Orticolario 2024: A Success Despite the Bad Weather
Orticolario 2024, the 14th edition of the autumn event dedicated to nature lovers, took place at Villa Erba on Lake Como from October 3 to 6.
Despite the bad weather, visitors travelled from across Italy and abroad to attend the event.
Once again, Orticolario confirmed its position as one of the most popular events on Lake Como.
Moreover, the programme featured numerous talks and workshops, many of which sold out before the event even began.
The strong participation highlighted the growing interest in gardening, landscape culture and environmental sustainability.
Activities for Children and School Groups
Orticolario 2024 also paid special attention to younger visitors.
On Thursday and Friday, numerous school groups explored the historic park of Villa Erba.
Meanwhile, the weekend programme offered creative workshops inspired by soil and phytoremediation plants, the main themes of the 2024 edition.
These activities encouraged children to discover the natural world through practical experiences.
Furthermore, the workshops helped young participants understand the importance of plants in protecting and restoring the environment.
Orticolario President Moritz Mantero Reflects on the Event
Moritz Mantero, president of Orticolario, expressed satisfaction with the event’s results.
According to Mantero, exhibitors were very pleased, while visitors showed genuine interest and enthusiasm.
However, the weather remained a challenge, with Saturday being the only day of favourable conditions.
He also highlighted a broader cultural issue in Italy: people often prefer indoor activities when the weather is rainy or cloudy.
Nevertheless, the strong participation demonstrated the public’s appreciation for Orticolario and its cultural programme.
Michele De Lucchi Receives the 2024 Advanced Gardening Award
One of the highlights of Orticolario 2024 was the presentation of the “Per un Giardinaggio Evoluto 2024” Award to architect and designer Michele De Lucchi, founder of AMDL CIRCLE.
The award consisted of a wooden miniature inspired by the 2011 artwork “Torre dell’Aria”.
Maurizio Riva presented the prize during the event.
In his speech, De Lucchi emphasised the importance of adapting to the rapid changes of modern society.
Furthermore, he reflected on the increasingly profound role of nature in human emotions and experiences.
His words reinforced the event’s central message: the relationship between people and the natural world continues to evolve.
International Creative Spaces Competition: The Winners
The International Creative Spaces Competition, known as “Spazi Creativi”, celebrated innovative garden design and artistic installations.
The prestigious “La Foglia d’Oro del Lago di Como” award went to the STIHL Space for the project “SETA. Sustainable Environment and Textile Artwork”.
Designers Jonathan Arnaboldi and Matteo Pellicanò created the winning installation.
According to the jury, the project successfully reflected the competition’s theme.
In particular, it demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and collaboration between different professional disciplines.
As a result, the installation stood out for its creative approach and environmental awareness.
Social Commitment and Future Projects
Beyond its exhibitions and workshops, Orticolario 2024 continued to promote landscape culture and social responsibility.
As in previous editions, the event supported fundraising initiatives for local organisations involved in social projects.
Through these activities, Orticolario strengthened its connection with the community and the surrounding territory.
Moreover, the 2024 edition laid the foundations for new cultural initiatives.
Just as plants regenerate the soil, the event planted the seeds for future projects and collaborations.
These initiatives were expected to flourish during the 15th edition of Orticolario, scheduled for October 2–5, 2025.
Ultimately, Orticolario 2024 demonstrated how nature, creativity and community engagement can come together in a meaningful cultural experience.
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