Goodbye summer, welcome autumn!

With the transition to the new season, the gardens of Isola Bella, Parco Pallavicino, and Rocca di Angera are also transforming. The botanical collections regain vigor thanks to the cooler climate, and for some species, it's almost like experiencing a "second spring."

 

Until November 2nd, the closing date of the gardens, it's still possible to admire blooms and colors that make this period special, while winter preparation work begins.

 

Isola Bella: the magic of fragrances

On Isola Bella, from September to mid-October, a sweet and enveloping fragrance accompanies the walk at Piano della Canfora: it's the Olea Fragrans, a small evergreen shrub native to China and Japan. Its tiny white, yellow, or orange flowers were already appreciated in the 19th century for their refined essence; according to some traditions, a tea with beneficial properties or a precious scented oil was also derived from it. In Asia, it's a symbol of love and romance, and was given as a wish for welcome and prosperity in wedding ceremonies.

 

Isola Madre: an explosion of colors

In this season, Isola Madre offers the best of its blooms. Begonias, protagonists until late autumn, alternate with lantanas, small yellow and orange flowers considered symbols of pleasant surprises. Framing the avenues and panoramas are also the elegant Hibiscus and spectacular Bougainvilleas, which paint the Palace facade purple for almost 40 meters. The flower beds also light up thanks to Coleus, evergreen perennial plants with variegated and bicolored leaves. Yellow, red, green: a natural mosaic that becomes even more vibrant in autumn with the drop in temperatures. Over 60 specimens provide a spectacular sight.

 

Parco Pallavicino: an enchanting garden

September brings new blooms to Parco Pallavicino as well, where the avenues come alive with unique shades and fragrances. Hibiscus, with their large exotic flowers, alternate with Roses, elegant and timeless. The scenographic Bougainvilleas, with their purple and pink cascades, add a Mediterranean touch, while Paniculate Hydrangeas enchant with their flower panicles that change color from white to pink to green. Completing the picture are Lagerstroemia, small trees with clusters of vibrant flowers that announce the end of summer.

 

Rocca di Angera: nature and tradition

In September, the medieval garden of the Rocca comes alive with the delicate blooms of Anemones, elegant plants that color the avenues with their petals until late autumn. Alongside them, the curious Bottle Gourds stand out, with their original and scenographic shapes. Cultivated since ancient times, they were dried and used as natural containers or daily utensils: a touch of history and tradition that enriches the charm of the medieval garden.

 

After this "second spring" of September, the beauty doesn't end: autumn foliage awaits us, ready to transform the gardens of Terre Borromeo into an explosion of warm and evocative colors.