Villa Contarini has chosen terracotta pots for its organic park
When you hear the little pebbles creaking under your feet on the avenue leading to Villa Contarini, you just have to close your eyes a few seconds to find yourself catapulted into the middle of 17th century when, in the evening, carriages carried ladies wearing beautiful clothes and the villa was animated by music and illustrious guests.
The Villa Contarini estate stands in Piazzola sul Brenta, in the Veneto region. Historical residence of enormous artistic value, it is one of the largest and most prestigious Venetian villas. The park contributes to the beauty of this place: 45 hectares of greenery that frame the Villa.
It is an enchanted place, where magic can be experienced by touching the walls with your fingertips and the air is still full of stories of the past.
Natural materials and techniques
Since 2012, the park has been certified organic. That is why, to look after it, they use materials and techniques as natural as possible. The park is home to lemons, oranges, geraniums, boxwoods; and for all these plants only terracotta pots are used, a natural material, unparalleled from an aesthetic perspective, which harmonizes well with the magic of this historic environment. Moreover, terracotta guarantees excellent transpiration of the plant inside the pot.
Before winter, plants are moved to the greenhouse. It is a delicate job, especially when handling a material such as terracotta. What about any cracks?
«Cracks are part of life, there is no reason to hide them» explains Marco, one of the maintenance technicians. He continues: «Small defects contribute to the natural beauty of this place. We have live pots, working pots».
Organic Park
The certificate of organic park is delivered according to the Bio-habitat standard, which requires compliance with precise rules of green management. The principles and techniques of these organic practices promote the elimination of environmental alterations and imbalances, using techniques and materials with low invasive impact in green areas. Villa Contarini’s certification is renewed every year, since 2012.
More than a pot
You can learn more about this topic and find many other interesting insights in our “More than a pot” magazine dedicated to terracotta pots.
