THE PROGRAMME
BLOSSOMING
MEETINGS
See on Facebook and Instagram for all updates and news about meetings during the Event.
FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP. Create your greeting card with botanical watercolor artist Adriana Basso.
Short course to create a personalized botanical-themed card that you can also have printed and give to your loved ones. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to try. All necessary materials will be provided, including those for making an envelope with decorative paper from Grafiche Tassotti.
Who is Adriana Basso?
Graduated in architecture from IUAV of Venice, Adriana has always loved nature in all its nuances. In 2012, she met Maria Rita Stirpe, who introduced her to the art of botanical watercolor. In 2017, she earned a diploma with distinction in botanical painting from the Society of Botanical Artists in London. In the following years, she taught illustration courses and exhibited her works in various exhibitions. In 2022, she became a member of the European Academy of Arts. In addition to botanical watercolor, Adriana now creates works using other techniques such as gold leaf, acrylic, or ink, and by combining reclaimed wood with corten steel, she creates decorative objects.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Adriana Basso’s stand
Registration fee: € 30
Reservation required
For information and reservations:
info@verdegrazzano.it
BUTTERFLY EXHIBITION. Beauty takes flight.
An event curated by Jonathan Gallesi for both adults and children. Jonathan, an educator and agricultural expert, co-founder of the nursery and preschool Il Giardino delle Birbe in Parma, invites you to his greenhouse to showcase his tropical butterflies and explore how we can attract and support them with plants and flowers. In addition to the butterflies, you will also have the chance to admire a variety of fascinating insects, such as mantises, millipedes, and stick or leaf insects.
Duration: about 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Le farfalle delle birbe’s stand
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WEAVING OF THE RUSH WORKSHOP. Discover the secrets of rural art with Ettore Gastini.
Ettore Gastini returns to Verde Grazzano with his beautiful workshop on the weaving of rushes. Art professor and expert in rural art, Ettore has studied the techniques and expressive potential of poor materials such as willow, vitalba, amorpha, rush, tipha and any other branch that can be woven, and will illustrate the art and secrets of weaving. The participants, under his guidance, will transform the rush into a handcrafted object, such as a trivet or bottle holder, which they can take home as a souvenir of Verde Grazzano. At the end of the workshop Ettore will show his beautiful baskets and other objects he created.
Who is Ettore Gastini?
He graduated from the Art Institute of Modena and then from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna.
In the early 70s he began to carry out artistic activities by participating in numerous personal and collective painting exhibitions.
From 1984 he began to work as a teacher and in 1988 he entered the Guidizzolo Art Institute as a teacher of Pictorial Disciplines. In 2009 he discovered rural art and studied the typical handicraft artifacts of the Lombardy-Emilian plain, where herbs and shrubs are collected and dried before being used. He carries out dissemination activities and courses on nature and the territory.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Ettore Gastini’s stand
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A CHAT WITH NINA IRIS.The Fascinating World of Bearded Irises.
Orietta Giorcelli, known as Nina, awaits you at her stand to immerse us in the world of irises: how an iris is composed and how modern bearded hybrids are created. Practical advice on hybridizing, caring for, and treating the diseases of these wonderful flowers.
Who is Orietta Giorcelli? Nina, her childhood name, encapsulates the essence of this journey: playing with the earth, creating with her hands, dreaming among the vibrant colors of flowers. Ceramics, her first love, now intertwines with the magic of irises, giving life to a hybridization of colors and shapes that will leave you breathless, which you can admire in her garden in Monferrato.
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Nina Iris’ stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
HOLISTIC BOTANY WORKSHOP. Create your own smudge.
In this delightful workshop, led by Ilaria Zerletti, you’ll be able to create your own smudge and learn about its properties and uses. Smudging is an ancient practice used to cleanse and renew dense energies in environments and people. Each plant has its unique properties, which we will explore together.
Who is Ilaria Zerletti?
Ilaria is a holistic practitioner. In 2020, driven by her passion for foraging and identifying wild herbs, she founded the Aila Botanica Olistica project with the mission of rediscovering Italian herbal and holistic traditions, avoiding contaminants from resins and plants from distant places that do not resonate with our own frequency. Ilaria is also a Reiki practitioner and works with somatic and energetic healing techniques.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Aila botanica olistica’s stand
Registration fee: € 5
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BEE TOUR. Uncovering the castle’s bees.
At Verde Grazzano, Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti led by the expert beekeeper Lorenzo Ciceri is ready to guide you through a fascinating exploration of bees—these tireless creatures essential for biodiversity. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to observe the park’s bees up close and uncover their secrets. At the end of the visit, Lorenzo will be at his stand to showcase his diverse honey collection, including the delightful Castle Honey, precious royal jelly, propolis, and many other specialties.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
NICE TO MEET YOU, I’M HOYA! Discovering “Wax Flowers” with Silvia Bellini.
With great enthusiasm, Hoya Mia, Silvia Bellini’s small family nursery, returns. It’s a magical place where the most unusual, unique, and rare Hoyas are born and thrive. These succulents, still relatively unknown but with enchanting blooms, primarily come from Southeast Asia. Starting from a small private collection, Silvia has developed the nursery to include over 200 different varieties.Come to the stand and let Silvia guide you in choosing your first Hoya. You’ll discover the secrets of their needs, the best methods for cultivating and propagating them through divisions and cuttings from mother plants. Silvia will answer all your questions and share her passion for these fascinating “wax flowers.”Accompanying Silvia in her presentation will be Agostina Righi, author of the first practical manual on Hoya cultivation written in Italian. It’s a simple guide for growing this wonderful exotic plant, perfect for beginners, those who want to start, and for those who already love this flower!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
INTRODUCTION OF THE PRACTICAL MANUAL ON HOYA CULTIVATION! Take home the secrets to cultivating this wonderful exotic plant.
Agostina Righi awaits you at the Hoya Mia stand to present the first book written in Italy to help anyone who wants to approach the cultivation of this wonderful exotic plant. The Hoya is an ornamental plant from Southeast Asia, characterized by very tough leaves with vibrant pigmentation and star-shaped inflorescences, a common feature of the entire genus. Inside this manual, you will find a description of the flower, an innovative cultivation system that allows successful growth both indoors and outdoors, a list of suitable materials for cultivation, methods for propagation by seed or cuttings, and guidance on identifying and solving common issues in plant care.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR WREATH. Nature and art with Federica Rusciadelli.
Federica Rusciadelli, Italian floral decorator, will guide you in creating a beautiful flower wreath. A wreath is a circular decorative ornament usually made from leaves, flowers, branches, and other natural materials, often used to adorn doors, tables, or walls for holidays or special events. The materials we will use are gathered with great care to avoid damaging the plants and to respect their natural growth, following the rhythm of the seasons. Leaves, branches, flowers, and moss are ready to be transformed into a unique and special wreath.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hand Mad’s stand
Registration fee: € 35
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
MEETING ON THE TOPIC: FROM DESIGN TO GARDEN. Botanical choices and best practices to address the challenges and opportunities of the new climate.
