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Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden: the garden at the foot of Gran Paradiso reopens for the summer and celebrates its 60th anniversary
It was established way back in 1955, but over the past sixtyyears it has never ceased to fascinate its visitors, renewing itself every spring with different flowers and plants, all waiting to be discovered: this is the Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden, an enchanting corner of nature nestled amongst the mountains of the Gran Paradiso National Park.The Garden, situated in the hamlet of Valnontey (Cogne), at an altitude of around 1,700 metres, will reopen on 13 June at 10.00 am and will remain open throughout thesummer with a packed programme of activities and events – organised by the Fondation Grand Paradis and the Gran Paradiso National Park – dedicated to raising awareness of the more than 1,000 species found within its boundaries.
In particular, daily guided tours led by a nature guide are scheduled, exploring the botanical trails and natural habitats recreated to showcase the plant species characteristic of each area, such as the pseudo-steppe, the peat bog and the moraine.
For those wishing to delve deeper, the Park’s Botanical Service offers themed sessions to explore more scientific aspects, ranging from Alpine geology to insects, from the adaptive capabilities of plants to the uses and curiosities of the flora. The tours, led by a nature guide in collaboration with an entomologist, will take place weekly from June to September and are included in the ticket price.
Younger children will be able to explore the garden whilst having fun thanks to the entertainment and educational workshops on the programme, focusing on the life of butterflies, honey production, medicinal plants and musical improvisation using instruments gathered in the woods.
On Saturday 11 July, there will also be an afternoon dedicated to Paradisia and the theme of water, with free open-day access for the public from 2.00 pm, followed by a presentation of the book “Il fantasma del torrente” (published by Hapax; the author, Serena Ciampa, will be in attendance), followed at 4.45 pm by the theatre production "Miti d’acqua” by the O Thiasos theatre company; booking essential on 0165-75301.
The Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden offers first-hand knowledge of numerous alpine species, including those from mountain ranges around the world, alongside a petrographic exhibition, the butterfly garden and a natural collection of lichens.
Opening times for guided tours can be found on the websites of the Gran Paradiso National Park, www.pngp.it, and the Fondation Grand Paradis, www.grand-paradis.it.
Fondation Grand Paradis
Tel. 0165-75301
info@grand-paradis.it
www.grand-paradis.it
www.facebook.com/FondationGrandParadis
Twitter: @FGrandParadis
Gran Paradiso National Park Press Office
Tel. 011-8606212
ufficiostampa@pngp.it
www.pngp.it
www.facebook.com/GranParadisoPark
Twitter: @PNGranParadiso