Il Giardino di Villa Genova: A Botanical Retreat

Il Giardino di Villa Genova is a captivating botanical garden situated in Frazione Fosseto, near San Salvatore Monferrato, in the Alessandria province of Italy. The garden, spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, is a testament to the blend of art and nature. Originally a romantic-style garden created by the counts Franzini Tibalde in the 19th century, featuring a hawthorn hedge and monumental trees, the property was acquired by the Genova family in the mid-1970s. William Genova, with a passion for gardens, redesigned the space into eleven distinct zones, each characterized by different vegetation. These zones are connected by paths that invite exploration and discovery. Visitors can wander through collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, and ancient roses, interspersed with ferns and modern shrubs. The garden also features flowering shrubs like spireas, deutzia, and peonies, alongside ground cover plants such as Convallaria japonica and Geranium macrorrhizum. A small pond at the garden's end hosts aquatic plants, including water lilies, lotus flowers, and Iris kaempferi. The garden is known for its harmonious integration of diverse plant species and tranquil shaded areas, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.