Il Park
A rare cedar tree with a curious
shape
planted more than
300 years ago
London Planetree
Two examples of Japanese cedars
A huge Atlas cedar (40m)
It is not to exclude, for the wise arrangement of these plants, the intervention of Edouard André, famous Parisian landscape architect, to whom Wilhelm Hüffer and his wife Costanza Grabau commissioned, in 1872, the creation of the garden in the nearby Villa Diodati.
This Botanical garden extends along both sides of the central lawn and boasts a rare collection of gigantic trees and unique plants coming from all over the world.
Characteristic of the picturesque English garden is the casual disposition of each tree which appears to have grown naturally. However, every detail of this garden was carefully planned, from the trees which hide unnatural corners and pathways, shady clearings with benches to rest upon, to those which mislead one's perception of the garden's present boundaries.
If you wish to extend your visit, you may continue walking ahead in the direction of the "Limonaia", but going along the driveway towards the gates on the west - side of the park. You will first notice, on your right, among the Ortensias, the South African Kniphofia plant, whose orange flowers bloom in the summer.
Then turn your attention to the left, where you will see the Gigantic Bamboo Trees, and further down where are the pink Camelia trees which flower in early Spring.
Following the path to the end, one arrives at the magnificent Red Wrought-Iron Gate, so called because it is flanked by pilasters of chipped stone mosaics and terracotta bricks. From here you can head left and walk down the shady path through the woods.
At the end, when the path curves to the left in the direction of the garden "à l'anglaise", look to your right where you will see a little hill or "Montagnola", in the shape of a spiral.
This was originated during many researches meant to find a treasure called "The chicken with the golden eggs" that an Etruscan legend, transmitted through generations of peasants who lived within the estate walls, says it was hidden just in this Villa. To return to the central lawns in front of the Villa continue along the path on your left. This will conclude your visit.
Michelia Figo, a rather rare plant, only another
example exists in the Botanical Gardens of Lucca.
