Orticolario 2024 – Villa Erba Lake Como

From Thursday, October 3rd to Sunday, October 6th, the 14th edition of Orticolario returns to the stunning Villa Erba on Lake Como. More than just a garden show or marketplace, Orticolario 2024 is an immersive experience dedicated to the discovery of rare, unusual, and collectible plants. This event uniquely blends cultural, artistic, and charitable endeavors, aiming to spread a deeper appreciation for landscape and nature.

The theme of this year’s edition is “Terrae”, with a special focus on phytodepuration plants—those capable of purifying water and soil. Over 400 species have been identified for this purpose, ranging from the rare to the commonly cultivated. Some familiar species used in both home gardens and larger landscapes include cabbage, turnip, sunflower, corn, ferns, poplars, willows, hemp, iris, and the marshy Canna indica.

This year, around 250 selected exhibitors will showcase innovative gardens, installations, and creative designs inspired by the theme. These exhibits will compete in the prestigious International Creative Spaces Competition, vying for the coveted “Golden Leaf of Lake Como” award, which celebrates the best in sustainable garden design and artistic expression.