FORAY IN FLORENCE
Behind the Scenes
Foray in Florence took place on the 27th, 28th and 29thof April 2018 with a programme of activities presented in collaboration with the University of Florence - Landscape Design Lab. The theme of the event was a reimagining of the Grand Tour, looking to the past to inspire solutions to contemporary and future challenges in Florence and beyond.
FIRST DAY
On the first day the group was introduced to some of the hidden secrets of the two iconic historical gardens in the heart of Oltrarno. The Boboli Garden was laid out under the direction of the Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1550 and is a magnificent example of the Italian garden style. The Managing Director of the Boboli Garden Bianca Maria Landi, and the Head Gardener Ivo Matteuzzi during a walking tour described the opportunities and challenges that they encounter when caring for such a large and significant landscape. Following an alfresco lunch on a grassy terrace overlooking the city skyline with views framed by blooms of the famous wisteria tunnel, Landscape Learn wandered through the steep topography of the Bardini Garden. Intrinsically connected with the history of the Boboli Garden, Bardini has recently been revitalised following an accurate restoration led by the architect Maria Chiara Pozzana who guided the group through the garden explaining where it had been conserved and where new design features had been introduced.
