Appuntamento in Giardino at Villa Caruso Bellosguardo

A weekend of nature, art, and music

Appuntamento in Giardino is the national event promoted by the APGI - Association of Parks and Gardens of Italy, designed to open the country's great historic gardens to the public and showcase their extraordinary botanical, artistic, and landscape wealth. In Lastra a Signa, near Florence, the chosen setting is the park of Villa Caruso Bellosguardo, the ancient residence of the legendary tenor Enrico Caruso, nestled in the hills just a few kilometers from the Tuscan capital.

The 2026 edition theme: "The Sight"

Each year the initiative revolves around a central theme. For 2026, the chosen theme is "The Sight", explored through botany and inspired by a historic initiative of Villa Caruso itself. The park transforms into a sprawling stage where the contemplation of greenery intertwines with painting, music, and gardening expertise.

Botany, workshops, and wellness

The program is designed for all ages and spans many disciplines. Highlights include botany courses dedicated to wild field herbs and growing potted citrus fruits, natural watercolor workshops as part of the "Ortoinarte" project, yoga sessions for parents and children, and guided tours to discover the park. A conference also explores the theme of historic gardens, while the art exhibition "Nature in Art" brings works inspired by the landscape among the trees.

The plant market and the concert

The heart of Sunday is the plant market, featuring exhibitors of plants and natural products, open from morning until late afternoon—an ideal occasion for gardening enthusiasts. The event concludes with an evening concert that weaves together the music, colors, and scents of the garden, in perfect harmony with the year's theme. Food and drink options are also available, with street food stalls active on both days.

A European event

Appuntamento in Giardino takes place simultaneously with Rendez-vous aux Jardins, the major initiative involving over twenty European countries in the promotion of park and garden heritage. Participating at Villa Caruso means entering a cultural circuit of continental reach, while remaining immersed in the tradition and landscape of Tuscany.