A FAMILY'S PASSION FOR ART AND PLANTS
I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to have been raised under the influence of two truly remarkable individuals, my mother and my father. My mother Livia (here in the photo above), still nurturing her flowers at the age of 92, instilled in me a deep appreciation for the wonders of plant life. Her dedication to nurturing and maintaining with sheer joy her garden has been a constant source of inspiration. My father Sergio (in the photo below), an artist who still remains very active professionally at 93, has taught me to see the world through a lens of colour and composition. His artistic sensibilities have greatly influenced my ability to envision and create captivating garden spaces.
This Youtube link is to a documentary on my father’s work (Italian language).
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
During this long career I worked mainly in the UK and also in Northern Italy, in Sicily and in Japan. I hold a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Trieste, Italy, my home country. This academic background allows me to approach garden design with a deep understanding of the ecological principles and plant sciences that underpin successful garden ecosystems. I have further honed my skills through professional training here in the UK. I have earned the respected Royal Horticultural Society Level 3 Certificate, expanding my expertise in plants and horticulture. Then, I studied garden design with the late John Brookes, the doyen of British Landscape Design and a highly regarded writer and lecturer in the field. (I am the tallest in the photo, in 1998, looking at John). John Brookes' biography.
Studying under John Brookes' guidance has not only deepened my comprehension of garden design but has also equipped me with a wealth of invaluable professional insights and knowledge. This educational journey paved the way for my career as a Garden Designer, where I sought to bridge the gap between theory and practicality.
I embarked on this path by immersing myself in the real world of plants and gardens. After working at one of Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe’s masterpieces, Sutton Place in Surrey, I further honed my skills at two enchanting National Trust gardens: The Courts in Wiltshire, where I served as Assistant Head Gardener, and Smallhythe Place, where I took on the role of Head Gardener. Working with these historic and diverse gardens not only enriched my theoretical knowledge but also provided me with a pragmatic perspective on garden and planting design. As a Head Gardener for the National Trust, I delved into the practical aspects of garden management and maintenance.
This experience has been invaluable in understanding the intricacies of plant selection, considering environmental factors, and designing with long-term sustainability in mind. I've come to appreciate the importance of choosing robust and suitable plant varieties, ensuring that your garden not only impresses at first glance but also flourishes and evolves gracefully with the passage of time.