Creating and maintaining gardens are no longer merely aesthetic tasks but must consider multiple environmental and climatic factors, requiring new awareness and adaptive strategies. Emanuela Rosa Clot, director of Gardenia, and Edoardo Cappellini from the renowned Cappellini Giardinieri, a family-run business with three generations of experience in garden design and maintenance, will discuss how to transform a simple green space into a resilient and sustainable garden capable of facing the challenges posed by climate change.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at castle courtyard
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
HOLISTIC BOTANY DEMONSTRATION. Ointments and Infused Oils: What They Are and What They Are Used For.
During this demonstration, led by Ilaria Zerletti, you will have the opportunity to learn about and see how to create a healing ointment using infused oils. You will discover how to prepare and use them. Plants, as a gift from Mother Earth, offer remedies for many everyday issues, and oils and ointments are an excellent way to harness the beneficial properties of these botanicals.
Who is Ilaria Zerletti?
Ilaria is a holistic practitioner. In 2020, driven by her passion for foraging and identifying wild herbs, she founded the Aila Botanica Olistica project with the mission of rediscovering Italian herbal and holistic traditions, avoiding contaminants from resins and plants from distant places that do not resonate with our own frequency. Ilaria is also a Reiki practitioner and works with somatic and energetic healing techniques.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Aila botanica olistica’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
SATURDAY 28th SEPTEMBER
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP. Create your greeting card with botanical watercolor artist Adriana Basso
Short course to create a personalized botanical-themed card that you can also have printed and give to your loved ones. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to try. All necessary materials will be provided, including those for making an envelope with decorative paper from Grafiche Tassotti.
Who is Adriana Basso?
Graduated in architecture from IUAV of Venice, Adriana has always loved nature in all its nuances. In 2012, she met Maria Rita Stirpe, who introduced her to the art of botanical watercolor. In 2017, she earned a diploma with distinction in botanical painting from the Society of Botanical Artists in London. In the following years, she taught illustration courses and exhibited her works in various exhibitions. In 2022, she became a member of the European Academy of Arts. In addition to botanical watercolor, Adriana now creates works using other techniques such as gold leaf, acrylic, or ink, and by combining reclaimed wood with corten steel, she creates decorative objects.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Adriana Basso’s stand
Registration fee: € 30
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
EXPLORING THE PARK WITH CARLO CONTESSO. An Eclectic Walk.
A not-to-be-missed event at Verde Grazzano is the guided tour of the park with the renowned garden designer Carlo Contesso. Carlo will lead you through the Castle Park of Grazzano Visconti, revealing the unique botanical features of this special place. During the tour, you will admire the eclectic style of the park, designed by Duke Giuseppe Visconti, where diverse elements blend harmoniously: the symmetry of the Italian garden, the romanticism of the woodlands and fragrant rose gardens, the exotic touch of bamboo groves, and the baroque charm of statues and fountains.
Carlo Contesso graduated in Garden Design from the University of Greenwich (UK, 2000) and completed a master’s degree in Natural Resources at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (USA, 2009). He is a freelance professional and educator who has designed and overseen the creation of private gardens in England, Italy, and the United States. Carlo is also the curator of the Borgo Plantarum event. In addition to his design work, he has been writing a planting design column for Gardenia magazine since 2006
Duration: 1 hour
Language: Italian
Meeting at the castle’s gate
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A CHAT WITH NINA IRIS.The Fascinating World of Bearded Irises.
Orietta Giorcelli, known as Nina, awaits you at her stand to immerse us in the world of irises: how an iris is composed and how modern bearded hybrids are created. Practical advice on hybridizing, caring for, and treating the diseases of these wonderful flowers.
Who is Orietta Giorcelli? Nina, her childhood name, encapsulates the essence of this journey: playing with the earth, creating with her hands, dreaming among the vibrant colors of flowers. Ceramics, her first love, now intertwines with the magic of irises, giving life to a hybridization of colors and shapes that will leave you breathless, which you can admire in her garden in Monferrato.
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Nina Iris’ stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BEE TOUR. Uncovering the castle’s bees.
At Verde Grazzano, Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti led by the expert beekeeper Lorenzo Ciceri is ready to guide you through a fascinating exploration of bees—these tireless creatures essential for biodiversity. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to observe the park’s bees up close and uncover their secrets. At the end of the visit, Lorenzo will be at his stand to showcase his diverse honey collection, including the delightful Castle Honey, precious royal jelly, propolis, and many other specialties.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WEAVING OF THE RUSH WORKSHOP. Discover the secrets of rural art with Ettore Gastini.
Ettore Gastini returns to Verde Grazzano with his beautiful workshop on the weaving of rushes. Art professor and expert in rural art, Ettore has studied the techniques and expressive potential of poor materials such as willow, vitalba, amorpha, rush, tipha and any other branch that can be woven, and will illustrate the art and secrets of weaving. The participants, under his guidance, will transform the rush into a handcrafted object, such as a trivet or bottle holder, which they can take home as a souvenir of Verde Grazzano. At the end of the workshop Ettore will show his beautiful baskets and other objects he created.
Who is Ettore Gastini?
He graduated from the Art Institute of Modena and then from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna.
In the early 70s he began to carry out artistic activities by participating in numerous personal and collective painting exhibitions.
From 1984 he began to work as a teacher and in 1988 he entered the Guidizzolo Art Institute as a teacher of Pictorial Disciplines. In 2009 he discovered rural art and studied the typical handicraft artifacts of the Lombardy-Emilian plain, where herbs and shrubs are collected and dried before being used. He carries out dissemination activities and courses on nature and the territory.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Ettore Gastini’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
HOLISTIC BOTANY WORKSHOP. Create your own smudge.
In this delightful workshop, led by Ilaria Zerletti, you’ll be able to create your own smudge and learn about its properties and uses. Smudging is an ancient practice used to cleanse and renew dense energies in environments and people. Each plant has its unique properties, which we will explore together.
Who is Ilaria Zerletti?
Ilaria is a holistic practitioner. In 2020, driven by her passion for foraging and identifying wild herbs, she founded the Aila Botanica Olistica project with the mission of rediscovering Italian herbal and holistic traditions, avoiding contaminants from resins and plants from distant places that do not resonate with our own frequency. Ilaria is also a Reiki practitioner and works with somatic and energetic healing techniques.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Aila botanica olistica’s stand
Registration fee: € 5
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WORKSHOP CREATE YOUR OWN BONSAI. Shape your miniature tree with Salvatore Liporace.
Salvatore Liporace, a renowned bonsai master, founded the Botanical Studio in Milan in 1983, the first space in Europe entirely dedicated to the cultivation and teaching of bonsai. Thanks to his numerous study trips to Japan under the tutelage of Master Masahiko Kimura, his school has become a reference point for bonsai experts worldwide and is the first to be officially recognized by the UBI (Italian Bonsai Union).
Studio Botanico returns to Verde Grazzano with its splendid bonsai and its art. It awaits you with a workshop on creating a miniature tree. Participants will have access to a Pinus Sylvestris personally cultivated at his nursery, and under his guidance, it will be shaped. An unmissable event for enthusiasts! It will be possible to purchase his book, published in five languages, “Bonsai. Spirit and Matter” by Salvatore Liporace – Centro Edition.
