From Thursday, 3rd October to Sunday, 6th October 2024, the fourteenth edition of Orticolario invites visitors to explore the very essence of life itself—the Earth.
A Talea of Wonder and Reflection
This year’s theme, aptly named “Terrae”, captures Orticolario’s intent to be a “talea”—a cutting that has the power to propagate and inspire awe. The event seeks to spread ideas, nurture reflection, and plant seeds of wonder in the minds of its visitors. For four days, Orticolario will return to the roots of all life, to the soil that sustains us, by weaving together a rich tapestry of cultural offerings, creative projects, installations, and interactive workshops aimed at both children and young people.
A Garden of Rare Beauty
Orticolario 2024 promises to be a feast for the senses, showcasing an extensive selection of rare, unusual, and collectable plants presented by both national and international nurserymen. With over 250 exhibitors carefully selected for their dedication to landscape awareness and artistic excellence, the event offers more than just a marketplace; it’s a celebration of the natural world and a call to embrace its wonders.
The event will also feature gardens and installations throughout the park, each inspired by this year’s theme and selected through the prestigious International Creative Spaces Competition. The winner will be awarded the “La Foglia d’Oro del Lago di Como” special prize. Alongside these, art and design projects, expert talks, and performances will offer visitors the chance to explore the interplay between nature and human creativity.
Children will also find their own corner of magic within Orticolario, with activities designed to introduce them to the evolving world of gardening, sparking curiosity and encouraging hands-on learning.
Exploring the Depths of “Terrae”
Orticolario 2024 is not just an event; it is an odyssey into the heart of the Earth. It draws attention to the soil beneath our feet—not the grand, capital “T” Terra that turns majestically in the cosmos, but the humble, often overlooked Earth that crumbles, dirties, and sustains all life. This year, Orticolario aims to honour the secret world beneath us, where invisible yet powerful forces of nature work their magic, from seed to sprout, from life to decay.
Central to this exploration are the phytoremediation plants—over 400 species identified for their remarkable ability to purify soil and water. Ordinary yet extraordinary plants like cabbage, sunflowers, willows, and irises take centre stage, showcasing their role as nature’s sentinels in combating pollution and restoring environmental balance.
New Horizons at Orticolario
This year’s edition introduces several exciting novelties. The Central Pavilion, transformed into an agora by the project “Semi a terra, parole alate,” places culture at the heart of the event, hosting a series of cultural events. The park’s “Gazebo” will also become a wunderkammer, showcasing rare botanical specimens. For the first time, there will also be a programme dedicated to teenagers, ensuring that Orticolario’s cultural impact reaches the next generation.
A Journey Worth Taking
As autumn paints the shores of Lake Como in golden hues, Orticolario offers the perfect reason to visit this enchanting region. Visitors can enjoy a glamorous boat ride across Lake Como, arriving directly at Villa Erba’s pier from Como City, with a shuttle service included in the ticket price. Whether you stay in an exclusive lakeside villa or a charming B&B, Cernobbio and its surroundings offer a wealth of options for every traveller.
Tickets are available online and at the venue. For more information, visit Orticolario 2024.
Start: October 3, 2024 End: October 6, 2024
Place: Largo Luchino Visconti, 4 Cernobbio, CO 22012 Italy
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