sullo sfondo dei Giardini all’Italiana, o nel dorato velario autunnale, VILLA TARANTO ci regala altrettante indimenticabili immagini della sua sempre rinnovata bellezza. "A beautiful garden does not need to be large, but it must be the realization of your dream even if it is a couple of square meters wide and is located on a balcony". Thus explained Captain Neil Mc Eacharn to whom we owe the birth of these wonderful gardens. Among the plants present, some of which are unique in Europe and acclimatized after long work, have been arranged with a sense of art in a setting of beauty, between lake and mountains. In fact, back in 1931, the Scottish Captain decided to buy the property from the Marquise of Sant'Elia to transform it into an exemplary English garden, located in a strip of Italy which, albeit with greater softness and richness of tones, could remind him the native Scotland. This work had to reconcile two fundamental needs: aesthetic and botanical. Botanical needs, as the various vegetation had to find soil and climate conditions as ideal as possible. The stages of the creation of the new gardens saw different work phases, until their completion in 1940. Many thousands of plants imported from all over the world make up very rare collections. Among the most significant works we can name: the "Valletta", built after massive excavation works; the irrigation system, whose water is pumped directly from the lake into a large reservoir and then radiated to every corner of the property; the “terraced gardens”, with their waterfalls, swimming pools, pools for water lilies and lotus flowers; the "Winter Garden" and the "Marsh Garden"; ornamental fountains and water features. Thus created "his" garden, which he called Villa Taranto, in memory of his ancestor, Marshal McDonald, appointed Duke of Taranto by Napoleon, the Captain wanted the meaning of the gentle and powerful work to be projected over time and, with an example of exquisite generosity, Today the botanical heritage of the Gardens of Villa Taranto is vast: it includes about 1,000 non-native plants and about 20,000 varieties and species of particular botanical value. The Villa cannot be visited, as it is used as the seat of the Prefecture of the new Province of Verbano - Cusio - Ossola. Since 1952 the Gardens have been open to the public, from April to October, and the influx of visitors now exceeds 150,000 units per year. From Australia, the Americas, Europe, from all over, numerous groups of scholars and enthusiasts reach Villa Taranto, attracted by the interesting botanical collection, by the perfect organization and by the very courteous hospitality. To Cap. Neil Mc Eacharn, who died on April 18, 1964, and whose mortal remains now rest - together with those of the family of his Administrator Dr. Antonio Cappelletto - in a chapel - Mausoleum purposely built in the gardens, the onerous maintenance work of the compendium took over the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens Authority “Cap. Neil Mc Eacharn ”, with the specific aim of preserving this incomparable jewel of botany and natural beauty for Italy and the whole world. Visiting the Gardens, everyone will find intimate scenarios and fantasy figures hidden in transparencies of water, or in the expanses of mysterious flowers, sacred to Egyptian mythology. From the romantic Valletta to the expanse of heather, from the greenhouses with the "Victoria cruziana" to the avenues of Azaleas, Maples, Rhododendrons and Camellias, from the gardens of the Dahlias, with over 300 varieties, to the thousand colors of autumn blooms, against the backdrop of the Italian, or in the golden autumn veil, VILLA TARANTO gives us as many unforgettable images of its ever-renewed beauty.

 Listings /  Greater Europe

Anne Gibson, The Micro Gardener. Anne wants you to feel the satisfaction and enjoy the rewards of growing, cooking and eating life-giving, healing foods. Why learn with Anne? You’ll discover: Quick, easy solutions for growing your own nutrient-dense food garden. How to save time, money and energy. How to work with nature to maximise your harvest and minimise work. Simple steps you can take to improve the health of your soil, plants and body. Sustainable, low-cost solutions to tread lighter on the planet and your wallet. Anne's passion is to help YOU live a healthier life. She join-the-dots between healthy soil, nutrient-dense food and healthy people. Her goal is to make a small difference in the world. To help people grow good health – one garden and kitchen at a time.” Learn how to grow good health with an abundant organic edible garden in small spaces. Dig into educational resources online for easy DIY tutorials and consulting services to grow your healing, nutrient-dense Kitchen Garden.

 Listings /  Oceana/Antarctic

Planet Natural has been providing quality natural and organic products for the home, lawn and garden since 1991. Over that time, we’ve grown right along with the booming interest in organic and natural gardening and today have tens-of-thousands of satisfied customers. Check out our vast selection. We carry everything from organic fertilizers and natural pest control products — including beneficial insects — to compost bins and natural cleaning products for your home. Many of our products are approved for organic use by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and all are from the finest, most-trusted producers. Our catalog features one of the most comprehensive selections of indoor gardening supplies available… and there’s even more — of everything — online! All of our products are top quality and we’re constantly on the look-out for new, proven items that will make your gardening experiences easier, healthier and more rewarding. At Planet Natural, we believe that the more you know, the better you grow. Our expert staff has in-depth experience helping other gardeners and first-hand knowledge of our products. Looking to set up an all-inclusive indoor growing set up? Our experts can help you match components and put together a system expressly suited to your needs. Having problems with a particular pest in your lawn and garden? Our staff can help you find the best and safest solution. At Planet Natural, we not only know our products, we’ve used them. Planet Natural’s website is more than an online catalog. It’s a resource with how-tos and in-depth information on composting, growing vegetables, maintaining healthy lawns and a score of other gardening subjects. And watch our Gardening Blog for discussions of the latest trends and issues in organics and natural growing techniques (or follow us on Facebook). At Planet Natural, we’re more than just a place to meet all your growing and home-care needs. We’re a committed community of gardeners, landscapers, small farmers and health-conscious families who, like you, want to do what’s best for our homes, our gardens, our loved-ones and our planet. Planet Natural!

 Listings /  North America

Established in 2006, Urban Harvest is South Africa’s pioneer edible garden service. We have installed and maintained over 350 unique, beautiful and highly productive food gardens which provide healthy food and beautiful spaces to people from all walks of life. We are invested in every garden we grow, taking care to design and create beautiful spaces and only use the highest quality resources. Through careful attention to detail, and ongoing communication, our dedicated team will ensure you are happy with your garden’s progress, and will always greet you with a smile. Ben Getz, Founder, believes that by working with people and nature to create an abundance of healthy, organic and locally grown food in our communities, we can reawaken traditional values, a deeper reverence for the earth and practically reestablish a healthier balance in our lives.

 Listings /  Africa

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