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The Garden of the Residence
"Cala dei Peducelli"
During the second half of the 18th century
and the first years of the 19th century
the so-called "acclimatization gardens"
were born in Tuscany. These were botanical
plots dedicated to the conservation
of mainly exotic species of herbs, shrubs
and trees.
At a time when the concept of the conservation
of biodiversity still had not occurred
to ecologists, certain naturalists,
generally belonging to rich families
such as the Ricasoli or the Roster,
or rich land-owners like the Garbari,
created parks where the cultivation
and propagation of plant-life imported
from abroad could be carried out. Thanks
to their infamous mild climate, the
Tuscan coastline, and the Tuscan archipelago
(in particular the Isle of Elba), proved
to be excellent places in which to encourage
the activity of protecting various flora.
Even today, some of the oldest "acclimatization
gardens" can still be found, for example
Ottonella and Ottone on the Isle of
Elba and Casa Bianca's garden in the
Argentario. The creation and upkeep
of an "acclimatization garden" is particularly
difficult since it requires considerable
funding and an ongoing passion for solving
any botanical problems which may arise.
This may result in being rather tricky
considering the diversity of the plants
and the many different countries of
origin. Nowadays there are the additional
problems caused by the international
regulations regarding export of flora
from countries which are unwilling to
export and keen to protect particularly
their rare or endangered species. It
is not surprising therefore that modern
examples of these "acclimatization gardens"
are very rare.
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The garden at the Cala dei Peducelli
Residence, created in 1985, is certainly
a fine example of such a botanical masterpiece.
Firstly for its impressive quantity
of excellent species (about 400
Palms, Succulente, Agavi, Cicadee and
plants belonging to the Mediterranean
shrub). Secondly for its calculation
of scientific figures and finally for
the care and cultivation of the flora
in accordance with the great tradition
of "acclimatization gardens"
on the Isle of Elba.
The garden is situated on about 1 hectare
in size in the Punta Morcone in the
Capoliveri area. The owners' passion
for nature led to the creation of a
collection which both in terms of botany
and aesthetics is unique to the Isle
of Elba. This is perhaps due to the
harmony created amongst the buildings
, the ostensive and unique ornamental
elements and lastly the original terraced
layout of the garden.
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The geographical position of the garden
and the mild climate enable many exotic
species to be united together particularly
the Succulente, Cicadee, Palms
and Agavi.
A planned route through the garden means
that enthusiasts to the park can make
the most of their visit and thanks to
accurate notices, can appreciate a wide
variety of the rarest botanical treasures.
A visit to the garden begins by crossing
the gate where one can immediately appreciate
the age-old, Ficus carica
which dominates a waterfall surrounded
by Agapanthus. A Dracena
draco and two imposing
Trichacereus and
Dasjlirion together make
up the first corner.
Following the "Agave Avenue"
downwards one is able to admire many
different species of Agavi
and Aloe amongst which
are the rare Aloe striata ssp.
Karasbergensis and Agave
potatorium. |
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Further ahead following the path along
the tuff promontory one will also find
several Opuntia (prickly pear)
including Opuntia bergeriana,
Opuntia engelmannil etc.
Immediately beyond this area the park
opens out into a green lawn adorned
with sprouting palms with their elegant
foliage such as Ravenea spectabilis
and the impressive Brakea armata.
An Aloe, Cereus and
Mammilliaria border completes
and marks the boundary of the planted
section of the garden.
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Going upwards towards the "Bougainvillee
straits" we can pause at the
"Yucca area" and marvel
at the surprising maze of Lenticus
where topiary art has been expressed
in the form of modern geometric shapes
and is accompanied by a display of
Elba
minerals. |
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Taking the "Palm avenue" and climbing
further still we can see a Sabal
palmetto, Poenix roebelinii, Phoenis
dactylifera and an outstanding
Latania. |
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At the end of this avenue three
Butia Capitata have grown
amongst the tuff. Heading right we arrive
at a modest square overflowing with
citrus plants whose wafting
perfume takes us back once again to
the Lenticus maze.
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This brings us to the pond area of the
park where a fine Nolina recurvata
grows by a rare palm: Bismarkia
nobilis.
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The swimming-pool is the heart of
the garden and growing along its edges
are many tropical plants including many
Cicadee (which because of their
ancient origin are defined as "living
fossils"), Agave, Cactacee
etc.
 
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A glance around us will reveal other
outstanding Cicadee such
as Encephalartos, Dioon, Cactus
and Agave which grow off
the dislodged slopes. |
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A stupendous Hibiscus
bush and a majestic oleander
bush, which are the symbol of the Mediterranean
Elban flora, now lead us back to the
Ficus carica at the entrance.
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If your visit, or better still 'journey',
across the tropical delights of this
world are to finish at this point, then
you will leave with long-lasting memories
of one of the most beautiful places
on the Isle of Elba.
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