Villa Bellaria, Rivergaro (Piacenza), Emilia-Romagna. 1993-2002

The garden of Villa Bellaria foregrounds the romantic spirit of the garden as it was designed by complementing the sinuous serpentines, picturesque vistas, and kitsch flourishes of the original with a collection of Mediterranean plants and elements typical of Italian formal gardens, revisited however in a manner that’s more appropriate of English landscape gardens. 

Conceived as a small oasis of horticultural experimentation by the original owner, the garden takes advantage of the mild microclimate of the Piacenza hills and is distinguished by its great botanical variety: the sunny southern side features lush mixed borders alternating aromatic herbs with roses, irises, peonies, and exotic species, whilst the northern side presents shade-loving varieties, which under the majestic Lebanon cedars find the perfect conditions to thrive.