Orticolario 2026: rare plants and dreamlike gardens on Lake Como
The sixteenth edition of Orticolario has closed at Villa Erba on Lake Como, and for anyone who loves unusual plants the report is worth a read. The show ran from 1 to 4 October 2026, drew more than thirty thousand visitors, and took as its theme "En rêverie", an invitation to let yourself be guided by dreams and imagination.
Among the installations, the one that struck me most was Hypnos in the central pavilion: a double spiral of sixteen botanical landscapes made of sand, soil, roots, wood and unusual plants, with light and sound composed specially for the piece. Outside, in the historic park, Phantasos showcased almost unknown botanical species. The main prize, the Foglia d'oro del Lago di Como, went to the garden "Rosa Velata" by Jesus Sanz-Castro and Daniela Giraudo.
The exhibitor awards are the most interesting part for collectors. Stranger Plants by Daniele Righetti won the Novelty award with Stegolepis hitchcockii, a rare plant from the tepuis of Venezuela. Cactusmania by Manera received the Super Specimen award for a Cyphostemma laza, Meriania brought a collection of Acacia and Vachellia, and Mondocactus was honoured for its work on succulents and nursery traceability.
The "Per un Giardinaggio Evoluto 2026" prize was awarded to Luigi Serafini, the author of the Codex Seraphinianus. Orticolario donates the funds it raises to local social associations, and the next edition is already set for 30 September to 3 October 2027. I have marked the date. It is one of the few events where rare botany truly meets art.
Source: Greenme
Among the installations, the one that struck me most was Hypnos in the central pavilion: a double spiral of sixteen botanical landscapes made of sand, soil, roots, wood and unusual plants, with light and sound composed specially for the piece. Outside, in the historic park, Phantasos showcased almost unknown botanical species. The main prize, the Foglia d'oro del Lago di Como, went to the garden "Rosa Velata" by Jesus Sanz-Castro and Daniela Giraudo.
The exhibitor awards are the most interesting part for collectors. Stranger Plants by Daniele Righetti won the Novelty award with Stegolepis hitchcockii, a rare plant from the tepuis of Venezuela. Cactusmania by Manera received the Super Specimen award for a Cyphostemma laza, Meriania brought a collection of Acacia and Vachellia, and Mondocactus was honoured for its work on succulents and nursery traceability.
The "Per un Giardinaggio Evoluto 2026" prize was awarded to Luigi Serafini, the author of the Codex Seraphinianus. Orticolario donates the funds it raises to local social associations, and the next edition is already set for 30 September to 3 October 2027. I have marked the date. It is one of the few events where rare botany truly meets art.
Source: Greenme
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