Duration: 3 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Studio Botanico’s stand
Registration fee: € 50
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
TROPICAL OASIS IN VALCUVIA. From the pharmacy to the greenhouse: the story of Luca Chiesa, pharmacist and botanist.
Luca Chiesa’s story is a fascinating journey from his profession as a pharmacist to his passion for tropical botany. His experience shows how personal interests can evolve into ambitious and rewarding projects.Luca invites you to his stand to share his adventure and present his collections: from common fruits like mangoes, avocados, and lychees to lesser-known seeds and plants, including numerous varieties of Eugenia, Syzygium, Annona, Pouteria, Musa, and every tropical fruit you can imagine. But it’s not just about fruits—he also has Plumerias (or frangipanis), flowers with an incredible fragrance and a variety of vibrant colors. It’s a true challenge in cultivation and reproduction!
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Oasi Tropicale Valcuvia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
DEMONSTRATIONS OF CUT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. Zia Nina Flower Farm brings creativity to the field.
Giulia grows heirloom flowers in an ethical and sustainable manner, with a zero-kilometer approach that respects nature and the seasonality of each selected variety. A creative farm in constant transformation, her blooming fields are experiential spaces in continuous evolution, where creativity blossoms every day. At Verde Grazzano, creativity is celebrated with two extraordinary floral arrangement demonstrations: the spiral bouquet and the vase arrangement. All created with flowers from her field and sustainable techniques. At the end of the demonstration, you can purchase the beautiful flowers and if you love cut flowers you will also have the opportunity to buy seed packets for a cutting garden. These seeds include varieties that inspire creativity: from dancing cosmos to resilient zinnias with captivating colors, and all the varieties to sow in the fall for a spring rich with blooms.
Saturday, 28th at 11:30 AM – Spiral bouquet arrangement demonstration
Saturday, 28th at 4:00 PM – Vase arrangement demonstration
Language: Italian
Meeting at Zia Nina flower farm’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WALK “BEYOND THE HEDGE”. Mysteries and symbolism among the avenues of the castle park.
From the eerie skeletons of crows and ravens affixed to the castle’s entrance gate, the walk through the park will reveal the symbols of both Italian and English gardens. What did gardens represent in past centuries? The journey will highlight elements such as water and fountains, statues and mythology, as well as the labyrinth and its many facets. This route aims to give voice to legends, hidden meanings, and the mysteries of gardens.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at the information point
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR WREATH. Nature and art with Federica Rusciadelli.
Federica Rusciadelli, Italian floral decorator, will guide you in creating a beautiful flower wreath. A wreath is a circular decorative ornament usually made from leaves, flowers, branches, and other natural materials, often used to adorn doors, tables, or walls for holidays or special events. The materials we will use are gathered with great care to avoid damaging the plants and to respect their natural growth, following the rhythm of the seasons. Leaves, branches, flowers, and moss are ready to be transformed into a unique and special wreath.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hand Mad’s stand
Registration fee: € 35
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
MEETING ON THE TOPIC: GARDENS ARE BRIDGES BETWEEN DIFFERENT CULTURES
It is difficult to remember the many tales that, from East to West, flourish in gardens, places of peace and nourishment for the soul where no one is denied the hearing of a story. Within them, different cultures find welcome and engage in dialogue, weaving imaginary narratives. This is the great lesson that literature offers us. After all, only curiosity drives us to wonder from which countries the various plant species that contribute to the beauty of a garden originate.
As part of the initiative, the novel Ali’s Garden by Giuseppe Conti Calabrese will be presented.
Contributions from the author and landscape architect Carlo Contesso.
Introduction by Verde Visconti
At the end of the event, it will be possible to purchase a copy of the novel.
Who is Giuseppe Conti Calabrese?
In his writing career, Giuseppe Conti Calabrese has addressed various topics, ranging from essays to fiction.
In 1994, he published the essay Pasolini and the Sacred with a preface by Gianni Scalia for Jaca Book.
His first novel, titled In Your Emptiness, was released in 2003, published by Moretti & Vitali.
On the occasion of EXPO 2015, he curated the volume The Duke’s Farmhouse for the Municipality of Milan, where he wrote, among other chapters, the biographies of Duke Guido Visconti di Modrone and his son Giuseppe, Duke of Grazzano Visconti.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at castle courtyard
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
NICE TO MEET YOU, I’M HOYA! Discovering “Wax Flowers” with Silvia Bellini.
With great enthusiasm, Hoya Mia, Silvia Bellini’s small family nursery, returns. It’s a magical place where the most unusual, unique, and rare Hoyas are born and thrive. These succulents, still relatively unknown but with enchanting blooms, primarily come from Southeast Asia. Starting from a small private collection, Silvia has developed the nursery to include over 200 different varieties.Come to the stand and let Silvia guide you in choosing your first Hoya. You’ll discover the secrets of their needs, the best methods for cultivating and propagating them through divisions and cuttings from mother plants. Silvia will answer all your questions and share her passion for these fascinating “wax flowers.”Accompanying Silvia in her presentation will be Agostina Righi, author of the first practical manual on Hoya cultivation written in Italian. It’s a simple guide for growing this wonderful exotic plant, perfect for beginners, those who want to start, and for those who already love this flower!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
INTRODUCTION OF THE PRACTICAL MANUAL ON HOYA CULTIVATION! Take home the secrets to cultivating this wonderful exotic plant.
Agostina Righi awaits you at the Hoya Mia stand to present the first book written in Italy to help anyone who wants to approach the cultivation of this wonderful exotic plant. The Hoya is an ornamental plant from Southeast Asia, characterized by very tough leaves with vibrant pigmentation and star-shaped inflorescences, a common feature of the entire genus. Inside this manual, you will find a description of the flower, an innovative cultivation system that allows successful growth both indoors and outdoors, a list of suitable materials for cultivation, methods for propagation by seed or cuttings, and guidance on identifying and solving common issues in plant care.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A JOURNEY BETWEEN NATURE AND POLLINATORS. Discover Honey Plants with Angelo Gramigna.
Angelo Gramigna awaits you at his stand to showcase his honey plants. These plants are essential for the health of ecosystems and the survival of pollinators. They produce nectar and pollen, which are vital resources for bees and other pollinating insects. Cultivating these plants not only supports honey production but also contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. You will discover interesting facts, key characteristics, and the habits of these extraordinary plants.
Language: Italian
Duration: 30 min
Meeting at Eye on green’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP. Create your greeting card with botanical watercolor artist Adriana Basso.
Short course to create a personalized botanical-themed card that you can also have printed and give to your loved ones. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to try. All necessary materials will be provided, including those for making an envelope with decorative paper from Grafiche Tassotti.
Who is Adriana Basso?
Graduated in architecture from IUAV of Venice, Adriana has always loved nature in all its nuances. In 2012, she met Maria Rita Stirpe, who introduced her to the art of botanical watercolor. In 2017, she earned a diploma with distinction in botanical painting from the Society of Botanical Artists in London. In the following years, she taught illustration courses and exhibited her works in various exhibitions. In 2022, she became a member of the European Academy of Arts. In addition to botanical watercolor, Adriana now creates works using other techniques such as gold leaf, acrylic, or ink, and by combining reclaimed wood with corten steel, she creates decorative objects.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Adriana Basso’s stand
Registration fee: € 30
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
IN LESSON WITH OSCAR TINTORI. Practical tips for growing your citrus plants.
