Since 2021 Villegiardini has dedicated a long feature each month to a garden from the Grandi Giardini Italiani network, in the ''Grand Tour'' column.
This established collaboration has made possible the Special Edition in your hands, a rich itinerary that spans the entire Italian territory. These gardens are places where botany and architecture integrate to create a precious balance between nature and design. An expression of elegance and refinements, they preserve traces of the past while looking toward the future.
I conclude this brief introduction with heartfelt thanks to Judith Wade of Grandi Giardini Italiani, her collaborators Martina Casarini, Monica Lamberti, Corrado Frey, Elisabetta Pozzetti of Villegiardini, Dario Fusaro, and all the photographers who have contributed with expertise and passion to creation of this collector's issue, which, in continuity with the long history of Villegiardini, aims to promote a vision of beauty that can nourish both the mind and the spirit.
Marco Miglio
Director of Villegiardini
Visit to believe
All the gardens featured in this special issue of Villegiardini are open to the public, a fundamental requirement for inclusion in the Grandi
Giardini Italiani network. The decision to open the gardens to the public is
made by those responsible for them, whether they represent a municipality, a region, an Italian or foreign state property, an institution, a foundation, a bank, or a consortium. Among them are private banks that own exquisite gardens, gardens managed by Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (FAI referred to here as “the glorious FAI” in my view). A notable development is the emergence of trusts specifically created to secure the future of these gardens, supported by significant funding. There are gardens tied to agricultural enterprises, as well as those maintained by associations. Despite their varied ownership, these gardens share a common thread: a commitment to sharing with visitors a profound passion for gardens, places of rare beauty.
But legal ownership alone does not convey the true force behind every garden open to the public: the human capital. Owners, directors, curators, presidents, CEOs, superintendents, councillors, and mayors form the backbone of this endeavour. Their parallel efforts champion an art form that stands as a source of pride for Italian culture on the global stage. A curious note: among them, only one holds the title of Prefect—the director of the world's oldest botanical garden, the Orto Botanico of Padua.
The photographs and articles in this special issue of Villegiardini highlight the uniqueness of each garden, as well as the satisfaction and pride of those who, alongside their teams, dedicate themselves year-round to presenting this spectacular blend of art and nature to visitors. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to meet these stewards in person. They form a community that uses the Grandi Giardini Italiani network as a platform to exchange ideas and share best practices in horticultural tourism. Grandi Giardini Italiani exemplifies how public and private sectors can collaborate, creating a national project that enhances visibility both domestically and internationally.
A collaboration has developed between Grandi Giardini Italiani and Villegiardini rooted in the shared belief that gardens are sanctuaries where visitors can reconnect with nature, admire diverse landscapes, and discover botanical collections and landscape design. Villegiardini's editor-in-chief, Marco Miglio, has carefully selected a variety of gardens, differing in style and era, to present to readers each year in a collectible special edition. It is a valuable and unique project. On behalf of all of us at Grandi Giardini Italiani, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the editor-in-chief and the editorial team, convinced that quality information can also serve as a means of cultural enrichment. These journalistic features not only guide the general public but also provide valuable resources for experts in the field. Visiting a garden is both a relaxing experience and an opportunity to learn. Choosing how to best spend our time is always important, and thanks to this Villegiardini special issue, there is no shortage of inspiration
for delightful days out. A garden is not merely the product of nature but, above all, the result of human ingenuity and labour. It is the dedication of knowledgeable, truly exceptional individuals to whom we owe our gratitude.
Judith Wade
CEO Grandi Giardini Italiani
