As a local guide in Lucca, I must admit spring is one of my favorite seasons to share the city’s green gems with visitors. Especially, after such a long rainy winter I crave bright skies, warm temperatures, and light clothes! I like to wander and catch these first signals!
During March and April, the Orto Botanico di Lucca (Botanical Garden), founded in 1820, transforms into a spectacular display of color and life. In this blog post, I would like to share with you three species that make this garden a must-visit in this season.
While many visitors will flock to see the walls, the churches and the squares, the garden offers a quiet corner.
Handkerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata)
Also known as the Dove Tree, this rare Chinese native puts on a spectacular show in early spring. What makes this tree so beautiful are its large leaves (bracts) that move with the breeze like hanging handkerchiefs or dove’s wings. The Lucca garden has a mature specimen.
The tree was first introduced in Europe by Father Armand David, a French missionary. Between the ‘800s – ‘900s, he explores Asia searching for unknown plants and animals. He was the first person to describe the giant panda!
Wild Peony (Paeonia Officinalis)
The wild peony is a stunning native flower and a true symbol of Tuscan spring. The garden still has a great collection, while in nature it is becoming rare. The deep crimson blooms, each up to 10 cm across, create an impressive display against the fresh spring foliage. You can find it in the garden section called the Botanical School. In the past here the species were precisely following a classified order. Almost all of this area now shows the Medicinal plants under the legendary Ginko Biloba.
However, if you are looking for a hike and you would like to see the wild peonies in their natural habitat, then you could go up in Garfagnana at Orecchiella park.
The queen: the Camellia
Last but not least, the third highlight of this spring collection is the Camellia. The relationship between Lucca and camellias dates back to the early 19th century, when wealthy local families, following the example set by Elisa Baciocchi, began importing these exotic plants from China and Japan. The climate and soil conditions proved perfect for this cultivation due to: the acidic soil, the abundance of water, the microclimate with the city walls, and the surrounding hills.
Each year, in March when the flowers are in full bloom you can visit the Antiche Camelie della Lucchesia festival… gorgeous!
The most important varieties you can find in Lucca include:
- Camellia japonica
- Camellia reticulata
- several antique varieties preserved from the 19th century
Planning your visit and book your garden tour
The Botanical Garden is open on weekdays from 10:30 till 18:30 and on weekends from 10:30 till 19:30 (check the updated opening times on the website) and the single ticket costs 6€. It is within the city walls, on the east side and the entrance gate is on the rampart going up St Regolo’s bastion. Do not forget to bring a camera to capture these botanical treasures!
If you will be visiting in early April, you will enjoy the Verdemura garden show and plant market on the walls!
As a guide, I offer garden tours, you will discover not just the rare plants and flowers, but you will explore the history and the architecture of the spaces like: monastery gardens and private courtyard gardens. For example, Palazzo Pfanner this year is reopening after a long restoration and I am sure there will be surprises!
For a bigger adventure, you can join me on an e-bike tour to visit one of the historic villas in the countryside: Villa Reale di Marlia, Villa Grabau and Villa Oliva. We can keep a relaxed pace and cover more ground. We will have breaks up on the Tuscan hills because you will need to fill your eyes with the beauty of the landscape!
To book a tour or learn more, contact me through this blog or email info@paolamoschini.com.