Ninfa .. Flora and Fauna of a Protected Landscape

Ninfa ... Conservation of a Protected Landscape

Safe harbor for 132 species of birds, pure lake waters,

and a Pontine marshland habitat.

Ninfa's 100,000-hectare property is accorded utmost respect by the governing Roffredo Caetani Foundation & curator, Lauro Marchetti. With the dawn of the 21st century, to care for the land is a primary consideration: Ninfa's historic landscape of treasured flora and fauna is in many ways unique. Thankfully, I had planned well in advance to visit Ninfa, and it was my good fortune to meet Dirrettore Marchetti and his charming wife, Stella.

The rain began, then stopped, then fell lightly once again as I strolled through the organically maintained gardens with Signora Marchetti.

Located 20 km from the sea, Ninfa is situated at the base of the Lepini Mountains, and therefore protected from harsh winds. The gardens emerge as an idyllic natural setting. Yet, at the same time, the lush plantings are a resonant reminder of of the loving touch and prescient planning of the keen-sighted garden-makers of the past.

The restored castle tower overlooks magnificent architectural evergreen pines, playing off flowering cherries, aristocratic magnolias, and the contorted limbs of mature maples. The atmosphere felt blessed as we explored pathways, coming upon long vistas of gently meandering streams flanked by an alliance of roses and rhododendrons, self-sown mahonia, and the lavish foliage of gunnera.

Ninfa: Small Books of Great Gardens

Text by Lauro Marchetti and Esme Howard - Photos by Claire de Virieu

The eye alights upon a banana grove in a sun-drenched clearing:

A microclimate warmed by venerable stone walls and ruined towers.

An appointment called the Marchettis to Rome, but before they departed. I had the opportunity to talk with Lauro Marchetti about a project to extend the gardens, creating a spacious nature reserve for the abundant wildlife.

As I proceeded to walk alone, I found myself wishing that I were a resident nymph,

able to spend intimate hours on the splendid property...

cavorting with hedgehogs, or romping through the spring-fed bamboo forest.

Conservation of Ninfa's unique gardens and vast landscape is of great concern.

Photos and Text Copyright © Alice Joyce

Protected by Copyscape: Do Not Copy

Link to Part II: Enchanting Ninfa

Ninfa opens to the public on a limited basis, offering guided tours.

Enchanting Ninfa .. the Saga Continues

Ninfa - In a few words, an enchanted landscape.

A place where gardens rise up on the site of a once-prominent 8th-century town. Documentation traces Ninfa to the 1st century, when Pliny wrote of a temple constructed in homage to mythical nymphs: Nymphs known to dwell in Ninfa's pristine lake, the cold waters flowing from an alpine mountain source.

In 1297 Pope Bonifaciio VIII gifted Ninfa to a relative, Pietro Caetani. Yet, by the late 1300s,

warring factions overran the thriving Medieval town, leaving it in ruins.

Look to The English Garden Abroad, should you wish to learn more about the making of Ninfa's gardens.

In the well-researched book, Charles Quest-Ritson follows the shaping of the present-day gardens by the creators: Three generations of the Caetani family responsible for the landscape one sees today. In particular, three ladies of English and American ancestry - laudable, artistic figures who contributed to the gardenscape. A breathtaking naturalism envelops the visitor to Ninfa. At every turn, the eye rests upon lush greenery,

or plentiful vistas of fresh water.

The wistful romanticism of ancient stone walls is not easily captured in words;

the stone surfaces a honey-hued canvas for fading frescoes.

Introducing: Ninfa and Sermoneta

Part 3 to follow ....

Garden Idyll in Italy .. Sermoneta Overlooking Ninfa

Highlights from my garden idyll in Italy appeared on Bay Area Tendrils in 2009 

Villa Lante

Hadrian's Villa

and the Sacred Wood of Bomarzo

however ... to write about Ninfa is another story.

With a history spanning the first century and extending to a uniquely vibrant landscape of the present day,

the magical setting of Ninfa exacts a thoughtfully rendered chronicle.

And so, I shall be offering glimpses of the setting and its rich history.

Hotel Principe Serrone - Sermoneta, Italy 

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Sermoneta 

A delightfully out-of-the-way Medieval hill town: the nearest train station is in the city of Latina,

capital of the province of Lazio; some 40 miles south of Roma. 

Gazing out from my window at Hotel Principe Serrone, 

I could see Ninfa's ancient towers in the valley beyond.

Link to:

Part II - Enchanting Ninfa