When in the north of Italy, make a bee-line to the picturesque Villa Taranto garden Lake Maggiore. The grounds are landscaped with Mediterranean-style plantings complemented with iconic statues, fountains and terraces.
We just adored the greenhouse, particularly the giant luscious green lily pads inside!
Villa Taranto’s garden has over 20,000 plant species, and is one of Italy’s best collections of sub-tropical flora. As you wander through the the pathways – 7kms in all – the plants are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture.
Sweeping lawns, formal ponds and bushy gully’s the garden’s landscape changes are you walk around the looping pathways.
The greenhouse houses a wonderful selection of tropical plants. The famous giant water lily Victoria Amazonica that flowers in the warmer months is spectacular.
The gardens location is very considered. It has beautiful vista’s of the lake from many areas, as well as to the snow capped [when we were there] mountains in the distance.
The garden of Villa Taranto is located just outside of Verbania, on the way to the gorgeous town of Palanza. The area has that Italian old-world charm, with many old villa’s on the lake. Palanza is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner, and is just a five minutes drive away.
Open from spring to autumn, there is always something flowering and demanding your attention. We had the garden on our list for ages, and finally went in September last year. We were lucky enough to see the dahlia garden in bloom. If you want to find out more, head to the Villa Taranto’s website.
Location
Want to explore another garden? You’ll enjoy our story on the tropical garden of Lanuganga Estate in Bentota Sri Lanka, it’s another beauty.