Appuntamento in Giardino – Orto dei Semplici Elbano

A garden suspended over the Island of Elba

The Orto dei Semplici Elbano is located in the municipality of Rio, in the province of Livorno, at an altitude of approximately 200 meters next to the Eremo di Santa Caterina, along the road climbing toward Nisporto. Established in 1997 by professors Garbari and Corsi of the University of Pisa together with writer Hans Georg Berger, the garden spans about one hectare across several terraces. It is organized into eleven thematic sections dedicated to Mediterranean flora, ancient grape varieties of the archipelago, medicinal plants, and historic grains like Biancolino.

"Appuntamento in Giardino": the initiative

Every year, the garden joins Appuntamento in Giardino, the national event coordinated by APGI – Associazione Parchi e Giardini d'Italia, which is twinned with the French Rendez-vous aux jardins: over twenty European countries celebrate their garden heritage together during the same weekend. This marks the third participation for the Orto dei Semplici Elbano, now a highly anticipated event in the Elban spring calendar.

The 2026 theme: "Sight"

The 2026 edition revolves around the theme "Sight", an invitation to view the garden with new eyes, to grasp its details, and to interpret the signs that history has left among the plants and stones. The program alternates between botanical observation and creative activities, designed for nature lovers as well as those seeking a more contemplative experience.

What to expect

• Botanical guided tours across the terraces and along the garden's thematic paths;
• A route that also includes the small church of the Eremo, titled "The Botany of Desire";
• Emotional watercolor workshops and botanical clay-imprint labs;
• The silent, panoramic atmosphere of one of the most evocative spots in the Elban hinterland.

The garden also serves as a small "living archive" that tells the story of the relationship between man and nature over time, integrating with the activities of the Tuscan Archipelago UNESCO MAB Reserve. Participation in activities is limited, and booking is recommended.