Our little patch of Green

Fish Pond

Our little patch of green beside the villa is a little piece of heaven amidst the dense urban fabric of Genova. Whether it's to catch up on readings or to relax with an espresso, there are many nooks and isolated places to find and curl up in. For the readers who have never been to the Villa, the garden is actually on two different levels and stretches from the villa to the sharp bend in the road. Large bushes, shading trees and dynamic levels encourages the imagination to run wild. My personal favorite part of the garden is the pond that little fish and a turtle call home. Although there is no impressive waterfall or fountain to make noise, it is just as moving as an experience as any large fountain in Rome because of the quaintness and stillness it presents. The villa garden is an important part of life at the Villa and deserves recognition.

Real Jardin Botanico

The Royal Botanical Gardens of Madrid were established in 1781 by King Charles III. The gardens were established as a center of research and study of plant life and of preservation of species. The garden has four different levels: the “Terrace of Plots”; the “Terrace of the Botanical Schools,” where plants are arranged by botanical affinity; the more romantic “The Flower Plan”; and the “Laurel Terrace” which houses special collections. The gardens are especially beautiful in the spring time when all the flowers are in bloom.

Allison Spiker

Nice Gardens (Nice, France)

While exploring the city of Nice, one should set aside an evening to wander down the Promenade des Anglais towards the old city. Where the bay begins to curve back out to sea, you'll come upon the Chateau which you can climb (or take the ever-so-convenient "ascencore") to a look-out terrace from which you can see the entire city. This spot is especially nice at sunset (but be warned the park closes around 6:20pm). For a landmark to stairs leading up to the Chateau, locate the Hotel De Suisse.

As you make your way down the Promenade towards the Chateau, it is easy to be tempted into the strip of gardens with vibrant African Daisies, snap dragons, pansies blooming even in early March. The parks also have numerous water features and sculptural elements which are incorporated into the vegetation. Especially distracting within the Jardin Albert is a massive and very well lit (slightly out of place) Ferris Wheel. Keep wandering and you will eventually find the famous flowers of the Cours Saleya. There you can purchase anything from roses and lilies, to daisies and sunflowers...there were also glass and wooden flowers for a longer lasting souvenir.

Sarah Wade

The Swans in the Gardens of Villa Reale

The Gardens contain numerous water features but the most special one is a pool that is surrounded by Balustrades and contains a pair of textbook Swans. They're beautiful and they're stuck-up, but they make the Gardens a special place and remain the property's only full-time residents.

Marlia (Lucca), Italy
Villa Reale Gardens
Brian E. Williford
Brian Williford