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 ....

Radiant Respite .. Rancho La Puerta

Improbable but true to its 70-year history, the destination spa/retreat,

Rancho La Puerta evolved from an unembellished adobe hut.

One day I plan to visit!

To chill.. to tune out.. to leave my computer in quiet mode - a well-deserved  respite for me & my machine.

Rancho La Puerta engaged in organic gardening methods before the practice was popular. 

The nearby 6-acre organic farm, Rancho Tres Estrellas provides the fresh produce served to guests,

in beautifully presented repasts to entice all the senses.

Sustainability and conservation are high on the list of the Rancho's guiding principles, 

as they were in the beginning: In the 1940s, 

when founders Edmond and Deborah Szekely brought their vision for a 'health camp' to Baja California.

La Cocina - Photos courtesy, Rancho La Puerta

For now, I'm dreaming. 

Imagining the clear, brisk air surrounding Mount Kuchumaa, the peak spanning the Tecate border,

connecting the U.S. to Mexico while overlooking the 3,000-acre valley setting of Rancho La Puerta.

The Rancho - basking in the mountain's splendor.

A recent video narrated by Deborah Szekely chronicles Rancho La Puerta's development over 7 decades. 

A place where Aldous Huxley and like-minded notables were drawn to the writings and philosophy 

of the late Edmond Szekely. 

Look for the Video icon when clicking on the link below, to hear Deborah reveal the remarkable history of:

Rancho La Puerta