The "Garden Beneath Vico"

and live in harmony thanks

to our observation and

knowledge of the laws of nature."

The "Garden Beneath Vico" came into

being when a group of local people

decided to create, just outside the town

centre of Vico d´Elsa, a small botanical

garden. With the passage of time, the

interest and enthusiasm for this

initiative grew: the small nucleus of

supporters increased, growing into the

Cultural Association of ´The Garden

Beneath Vico´. The initial project has

expanded, both in extent and content. That which was initially

intended only as a chance to reclaim and add value to an

unknown and disused plot of land, transforming it into an area

managed and equipped for the use of local families, has ended

up as a complex and ambitious organic work of art

What is being created here is a place where everyone can go to learn, to relax, to meet or just to

wander through. In these surroundings the plants and the foliage play a fundamental role,

offering the opportunity to improve both the physical and psychological health of the individual.

The therapeutic effects of contact with nature and contemplation of green spaces are by now well

known to all.

It is important to emphasise the social aspect that brings the entire project alive. The paths and

approaches to the various structures and facilities have been carefully thought out, to the point

where every type of man-made barrier has been removed for the benefit of the less able-bodied.

The play area for children has also been planned to take into account those with special needs.

For the future we are planning global language laboratories (Stefania Guerra Lisi method) and therapeutic activities

which, in creating an active bond with nature, can improve personal wellbeing (garden therapy).

The final objectives are to improve the so-called ´social lap´, in other words, to allow the disadvantaged the opportunity to

play a dignified role in the running of the place and to contribute to the development and maintenance of healthy personal

growth from children upwards.

The garden will be divided into five areas

corresponding to the five human senses. A 200

sq m greenhouse is already in place housing

an extensive collection of cacti, many of them

rare. This space provides a welcoming and

comfortable place where people can meet and

where the appreciation of the personal creative

spirit overcomes individual differences, through

freedom of expression. This is a place of

learning, therapy, meeting and exploration for

children, adults old and young and schools,

both special and mainstream.

Because, ultimately, our quality of life and

relationship with nature is central to all and

every one of us.

The garden is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday,

from 9.00 - 12 .00 in the morning and 15.00 - 20.00 in the evening.

The garden may be visited any other time by appointment, on calling this number:

331 4048373