From the very early time, Italians have been intellectually and expertly cultivating their lands. They displayed their creative nature by combining terraces and walkways with plants, flower, water, fountains and statuary in making the gardens.
The use of citrus plants in pots dominated in early Italian gardens. The art of topiary was revived in Renaissance and refined parterre was developed to spread forth from the great plazzos which provides a dramatic view from upper stories.
For more than 500 years, the garden of Italy has been irresistibly attractive and has been greatly evolved through ages. Many of greatest artists and architects of Renaissance were employed in their design and ornamentation. Several captivating gardens are spreaded all over in Italy in 11 regions from Lombady and Piedmont in the north to the island of Sicily in south.
Climate:
Italy is divided into three main regions according to geographical positions and prevailing climatic conditions. These three divisions are Northern Italy, Central Italy and Southern Italy. The main features of these regions are described briefly.
Northern Italy:
As the name indicates it is the northern part of Italy bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The vast territory throughout Northern Italy comprises of varied terrain specially the beautiful mountanceous regions of Apennines and Alps which is wonderful place for hikers, climber and skiers. The main cities of Northern Italy are world renounced and recognized in history are: Milan, Venice and Verona. Venice is the country’s prominent art hub and is capital of Veneto regions and home of Lake Crada.
The Climate of this region is temperate type with chilly winter (0-1-2°C) while summer (30°C) is sweltering hot and humid. The annual precipitation is 100 cm. Snow fall is common during winter and accompanied heavy fog.
The main plants of this region are cork Oak (Quercussuber) European olive (Okeaeuropa) Cypress (Cypresses sempeuerins) Chery laurel (Prunuslauro-cerasus), Norway spruce (Piceaabies), Rhododendron, (Rhododendron arboretum), Dwarf Juniper (Juniperousproecumbens), and wild flowers like Gentian (Gentianaacaulis), Rock Jasmine (Androsacelanuginosa), Primrose (Primrose oenothera) and Saxifraga.
Central Italy:
The weather of Central Italy, which stretches from Bologna to Rome, is more temperate than Northern Italy. It is chilly in winter, and temperature generally remains above freezing point. Summers are much drier, less rain and humidity is significantly lower throughout the summer. Near Apennine Mountains there is fog in the mornings throughout the year, but it will be over by afternoon in the summer months.
Central Italy include the area of world famous Tuscany, Marche at Umbria where charming cities run coast to coast, rolling hills offer a pretty back drop. The three most renowned cities in Central Italy are. Rome, Florence and Pisa.
Top attractions in Rome include the Trevi Fountain, Revered trastevere neighbourhood, the veteran museum, the seventeenth century Palazzo Doria-Pamphilij and celebrated museiCapitolini, designed by Michelangelo.
Marche is a beautiful region bordered by the mountains in Italy and Adriatic Sea. Another important area of Central Italy is Tuscany which exudes a flavour of its own. It is perhaps the most credited for collections of architectural masterpieces, sculptures, paintings and gardens.
Southern Italy:
Southern Italy is comprised of Napoli down to the bottom of the country’s iconic boot including two islands of Sardinia and sicily. Main cities are Naples, Bari, Toranto, Foggia, Salrerno, etc. Since 1990, the Cilento is second largest national park in Italy and maintained by UNESCO world Cultural Heritage of mankind. It is situated in the province of Campania.
The climate of this region is Mediterranean type. It has most pleasant climate which is characterized with mild winter. Summer months of July-August are characterized by blowing of cold ad dry wind from mountains so the area remains pleasant. The area receives little rainfall during the year and practically none in summer’s months.