Citrus plants are to be loved, cared for, maintained over time, and to grow they need specific attention. Davide awaits you at the stand to provide you with all the practical information you need to best cultivate your citrus plants: grafting, pruning, repotting, fertilization, and winter care. We will also discuss diseases and pests, offering advice for their care and prevention. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from an expert and improve your cultivation techniques!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Oscar Tintori Vivai’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
MAKE YOUR OWN CLAY FLOWER WORKSHOP. Unleash the artist in you.
Simona and Sylvain from La Terra della Torre are waiting for you at their stand to create a personalized clay flower together. Clay is a versatile and easy-to-shape material, perfect for experimenting with various three-dimensional forms like roses, tulips, and daisies. Take advantage of this unique opportunity, and you can pick up your flower once it has been fired in their workshop.
Duration: 1 hour
Language: Italian
Meeting at Le terre della torre’s stand
Cost of flower firing: € 10
Delivery in Italy: € 5
Delivery outside from Italy: to be defined
Pickup of the fired flower at the Pianello Valtidone (PC) workshop or in Piacenza: Free
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
THE TIPS OF ROSE BARNI. How to care for your rose.
Roses, with their fragrant and colorful flowers, can transform any space into a corner of paradise. Come to the Rose Barni stand, where Alessio will explain everything: when to transplant them, how to prune them, and which fertilizers to use to make them grow strong and lush. Additionally, you’ll receive many useful tips on how to cultivate these wonderful plants, both in the garden and in a beautiful pot. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn the secrets to having roses that are always beautiful and blooming!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Rose Barni’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WEAVING OF THE RUSH WORKSHOP. Discover the secrets of rural art with Ettore Gastini.
Ettore Gastini returns to Verde Grazzano with his beautiful workshop on the weaving of rushes. Art professor and expert in rural art, Ettore has studied the techniques and expressive potential of poor materials such as willow, vitalba, amorpha, rush, tipha and any other branch that can be woven, and will illustrate the art and secrets of weaving. The participants, under his guidance, will transform the rush into a handcrafted object, such as a trivet or bottle holder, which they can take home as a souvenir of Verde Grazzano. At the end of the workshop Ettore will show his beautiful baskets and other objects he created.
Who is Ettore Gastini?
He graduated from the Art Institute of Modena and then from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna.
In the early 70s he began to carry out artistic activities by participating in numerous personal and collective painting exhibitions.
From 1984 he began to work as a teacher and in 1988 he entered the Guidizzolo Art Institute as a teacher of Pictorial Disciplines. In 2009 he discovered rural art and studied the typical handicraft artifacts of the Lombardy-Emilian plain, where herbs and shrubs are collected and dried before being used. He carries out dissemination activities and courses on nature and the territory.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Ettore Gastini’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
HOLISTIC BOTANY DEMONSTRATION. Ointments and Infused Oils: What They Are and What They Are Used For.
During this demonstration, led by Ilaria Zerletti, you will have the opportunity to learn about and see how to create a healing ointment using infused oils. You will discover how to prepare and use them. Plants, as a gift from Mother Earth, offer remedies for many everyday issues, and oils and ointments are an excellent way to harness the beneficial properties of these botanicals.
Who is Ilaria Zerletti?
Ilaria is a holistic practitioner. In 2020, driven by her passion for foraging and identifying wild herbs, she founded the Aila Botanica Olistica project with the mission of rediscovering Italian herbal and holistic traditions, avoiding contaminants from resins and plants from distant places that do not resonate with our own frequency. Ilaria is also a Reiki practitioner and works with somatic and energetic healing techniques.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Aila botanica olistica’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
TROPICAL OASIS IN VALCUVIA. From the pharmacy to the greenhouse: the story of Luca Chiesa, pharmacist and botanist.
Luca Chiesa’s story is a fascinating journey from his profession as a pharmacist to his passion for tropical botany. His experience shows how personal interests can evolve into ambitious and rewarding projects.Luca invites you to his stand to share his adventure and present his collections: from common fruits like mangoes, avocados, and lychees to lesser-known seeds and plants, including numerous varieties of Eugenia, Syzygium, Annona, Pouteria, Musa, and every tropical fruit you can imagine. But it’s not just about fruits—he also has Plumerias (or frangipanis), flowers with an incredible fragrance and a variety of vibrant colors. It’s a true challenge in cultivation and reproduction!
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Oasi Tropicale Valcuvia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BEE TOUR. Uncovering the castle’s bees.
At Verde Grazzano, Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti led by the expert beekeeper Lorenzo Ciceri is ready to guide you through a fascinating exploration of bees—these tireless creatures essential for biodiversity. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to observe the park’s bees up close and uncover their secrets. At the end of the visit, Lorenzo will be at his stand to showcase his diverse honey collection, including the delightful Castle Honey, precious royal jelly, propolis, and many other specialties.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BUTTERFLY EXHIBITION. Beauty takes flight.
An event curated by Jonathan Gallesi for both adults and children. Jonathan, an educator and agricultural expert, co-founder of the nursery and preschool Il Giardino delle Birbe in Parma, invites you to his greenhouse to showcase his tropical butterflies and explore how we can attract and support them with plants and flowers. In addition to the butterflies, you will also have the chance to admire a variety of fascinating insects, such as mantises, millipedes, and stick or leaf insects.
Duration: about 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Le farfalle delle birbe’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A CHAT WITH NINA IRIS. The Fascinating World of Bearded Irises.
Orietta Giorcelli, known as Nina, awaits you at her stand to immerse us in the world of irises: how an iris is composed and how modern bearded hybrids are created. Practical advice on hybridizing, caring for, and treating the diseases of these wonderful flowers.
Who is Orietta Giorcelli? Nina, her childhood name, encapsulates the essence of this journey: playing with the earth, creating with her hands, dreaming among the vibrant colors of flowers. Ceramics, her first love, now intertwines with the magic of irises, giving life to a hybridization of colors and shapes that will leave you breathless, which you can admire in her garden in Monferrato.
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Nina Iris’ stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
EXPLORING THE PARK WITH CARLO CONTESSO. An Eclectic Walk.
EXPLORING THE PARK WITH CARLO CONTESSO. An Eclectic Walk
A not-to-be-missed event at Verde Grazzano is the guided tour of the park with the renowned garden designer Carlo Contesso. Carlo will lead you through the Castle Park of Grazzano Visconti, revealing the unique botanical features of this special place. During the tour, you will admire the eclectic style of the park, designed by Duke Giuseppe Visconti, where diverse elements blend harmoniously: the symmetry of the Italian garden, the romanticism of the woodlands and fragrant rose gardens, the exotic touch of bamboo groves, and the baroque charm of statues and fountains.
Carlo Contesso graduated in Garden Design from the University of Greenwich (UK, 2000) and completed a master’s degree in Natural Resources at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (USA, 2009). He is a freelance professional and educator who has designed and overseen the creation of private gardens in England, Italy, and the United States. Carlo is also the curator of the Borgo Plantarum event. In addition to his design work, he has been writing a planting design column for Gardenia magazine since 2006
Duration: 1 hour
Language: Italian
Meeting at the castle’s gate
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP. Create your greeting card with botanical watercolor artist Adriana Basso.
