My New Find: Drought-Resistant Gardens in Tuscany!

Luca Agostini, the owner of Botanical Dry Garden

Luca built this wooden tower during Italy’s first lockdown

Luca guiding Katharina through the expansive garden

The cypress trees, a stunning land art installation

A breathtaking view from the tower overlooking the maze

An aerial view of a section of Botanical Dry Garden

The captivating cypress installation

Just a heads-up: I’m currently working on the restoration of a fascinating villa in the Bolgheri region. I can’t reveal too much at the moment, but the villa’s history and location are truly exciting.

While I’m not a garden design expert, I know what I like, and sometimes, that’s the best place to start! My journey led me to the Botanical Dry Garden, a local nursery located near Orbetello on the Maremma coast. The name caught my attention, especially because water scarcity is a significant issue in Maremma and throughout Italy.

Luca Agostini, the nursery’s charismatic owner, radiates passion. His impressive five-hectare (over 12 acres) show garden sparked my imagination. I discovered a variety of drought-resistant plants that serve as alternatives to traditional, water-thirsty lawns. With unusual names like Achillea chrithmifolia and Lippia nodiflora, I found many species that intrigued me, including the enchanting cypress tree maze and the striking wooden lookout tower that Luca crafted himself during the initial lockdown in Italy.

The garden’s expansive grounds are open to the public, making it a delightful way to spend a morning in Maremma. It promises to be an insightful and enjoyable experience for families and gardening enthusiasts alike.

**Botanical Dry Garden**
Strada Prov. 160 Amiatina n° 42, 58015 – Orbetello (GR).

Opening Hours: 8 AM – 12:30 PM / 2 PM – 6 PM.
Entrance Fee: €10 for adults, €7 for students and seniors over 65, free for children up to six years old. No pets allowed.