The Gardens
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In 2006, a group of friends headed by Silvia e Antonio Ricci purchased the estate to save it from property speculation. Under the enthusiastic direction of landscape designer Paolo Pejrone, they began a diligent and accurate restoration of the park.
In addition to the pruning and care of the imposing trees that survived, the park had to be fully cleared of debris, weeds and whatever else had piled up during the decades of neglect. Clearing the land revealed the collapse of dry stone walls and structural problems typical of a terraced park.
The first phase of restoration involved security and stability measures for all retaining walls and the installation of an irrigation system. Restoration drew inspiration from the blurry photos taken during the Dalrymple and the Hanbury times. While preserving the substantial character of the park, intentional changes were also made, with the awareness and belief that a huge historical park is something alive that changes over time.
The Hanburys’ adored Wisteria were reinstated and the old Agapanthuses were replaced by a brand new collection including over 400 different species. A citrus plant collection was introduced, the Hanbury’s beloved Cactaceae and giant Strelitzias were reinstated, and an aquatic environment for lotuses was created on the huge water storage tank.
The park has now regained the splendor exhibited during the Dalrymple and Hanbury eras and is one of the botanic marvels of the Riviera and the Mediterranean.
The Gardens