Short course to create a personalized botanical-themed card that you can also have printed and give to your loved ones. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to try. All necessary materials will be provided, including those for making an envelope with decorative paper from Grafiche Tassotti.
Who is Adriana Basso?
Graduated in architecture from IUAV of Venice, Adriana has always loved nature in all its nuances. In 2012, she met Maria Rita Stirpe, who introduced her to the art of botanical watercolor. In 2017, she earned a diploma with distinction in botanical painting from the Society of Botanical Artists in London. In the following years, she taught illustration courses and exhibited her works in various exhibitions. In 2022, she became a member of the European Academy of Arts. In addition to botanical watercolor, Adriana now creates works using other techniques such as gold leaf, acrylic, or ink, and by combining reclaimed wood with corten steel, she creates decorative objects.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Adriana Basso’s stand
Registration fee: € 30
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WALK “FLOWERS REVEAL AND TREES TELL. The park is the language of nature.
What stories does a rose conceal? What secrets does a poplar hold? This journey, starting in the park’s rose garden, will lead you to uncover the meanings and myths that nature has carried with it for centuries. You will delve into the connections with alchemy and astrology—two great allies and adversaries of flowers and trees—which will reveal stories and secrets, shedding light on truths and falsehoods passed down through history.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at the information point
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
DEMONSTRATIONS OF CUT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. Zia Nina Flower Farm brings creativity to the field.
Giulia grows heirloom flowers in an ethical and sustainable manner, with a zero-kilometer approach that respects nature and the seasonality of each selected variety. A creative farm in constant transformation, her blooming fields are experiential spaces in continuous evolution, where creativity blossoms every day. At Verde Grazzano, creativity is celebrated with two extraordinary floral arrangement demonstrations: the spiral bouquet and the vase arrangement. All created with flowers from her field and sustainable techniques. At the end of the demonstration, you can purchase the beautiful flowers and if you love cut flowers you will also have the opportunity to buy seed packets for a cutting garden. These seeds include varieties that inspire creativity: from dancing cosmos to resilient zinnias with captivating colors, and all the varieties to sow in the fall for a spring rich with blooms.
Saturday, 28th at 11:30 AM – Spiral bouquet arrangement demonstration
Saturday, 28th at 4:00 PM – Vase arrangement demonstration
Language: Italian
Meeting at Zia Nina flower farm’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
NICE TO MEET YOU, I’M HOYA! Discovering “Wax Flowers” with Silvia Bellini.
With great enthusiasm, Hoya Mia, Silvia Bellini’s small family nursery, returns. It’s a magical place where the most unusual, unique, and rare Hoyas are born and thrive. These succulents, still relatively unknown but with enchanting blooms, primarily come from Southeast Asia. Starting from a small private collection, Silvia has developed the nursery to include over 200 different varieties.Come to the stand and let Silvia guide you in choosing your first Hoya. You’ll discover the secrets of their needs, the best methods for cultivating and propagating them through divisions and cuttings from mother plants. Silvia will answer all your questions and share her passion for these fascinating “wax flowers.”Accompanying Silvia in her presentation will be Agostina Righi, author of the first practical manual on Hoya cultivation written in Italian. It’s a simple guide for growing this wonderful exotic plant, perfect for beginners, those who want to start, and for those who already love this flower!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
INTRODUCTION OF THE PRACTICAL MANUAL ON HOYA CULTIVATION! Take home the secrets to cultivating this wonderful exotic plant.
Agostina Righi awaits you at the Hoya Mia stand to present the first book written in Italy to help anyone who wants to approach the cultivation of this wonderful exotic plant. The Hoya is an ornamental plant from Southeast Asia, characterized by very tough leaves with vibrant pigmentation and star-shaped inflorescences, a common feature of the entire genus. Inside this manual, you will find a description of the flower, an innovative cultivation system that allows successful growth both indoors and outdoors, a list of suitable materials for cultivation, methods for propagation by seed or cuttings, and guidance on identifying and solving common issues in plant care.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A JOURNEY BETWEEN NATURE AND POLLINATORS. Discover Honey Plants with Angelo Gramigna.
Angelo Gramigna awaits you at his stand to showcase his honey plants. These plants are essential for the health of ecosystems and the survival of pollinators. They produce nectar and pollen, which are vital resources for bees and other pollinating insects. Cultivating these plants not only supports honey production but also contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. You will discover interesting facts, key characteristics, and the habits of these extraordinary plants.
Language: Italian
Duration: 30 min
Meeting at Eye on green’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
SUNDAY 29th SEPTEMBER
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP.Create your greeting card with botanical watercolor artist Adriana Basso.
Short course to create a personalized botanical-themed card that you can also have printed and give to your loved ones. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to try. All necessary materials will be provided, including those for making an envelope with decorative paper from Grafiche Tassotti.
Who is Adriana Basso?
Graduated in architecture from IUAV of Venice, Adriana has always loved nature in all its nuances. In 2012, she met Maria Rita Stirpe, who introduced her to the art of botanical watercolor. In 2017, she earned a diploma with distinction in botanical painting from the Society of Botanical Artists in London. In the following years, she taught illustration courses and exhibited her works in various exhibitions. In 2022, she became a member of the European Academy of Arts. In addition to botanical watercolor, Adriana now creates works using other techniques such as gold leaf, acrylic, or ink, and by combining reclaimed wood with corten steel, she creates decorative objects.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Adriana Basso’s stand
Registration fee: € 30
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
EXPLORING THE PARK WITH CARLO CONTESSO. An Eclectic Walk.
A not-to-be-missed event at Verde Grazzano is the guided tour of the park with the renowned garden designer Carlo Contesso. Carlo will lead you through the Castle Park of Grazzano Visconti, revealing the unique botanical features of this special place. During the tour, you will admire the eclectic style of the park, designed by Duke Giuseppe Visconti, where diverse elements blend harmoniously: the symmetry of the Italian garden, the romanticism of the woodlands and fragrant rose gardens, the exotic touch of bamboo groves, and the baroque charm of statues and fountains.
Carlo Contesso graduated in Garden Design from the University of Greenwich (UK, 2000) and completed a master’s degree in Natural Resources at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (USA, 2009). He is a freelance professional and educator who has designed and overseen the creation of private gardens in England, Italy, and the United States. Carlo is also the curator of the Borgo Plantarum event. In addition to his design work, he has been writing a planting design column for Gardenia magazine since 2006
Duration: 1 hour
Language: Italian
Meeting at the castle’s gate
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A CHAT WITH NINA IRIS. The Fascinating World of Bearded Irises.
Orietta Giorcelli, known as Nina, awaits you at her stand to immerse us in the world of irises: how an iris is composed and how modern bearded hybrids are created. Practical advice on hybridizing, caring for, and treating the diseases of these wonderful flowers.
Who is Orietta Giorcelli? Nina, her childhood name, encapsulates the essence of this journey: playing with the earth, creating with her hands, dreaming among the vibrant colors of flowers. Ceramics, her first love, now intertwines with the magic of irises, giving life to a hybridization of colors and shapes that will leave you breathless, which you can admire in her garden in Monferrato.
