THE BOTANICAL GARDENS OF VILLA TARANTO, VERBANIA, LAKE MAGGIORE

The botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, located on the promontory of Castagnola in Verbania Pallanza, cover an area of about 20 hectares. Their origins date back to 1931 when a Scottish gentleman, Captain Neil Boyd McEacharn, purchased the "La Crocetta" estate from the Marchioness of Sant'Elia, with the aim of turning it into one of the leading botanic gardens in the world. Capt. McEacharn renamed the property "Villa Taranto", and devoted all of his energy, enthusiasm, and competence to its realization which, in the end involved more than thirty years of work. He employed a large team of workmen to transform the original property: an artificial valley was dug for species needing shade and cooler conditions; terraced gardens were created for those needing full sun; and over 7 km of paths were built along with a system of underground irrigation. The job of restocking the gardens took Captain McEacharn several times round the world in search of seeds and plants to add to his extensive collection. The English garden has been enriched by the inclusion of typical Italian elements as well and today boasts over 20,000 varieties and plant species. The gardens, donated by Captain McEacharn to the Italian State, were opened to the public for the first time in 1952. The Villa, not open to visitors, is the seat of the Prefecture of the Verbania, Cusio Ossola Province.