Scopri il patrimonio botanico
Immersed in greenery
Climbing plants are everywhere; there isn’t a single surface without one! Those in the garden provide a backdrop, while in the greenhouse, the ficus takes center stage: a magnificent example of topiary art that attracts the attention and admiration of all visitors.
The dense, compact vegetation decorating this Greenhouse is formed by the intertwining branches of five “Ficus repens” plants, planted around 160 years ago.
This hardy climbing plant not only covers the entire left wall, but, shaped into garlands and bells, also marks the eight arches that divide the space.
When this greenhouse was built in the 18th century, it was an open portico with double columns, while the glass wall was added in 1899.
The decorative motif of garlands and bells is highly classical, evoking the frequent use of garlands in Neoclassical design and also alluding to Renaissance imagery. Unfortunately, we do not know who decided to shape the ficus in this way.
Leaving the greenhouse and taking your first steps on the gravel, you will see more examples of climbing plants on your right: you will be welcomed by a portal covered in a rare variety of large-leaved ivy. Continuing to the right, two sides of the building are also covered with climbing plants: the largest is covered with a variety of Ampelopsis, while the corner is home to an evocative intertwining of Ampelopsis ivy and bignonia.
In a more secluded spot, you will find a hundred-year-old wisteria climbing up the façade of the building to the first floor. Finally, ancient varieties of climbing roses decorate the 18th-century façade of the large gallery.