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Nina Iris’ stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BEE TOUR. Uncovering the castle’s bees.
At Verde Grazzano, Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti led by the expert beekeeper Lorenzo Ciceri is ready to guide you through a fascinating exploration of bees—these tireless creatures essential for biodiversity. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to observe the park’s bees up close and uncover their secrets. At the end of the visit, Lorenzo will be at his stand to showcase his diverse honey collection, including the delightful Castle Honey, precious royal jelly, propolis, and many other specialties.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WEAVING OF THE RUSH WORKSHOP. Discover the secrets of rural art with Ettore Gastini.
Ettore Gastini returns to Verde Grazzano with his beautiful workshop on the weaving of rushes. Art professor and expert in rural art, Ettore has studied the techniques and expressive potential of poor materials such as willow, vitalba, amorpha, rush, tipha and any other branch that can be woven, and will illustrate the art and secrets of weaving. The participants, under his guidance, will transform the rush into a handcrafted object, such as a trivet or bottle holder, which they can take home as a souvenir of Verde Grazzano. At the end of the workshop Ettore will show his beautiful baskets and other objects he created.
Who is Ettore Gastini?
He graduated from the Art Institute of Modena and then from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna.
In the early 70s he began to carry out artistic activities by participating in numerous personal and collective painting exhibitions.
From 1984 he began to work as a teacher and in 1988 he entered the Guidizzolo Art Institute as a teacher of Pictorial Disciplines. In 2009 he discovered rural art and studied the typical handicraft artifacts of the Lombardy-Emilian plain, where herbs and shrubs are collected and dried before being used. He carries out dissemination activities and courses on nature and the territory.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Ettore Gastini’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
HOLISTIC BOTANY WORKSHOP. Create your own smudge.
In this delightful workshop, led by Ilaria Zerletti, you’ll be able to create your own smudge and learn about its properties and uses. Smudging is an ancient practice used to cleanse and renew dense energies in environments and people. Each plant has its unique properties, which we will explore together.
Who is Ilaria Zerletti?
Ilaria is a holistic practitioner. In 2020, driven by her passion for foraging and identifying wild herbs, she founded the Aila Botanica Olistica project with the mission of rediscovering Italian herbal and holistic traditions, avoiding contaminants from resins and plants from distant places that do not resonate with our own frequency. Ilaria is also a Reiki practitioner and works with somatic and energetic healing techniques.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Aila botanica olistica’s stand
Registration fee: € 5
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WORKSHOP CREATE YOUR OWN BONSAI. Shape your miniature tree with Salvatore Liporace.
Salvatore Liporace, a renowned bonsai master, founded the Botanical Studio in Milan in 1983, the first space in Europe entirely dedicated to the cultivation and teaching of bonsai. Thanks to his numerous study trips to Japan under the tutelage of Master Masahiko Kimura, his school has become a reference point for bonsai experts worldwide and is the first to be officially recognized by the UBI (Italian Bonsai Union).
Studio Botanico returns to Verde Grazzano with its splendid bonsai and its art. It awaits you with a workshop on creating a miniature tree. Participants will have access to a Pinus Sylvestris personally cultivated at his nursery, and under his guidance, it will be shaped. An unmissable event for enthusiasts! It will be possible to purchase his book, published in five languages, “Bonsai. Spirit and Matter” by Salvatore Liporace – Centro Edition.
Duration: 3 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Studio Botanico’s stand
Registration fee: € 50
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BOOK PRESENTATION:” THE GARDENS OF VENICE . The magic of the Venetian garden lies in its secrecy”.
Secrets protected and hidden: these are the gardens of Venice, protagonists of the illustrated volume published by Marsilio Arte and edited by Toto Bergamo Rossi, director of the Venetian Heritage association with Marco Bay, landscape architect. The texts by the two authors of the volume, accompanied by Marco Valmarana’s evocative photographs, guide the reader on a voyage of discovery of these green gems where nature, art and history intertwine.
The book offers a splendid journey through the gardens of Venice, from the most sumptuous examples belonging to the noble palaces overlooking the Grand Canal to the more everyday ones on the lagoon islands. In the volume, they are systematically collected and presented through an indexing by sestiere. Spring blossom, summer opulence, autumn colours, winter mists and frost are captured in an unprecedented way in a series of photos rich in detail and emotion, revealing Venice’s green secret through the seasons.
Presenter: Toto Bergamo Rossi
Introduced by: Luchino Visconti
At the end of the presentation, the volume will be available for purchase.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at castle courtyard
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
TROPICAL OASIS IN VALCUVIA. From the pharmacy to the greenhouse: the story of Luca Chiesa, pharmacist and botanist.
Luca Chiesa’s story is a fascinating journey from his profession as a pharmacist to his passion for tropical botany. His experience shows how personal interests can evolve into ambitious and rewarding projects.Luca invites you to his stand to share his adventure and present his collections: from common fruits like mangoes, avocados, and lychees to lesser-known seeds and plants, including numerous varieties of Eugenia, Syzygium, Annona, Pouteria, Musa, and every tropical fruit you can imagine. But it’s not just about fruits—he also has Plumerias (or frangipanis), flowers with an incredible fragrance and a variety of vibrant colors. It’s a true challenge in cultivation and reproduction!
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Oasi Tropicale Valcuvia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BUTTERFLY EXHIBITION. Beauty takes flight.
An event curated by Jonathan Gallesi for both adults and children. Jonathan, an educator and agricultural expert, co-founder of the nursery and preschool Il Giardino delle Birbe in Parma, invites you to his greenhouse to showcase his tropical butterflies and explore how we can attract and support them with plants and flowers. In addition to the butterflies, you will also have the chance to admire a variety of fascinating insects, such as mantises, millipedes, and stick or leaf insects.
Duration: about 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Le farfalle delle birbe’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WALK “FLOWERS REVEAL AND TREES TELL. The park is the language of nature.
What stories does a rose conceal? What secrets does a poplar hold? This journey, starting in the park’s rose garden, will lead you to uncover the meanings and myths that nature has carried with it for centuries. You will delve into the connections with alchemy and astrology—two great allies and adversaries of flowers and trees—which will reveal stories and secrets, shedding light on truths and falsehoods passed down through history.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at the information point
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
NICE TO MEET YOU, I’M HOYA! Discovering “Wax Flowers” with Silvia Bellini.
With great enthusiasm, Hoya Mia, Silvia Bellini’s small family nursery, returns. It’s a magical place where the most unusual, unique, and rare Hoyas are born and thrive. These succulents, still relatively unknown but with enchanting blooms, primarily come from Southeast Asia. Starting from a small private collection, Silvia has developed the nursery to include over 200 different varieties.Come to the stand and let Silvia guide you in choosing your first Hoya. You’ll discover the secrets of their needs, the best methods for cultivating and propagating them through divisions and cuttings from mother plants. Silvia will answer all your questions and share her passion for these fascinating “wax flowers.”Accompanying Silvia in her presentation will be Agostina Righi, author of the first practical manual on Hoya cultivation written in Italian. It’s a simple guide for growing this wonderful exotic plant, perfect for beginners, those who want to start, and for those who already love this flower!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
INTRODUCTION OF THE PRACTICAL MANUAL ON HOYA CULTIVATION! Take home the secrets to cultivating this wonderful exotic plant.
