Garden André Heller Walkway © Alice Joyce
Touring the towns and villages of Lago di Garda will fill your days and nights with wondrous views and vistas. I choose to stay in Bardolino, on the eastern side of the lake, traveling by bus, ferry, and foot path to explore Lake Garda’s delightful towns and villages.
Haring Sculpture Andre Heller Garden © Alice Joyce
Gardone Riviera is one of the beautiful towns situated on the lake’s western edge. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating landscape of Giardino Botanico André Heller, where in decades past, Dr. Arthur Hruska nurtured a botanical setting featuring streams and sweet, small lakes to complement the rich plantings.
Botanic Garden André Heller Reclining Statue © Alice Joyce
In 1988 the multimedia artist André Heller became owner of the villa property, “protector and ally” in Heller’s words. Today, Fondazione André Heller oversees the lush gardens, boasting art installations and elements of surprise at every turn.
Botanic Garden André Heller Water Feature © Alice Joyce
As my photographs may begin to reveal, a magical atmosphere pervades the garden’s verdant collection of flora. Enchanting bamboo groves, green lawns set off by topiary, and abundant water features serve as backdrop for sculptural works by artists as diverse as Miró, Keith Haring and Rodin.
Botanic Garden André Heller Snake Mosaic © Alice Joyce
Captivating mosaics embellish pathways…
Giardino Botanico Fondazione André Heller Topiary
while a Chinese gateway entices you to wander amid a misty walkway that cuts through towering bamboo.
Botanic Garden André Heller Chinese Gateway Bamboo Grove © Alice Joyce
The sublime vignette of a Rodin surrounded by a koi pond stands in contrast to small, lighthearted figures popping up here and there, seemingly singing the praises of nature’s grandeur.
Heller Garden Rodin Sculpture © Alice Joyce
Botanic Garden André Heller Arkwork © Alice Joyce
Giardino Botanico Vignette Fondazione André Heller © Alice Joyce
Prepare to be swept away by the Heller Garden’s amazing variety of plant life, the boundless, joyful ambience.
Heller Garden Rockery © Alice Joyce
Above & photo alongside ‘Rodin’ : Ceramic works by Mariano Fuga
What a wonderful garden and eclectic collection–I especially love the surprise of the pink path in your first photo, Alice. Lago di Garda looks very, very lush!
Lesley, You would LUV the Heller garden. Lots more art to discover there,too!