Orticolario 2023 at Villa Erba: Events and Highlights

Orticolario 2023, the cultural event dedicated to those who embrace nature as a way of life, returned from Thursday, September 28 to Sunday, October 1, in the park of Villa Erba in Cernobbio, on Lake Como.

The 2023 edition focused on the value of water, a highly relevant and complex subject with many different aspects.

NEL SENSO DELL’ACQUA

The 13th edition of Orticolario was titled “Nel senso dell’acqua” (In the Sense of Water), with “Water Landscapes” as its central theme.

The featured plants were those suitable for sustainable gardens.

Every plant has a special relationship with water, from water lilies to cacti, depending on the habitats in which they grow.

During Orticolario 2023, visitors explored different environments, from moisture-loving plants in water gardens to drought-tolerant species in dry gardens.

The main goal was to investigate the deep connection between humans and water, highlighting its essential role in nature.

GUEST OF HONOUR AT ORTICOLARIO 2023

The “Per un Giardinaggio Evoluto” Award 2023 was presented to Antonio Marras.

A fashion designer, artist and creative visionary, Marras constantly experiments with new forms of expression.

Furthermore, he promotes environmental and social sustainability through fashion, artistic projects and collaborations with contemporary artists.

PROJECTS ON DISPLAY

Orticolario has always been a place for experimentation and creativity.

In the main square, visitors discovered “Tecnodoccia”, a project by Tiziano Pedrazzoli designed to prevent the waste of even a single drop of water.

The installation highlighted the vital importance of this precious resource.

From there, visitors could explore the exhibition centre and the park installations inspired by the event’s theme. These projects were selected through the “Spazi Creativi” International Competition.

Among the most remarkable installations was “III WWW: World War Water”, created by garden designer Mirco Colzani.

This provocative work combined botanical and stylistic elements to encourage reflection on today’s environmental challenges.

Rather than presenting an apocalyptic vision, the installation invited visitors to consider possible solutions and look towards the future with hope.

Another highlight was “Tritoniade”, an installation curated by Water Nursery in the Laghetto delle Carpe (Carp Pond).

The display featured an impressive selection of aquatic and tropical plants, including hardy and tropical water lilies, lotus flowers, marsh plants, papyrus and colocasia.

Some specimens were unique in Europe, creating an extraordinary setting that encouraged visitors to slow down and take time for themselves.

Finally, the exhibition offered a wide variety of rare, unusual and collectible plants, carefully selected by Italian and international nurseries.

Visitors could also discover artistic craftsmanship and original creations inspired by nature.