Agostina Righi awaits you at the Hoya Mia stand to present the first book written in Italy to help anyone who wants to approach the cultivation of this wonderful exotic plant. The Hoya is an ornamental plant from Southeast Asia, characterized by very tough leaves with vibrant pigmentation and star-shaped inflorescences, a common feature of the entire genus. Inside this manual, you will find a description of the flower, an innovative cultivation system that allows successful growth both indoors and outdoors, a list of suitable materials for cultivation, methods for propagation by seed or cuttings, and guidance on identifying and solving common issues in plant care.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A JOURNEY BETWEEN NATURE AND POLLINATORS. Discover Honey Plants with Angelo Gramigna.
Angelo Gramigna awaits you at his stand to showcase his honey plants. These plants are essential for the health of ecosystems and the survival of pollinators. They produce nectar and pollen, which are vital resources for bees and other pollinating insects. Cultivating these plants not only supports honey production but also contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. You will discover interesting facts, key characteristics, and the habits of these extraordinary plants.
Language: Italian
Duration: 30 min
Meeting at Eye on green’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
PREVIEW PRESENTATION OF THE CULTI FRAGRANCE FOR LARGE ITALIAN GARDENS
Grazzano Visconti Castle, with the majesty of its park, part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani network, hosts the presentation of the new Culti Milano fragrance for Grandi Giardini Italiani. This prestigious olfactory project expresses and tells a story of culture, where two deeply rooted identities come together. Culti Milano, born in the late 1980s from an idea by Alessandro Agrati – an architect of style, design, and olfactory notes – and Grandi Giardini Italiani, a network of over one hundred and fifty gardens across 15 Italian regions that are open to visitors. Simple and direct, the CULTI Milano fragrance for Grandi Giardini Italiani is an olfactory souvenir, designed to evoke the memory of a pleasant day spent in one of the network’s gardens.
Introduction by Luchino Visconti
Language: Italian
Meeting at castle courtyard
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP. Create your greeting card with botanical watercolor artist Adriana Basso.
Short course to create a personalized botanical-themed card that you can also have printed and give to your loved ones. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to try. All necessary materials will be provided, including those for making an envelope with decorative paper from Grafiche Tassotti.
Who is Adriana Basso?
Graduated in architecture from IUAV of Venice, Adriana has always loved nature in all its nuances. In 2012, she met Maria Rita Stirpe, who introduced her to the art of botanical watercolor. In 2017, she earned a diploma with distinction in botanical painting from the Society of Botanical Artists in London. In the following years, she taught illustration courses and exhibited her works in various exhibitions. In 2022, she became a member of the European Academy of Arts. In addition to botanical watercolor, Adriana now creates works using other techniques such as gold leaf, acrylic, or ink, and by combining reclaimed wood with corten steel, she creates decorative objects.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Adriana Basso’s stand
Registration fee: € 30
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
IN LESSON WITH OSCAR TINTORI. Practical tips for growing your citrus plants.
Citrus plants are to be loved, cared for, maintained over time, and to grow they need specific attention. Davide awaits you at the stand to provide you with all the practical information you need to best cultivate your citrus plants: grafting, pruning, repotting, fertilization, and winter care. We will also discuss diseases and pests, offering advice for their care and prevention. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from an expert and improve your cultivation techniques!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Oscar Tintori Vivai’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
THE TIPS OF ROSE BARNI. How to care for your rose.
Roses, with their fragrant and colorful flowers, can transform any space into a corner of paradise. Come to the Rose Barni stand, where Alessio will explain everything: when to transplant them, how to prune them, and which fertilizers to use to make them grow strong and lush. Additionally, you’ll receive many useful tips on how to cultivate these wonderful plants, both in the garden and in a beautiful pot. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn the secrets to having roses that are always beautiful and blooming!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Rose Barni’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL HAT WORKSHOP. With Viola Fiore, you craft and wear beauty.
Enza Molignani, known as Viola Fiore, is a floral artist from Novara who creates enchanting, handcrafted works that follow the rhythms of nature and evoke deep emotions. Her philosophy embraces rebirth and reinvention, giving a second life to what would otherwise be discarded. Dried leaves and wilted flowers, destined to be forgotten, find new dignity in her hands, transforming into extraordinary creations. This is how her captivating globes, garlands woven with the yellowed pages of abandoned old encyclopedias, nature-inspired plant necklaces, and luminous hats made of paper, twine, and floral elements come to life. Viola Fiore invites you to Verde Grazzano to create a unique hat together. Come join us and wear the beauty of rebirth
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Viola Fiore’s stand
Registration fee: € 15
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WEAVING OF THE RUSH WORKSHOP. Discover the secrets of rural art with Ettore Gastini.
Ettore Gastini returns to Verde Grazzano with his beautiful workshop on the weaving of rushes. Art professor and expert in rural art, Ettore has studied the techniques and expressive potential of poor materials such as willow, vitalba, amorpha, rush, tipha and any other branch that can be woven, and will illustrate the art and secrets of weaving. The participants, under his guidance, will transform the rush into a handcrafted object, such as a trivet or bottle holder, which they can take home as a souvenir of Verde Grazzano. At the end of the workshop Ettore will show his beautiful baskets and other objects he created.
Who is Ettore Gastini?
He graduated from the Art Institute of Modena and then from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna.
In the early 70s he began to carry out artistic activities by participating in numerous personal and collective painting exhibitions.
From 1984 he began to work as a teacher and in 1988 he entered the Guidizzolo Art Institute as a teacher of Pictorial Disciplines. In 2009 he discovered rural art and studied the typical handicraft artifacts of the Lombardy-Emilian plain, where herbs and shrubs are collected and dried before being used. He carries out dissemination activities and courses on nature and the territory.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Ettore Gastini’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
HOLISTIC BOTANY DEMONSTRATION. Ointments and Infused Oils: What They Are and What They Are Used For.
During this demonstration, led by Ilaria Zerletti, you will have the opportunity to learn about and see how to create a healing ointment using infused oils. You will discover how to prepare and use them. Plants, as a gift from Mother Earth, offer remedies for many everyday issues, and oils and ointments are an excellent way to harness the beneficial properties of these botanicals.
Who is Ilaria Zerletti?
Ilaria is a holistic practitioner. In 2020, driven by her passion for foraging and identifying wild herbs, she founded the Aila Botanica Olistica project with the mission of rediscovering Italian herbal and holistic traditions, avoiding contaminants from resins and plants from distant places that do not resonate with our own frequency. Ilaria is also a Reiki practitioner and works with somatic and energetic healing techniques.
Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Aila botanica olistica’s stand
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
TROPICAL OASIS IN VALCUVIA. From the pharmacy to the greenhouse: the story of Luca Chiesa, pharmacist and botanist.
