ABOUT ME

I am an Italian architect and gardener, working as Curator at Giardini di Villa della Pergola (Italy).

I hold a professional background in several British gardens, specifically botanical institutions, private houses, and royal estates. I worked for two years in Japan as Head Gardener, in an English-style garden in the southern part of the archipelago.

Architect by education, I enjoy keeping both secateurs and the pencil always with me. Garden design and consultancy are a relevant activity of my working life, together with writing.

MY BACKGROUND

HORTICULTURAL TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

Complete RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (4 commendations)
Cambridge University Botanic Garden Certificate of Higher Education in Practical Horticulture and Plantsmanship
Professional Gardeners’ Guild Diploma in Practical Horticulture
Certificates from the recognised associations of the English industry of horticulture and landscaping (NPTC, PASMA)
Legal qualifications in the use of the tractor driving, chainsaw, chemical spraying, wood-chipper, brushcutter and strimmer, scaffolding towers
Training in dry stone walling, hedge laying, risk assessment, manual handling, first aid

DESIGN EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies IUAV Institute of Architecture Venice.
Diploma in Garden Design from the English Gardening School (based at the Chelsea Physic Garden).

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Professional experience gained in three different countries.
Over ten years of hand-on experience in amenity, ornamental, and botanical horticulture.
First-hand experience of Japanese gardening and flora (plant choice, pruning and bonsai).