GARDENS OF LAKE COMO
DR JUDY HADJU
16 MAY 2020
On our first Saturday Seminar since the Covid-19 Lockdown, over forty Members were transported via Webinar on Zoom to the glorious gardens that flank Lake Como in Italy.
Dr Judy Hadju, a Friend of The Royal Botanic Gardens, led us, via maps and photographs, on a tour of the gardens of Balbianello, Carlotta, Monastero and Olmo.
Judy spoke of the architecture of the villas and the history of their terraced gardens, the abundance of azaleas, rhododendrons, exotic plants, arranged in the style of English gardens, classical Italian design and the bamboo clusters of Japan.
Judy concluded with reference to some of the writers that have been inspired by this Italian beauty.
Comments from the participants included that “the online session was absolutely fabulous, informative and uplifting” and that “it was such a delight today to travel to Italy without leaving the house.”
by Pam Caven