Luca Chiesa’s story is a fascinating journey from his profession as a pharmacist to his passion for tropical botany. His experience shows how personal interests can evolve into ambitious and rewarding projects.Luca invites you to his stand to share his adventure and present his collections: from common fruits like mangoes, avocados, and lychees to lesser-known seeds and plants, including numerous varieties of Eugenia, Syzygium, Annona, Pouteria, Musa, and every tropical fruit you can imagine. But it’s not just about fruits—he also has Plumerias (or frangipanis), flowers with an incredible fragrance and a variety of vibrant colors. It’s a true challenge in cultivation and reproduction!
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Oasi Tropicale Valcuvia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BEE TOUR. Uncovering the castle’s bees
At Verde Grazzano, Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti led by the expert beekeeper Lorenzo Ciceri is ready to guide you through a fascinating exploration of bees—these tireless creatures essential for biodiversity. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to observe the park’s bees up close and uncover their secrets. At the end of the visit, Lorenzo will be at his stand to showcase his diverse honey collection, including the delightful Castle Honey, precious royal jelly, propolis, and many other specialties.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Gruppo Apicoltori Riuniti’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY, GARDEN ART, AND LIVED EXPERIENCES.
Raimonda Lanza di Trabia tells us about Russell Page and her life in the garden of Silvio Pellico created in the 1950s.
Raimonda Lanza di Trabia tells us about Russell Page and the experience of living today in a garden he designed, Villa Silvio Pellico in Moncalieri. Residing in a space created by Page means living within a living work of art, where every element has been meticulously crafted to provide a unique aesthetic and sensory experience. His gardens, which blend nature, architecture, and design with unparalleled mastery, offer a harmonious balance between order and spontaneity. Russell Page (1906-1985), one of the greatest gardening masters of the 20th century, left a lasting impact with his works around the world, collaborating with distinguished clients. Among his most famous projects in Italy is the garden of Villa Silvio Pellico, where he skillfully integrated architecture and landscape. His book The Education of a Gardener (1962) remains an essential reference in landscape design.
Introduction by Luchino Visconti.
Duration: 40 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at castle courtyard
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
EXPLORING THE PARK WITH CARLO CONTESSO. An Eclectic Walk.
A not-to-be-missed event at Verde Grazzano is the guided tour of the park with the renowned garden designer Carlo Contesso. Carlo will lead you through the Castle Park of Grazzano Visconti, revealing the unique botanical features of this special place. During the tour, you will admire the eclectic style of the park, designed by Duke Giuseppe Visconti, where diverse elements blend harmoniously: the symmetry of the Italian garden, the romanticism of the woodlands and fragrant rose gardens, the exotic touch of bamboo groves, and the baroque charm of statues and fountains.
Carlo Contesso graduated in Garden Design from the University of Greenwich (UK, 2000) and completed a master’s degree in Natural Resources at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (USA, 2009). He is a freelance professional and educator who has designed and overseen the creation of private gardens in England, Italy, and the United States. Carlo is also the curator of the Borgo Plantarum event. In addition to his design work, he has been writing a planting design column for Gardenia magazine since 2006
Duration: 1 hour
Language: Italian
Meeting at the castle’s gate
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP. Create your greeting card with botanical watercolor artist Adriana Basso.
Short course to create a personalized botanical-themed card that you can also have printed and give to your loved ones. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to try. All necessary materials will be provided, including those for making an envelope with decorative paper from Grafiche Tassotti.
Who is Adriana Basso?
Graduated in architecture from IUAV of Venice, Adriana has always loved nature in all its nuances. In 2012, she met Maria Rita Stirpe, who introduced her to the art of botanical watercolor. In 2017, she earned a diploma with distinction in botanical painting from the Society of Botanical Artists in London. In the following years, she taught illustration courses and exhibited her works in various exhibitions. In 2022, she became a member of the European Academy of Arts. In addition to botanical watercolor, Adriana now creates works using other techniques such as gold leaf, acrylic, or ink, and by combining reclaimed wood with corten steel, she creates decorative objects.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: Italian
Meeting at Adriana Basso’s stand
Registration fee: € 30
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
WALK “BEYOND THE HEDGE. Mysteries and symbolism among the avenues of the castle park
From the eerie skeletons of crows and ravens affixed to the castle’s entrance gate, the walk through the park will reveal the symbols of both Italian and English gardens. What did gardens represent in past centuries? The journey will highlight elements such as water and fountains, statues and mythology, as well as the labyrinth and its many facets. This route aims to give voice to legends, hidden meanings, and the mysteries of gardens.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at the information point
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
NICE TO MEET YOU, I’M HOYA! Discovering “Wax Flowers” with Silvia Bellini.
With great enthusiasm, Hoya Mia, Silvia Bellini’s small family nursery, returns. It’s a magical place where the most unusual, unique, and rare Hoyas are born and thrive. These succulents, still relatively unknown but with enchanting blooms, primarily come from Southeast Asia. Starting from a small private collection, Silvia has developed the nursery to include over 200 different varieties.Come to the stand and let Silvia guide you in choosing your first Hoya. You’ll discover the secrets of their needs, the best methods for cultivating and propagating them through divisions and cuttings from mother plants. Silvia will answer all your questions and share her passion for these fascinating “wax flowers.”Accompanying Silvia in her presentation will be Agostina Righi, author of the first practical manual on Hoya cultivation written in Italian. It’s a simple guide for growing this wonderful exotic plant, perfect for beginners, those who want to start, and for those who already love this flower!
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
INTRODUCTION OF THE PRACTICAL MANUAL ON HOYA CULTIVATION! Take home the secrets to cultivating this wonderful exotic plant.
Agostina Righi awaits you at the Hoya Mia stand to present the first book written in Italy to help anyone who wants to approach the cultivation of this wonderful exotic plant. The Hoya is an ornamental plant from Southeast Asia, characterized by very tough leaves with vibrant pigmentation and star-shaped inflorescences, a common feature of the entire genus. Inside this manual, you will find a description of the flower, an innovative cultivation system that allows successful growth both indoors and outdoors, a list of suitable materials for cultivation, methods for propagation by seed or cuttings, and guidance on identifying and solving common issues in plant care.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hoya Mia’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
FLORAL WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR WREATH. Nature and art with Federica Rusciadelli.
Federica Rusciadelli, Italian floral decorator, will guide you in creating a beautiful flower wreath. A wreath is a circular decorative ornament usually made from leaves, flowers, branches, and other natural materials, often used to adorn doors, tables, or walls for holidays or special events. The materials we will use are gathered with great care to avoid damaging the plants and to respect their natural growth, following the rhythm of the seasons. Leaves, branches, flowers, and moss are ready to be transformed into a unique and special wreath.
Duration: 45 minutes
Language: Italian
Meeting at Hand Mad’s stand
Registration fee: € 35
Reservation required.
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it
A JOURNEY BETWEEN NATURE AND POLLINATORS. Discover Honey Plants with Angelo Gramigna.
Angelo Gramigna awaits you at his stand to showcase his honey plants. These plants are essential for the health of ecosystems and the survival of pollinators. They produce nectar and pollen, which are vital resources for bees and other pollinating insects. Cultivating these plants not only supports honey production but also contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. You will discover interesting facts, key characteristics, and the habits of these extraordinary plants.
Language: Italian
Duration: 30 min
Meeting at Eye on green’s stand
Reservation required
For information and reservations: info@verdegrazzano.it