Great Italian Gardens is an initiative born to spread the knowledge and apreciation of the heritage of private owned gardens in Italy. We believe that one can't fully love and look after one's environment if one ignores the history of mans relationship in the past with nature. Opening the gates of some of the most beautiful private homes, that go from the Venetian area right down to Naples, we give the possibility to visit gardens which are different both culturally and botanically speaking: each one tells a part of the history of italian gardening from 1500 up to recent times. But really the maggior attraction of our initiative is the love and care put into these marvellous gardens by their owners. Some gardens have been in the family for over 400 years, others are fruit of a passion born with the owners themselves. We have set up courses for the general public that will be held in our gardens all though 1997 about the botanical and historical aspects of italian gardens. Courses on the history of Italian gardens patroned by Bayer spa, practical gardening lessons, exhibitions of botanical illustrators and special events in order to sensibilize youngsters on the subject: for further information on our gardens and these events we have a permanent office to contact. By visiting a great Italian garden you will help some of the most enchanted gardens come to life and possibly you will discover the real roots of mans love for nature. Personally this is my way of thanking one of the most unique countries of the world as far as artistic and human resources are concerned, for over 20 years of hospitality.