The most prestigious horticultural association in the world, the English Royal Horticultural Society, has selected the Gardens of Villa della Pergola in Alassio as their Partner Garden.
A recognition that certifies the botanical importance of the Gardens and arrives in the year of an important anniversary: 2024 is in fact the eighteenth anniversary of the rescue of Villa della Pergola from potential building speculation that could have erased its history forever.
The comment of Silvia Arnaud Ricci, art historian and owner: “It is incredible news that makes us very happy. When 18 years ago, with my husband, we decided to save Villa della Pergola from potential building speculation, some thought we were crazy, others imagined that we had some pharaonic project in mind. Instead we just wanted to send an important signal: it is possible to revive a property with great historical value by preserving, restoring and enhancing it. We have rewritten the destiny of Villa della Pergola which has become a story of resistance and resilience, in which the genius loci and love for one's land have defeated concrete and destruction.
As a family we are glad we did. We have saved a piece of the historical and cultural heritage of Alassio and the Ligurian Riviera by making it accessible to everyone."
The Royal Horticultural Society: the world's garden elite
The Royal Horticultural Society is the most important and famous charity in the world of botany, horticulture and scientific research. It is synonymous worldwide with botanical excellence and every year organizes internationally renowned events, such as the famous Chelsea Flower Show.
It was founded in 1804 by Sir Joseph Banks and John Wedgwood and is historically linked to the British Royal Family. The Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society is King Charles III, who succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in this role. Being a Garden Partner of the RHS means joining an exclusive club that includes 231 gardens of which only 27 are outside the United Kingdom, and of which the Villa della Pergola Gardens are now part. Comment from Prunella Murray, RHS Partner Gardens Manager “We are extremely proud of our Partner Gardens, each of which is unique and extraordinary. The new gardens enrich the variety and quality of the program."