Botanical Studies
A botanical catalogue of the most iconic plants & their stories
Botanical Studies, description
by Dr. ssa Anna Zaffaroni
On the Brescia shore of Lake Garda, nestled between vineyard- and olive-clad hills and a lakeside adorned with oleanders and citrus trees, lies a garden of extraordinary aesthetic value. This botanical haven hosts a diverse collection of flora from around the world. It was founded by Arturo Hruska, a botanist and esteemed dentist who, starting in 1912, dedicated over 50 years of his life to creating a sanctuary of well-being—an invitation to meditation and wonder. Today, the garden offers visitors an astonishing variety of trees and herbaceous plants that typically thrive in climates far removed from that of Lake Garda. Yet, thanks to the particularly mild Insubrian climate of Gardone Riviera, these species flourish here. Historically, this town has been one of the warmest in northern Italy, attracting individuals with cardiac and respiratory conditions who sought it as an ideal place for healing. The stable, temperate climate has also allowed the successful cultivation of subtropical and tropical plants. When Hruska left Austria to settle in Gardone Riviera, he found the perfect setting to realize his vision of a naturalistic garden. He began by purchasing a terraced vineyard on the slopes of Monte Lavino, immediately transforming the land by introducing plant species he encountered during his many travels. The geological composition of Lake Garda played a crucial role in the garden’s unique vegetation: the malleable marl limestones, interspersed with more fragile sandstones and carbonate sedimentations dating back over 150 million years, created a diverse range of soils ideal for nurturing distinctive plant ecosystems. During World War II, as Hruska provided free dental care to American soldiers stationed in Gardone, he managed to divert a natural spring—an ingenious feat that still feeds the garden’s intricate system of channels, waterfalls, and ponds. The garden is divided into several sections: a Japanese garden with small ponds and characteristic vegetation; an Indochinese area, featuring a dense bamboo forest; and even a reconstructed Alpine valley, populated by Swiss stone pines and mountain pines. Here, a 13-meter-high Dolomite rock wall stands, with deep crevices and three cascading waterfalls. Winding paths weave through the space, connecting ponds covered in water lilies and inhabited by koi carp and freshwater turtles. After Arturo Hruska’s passing in 1970, the garden remained in a period of uncertainty until 1988, when Austrian artist André Heller acquired the property. He restored and enriched it with contemporary art installations and stunning yet harmonious scenography that seamlessly blends with the surrounding natural landscape. Upon entering the garden, visitors are welcomed into a lush open lawn that prepares them for the sense of wonder that follows—an experience of being not just surrounded but immersed in the botanical harmony of the space. Every corner of the garden is an artwork in itself, where contemporary sculptures merge with an oriental-inspired landscape. Since 2022, new owners Jovanka and Hans Porsche, in collaboration with André Heller, have taken on the role of custodians of this extraordinary sanctuary. Towering ferns, with Osmunda regalis reigning supreme, lush banana groves, and elegant palms thrive under the shade of magnificent Cinnamomum camphora trees, which release their distinctive fragrance upon fruiting, further enhancing the garden’s magic. The vibrant hues of azalea shrubs and the rounded blooms of hydrangeas create soft, colorful borders along the winding paths. In the heart of this green paradise, an ancient wisteria bursts into cascades of violet blossoms in spring, filling the air with an intoxicating fragrance. From the highest point of the garden, glimpses of Lake Garda’s grandeur unfold, offering a breathtaking view. For those wishing to pause and absorb the tranquility, a small kiosk near the cactus greenhouses offers refreshments, while benches scattered throughout the park invite quiet contemplation. Each is inscribed with thought-provoking phrases that highlight the artistic significance of the space and the urgent need for conservation. A Garden with a Purpose Why is this place so important? Because creating and maintaining green spaces, through careful dedication and constant stewardship, enhances air quality, reduces urban heat, provides vital habitats for wildlife, and nurtures human well-being. Too often, this fundamental truth is overlooked. We are living in an era where ecosystem destruction—deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources—is largely driven by human activity. If left unchecked, these forces will lead to the loss of entire habitats and the biodiversity they support. Conservation has become an urgent priority to ensure environmental sustainability and the future of our planet. Botanical gardens like the Heller Garden play a crucial role in this mission, particularly by safeguarding plant species that are rare or endangered in their native environments. Many of these species face critical threats due to rapid urban expansion and ecological degradation. A single day is not enough to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the plants cultivated in this Eden. But it is enough to recognize the dedication of those who preserve it—a testament to the vital work of conservation and the enduring power of nature’s resilience.
The name of the species biloba refers instead to the division into two lobes of the fan-shaped leaves, from the Latin bis and lobus with. Darwin defined this tree as a “living fossil” and it is still considered as such since its origins date back to 250 million years ago, in the Paleozoic era.
