Discover the Otherworldly Plants Taking Over Lake Como — Orticolario 2026 Is the Dream Garden You Can’t Miss

Every autumn, Villa Erba on the shores of Lake Como transforms into a playground for plant lovers and creative spirits — and this year Orticolario promises to be more dreamlike than ever. From 1 to 4 October 2026, the event’s sixteenth edition invites visitors into a world called “En rêverie,” where botanical rarities meet art, workshops and sensory experiences. After a scorching summer that stressed many gardens, Orticolario arrives at the perfect moment to inspire us to rethink our green spaces with imagination, resilience and a touch of magic.

Plants that seem to come from another world

The central theme for 2026 celebrates flora that appears almost alien: odd shapes, unusual survival strategies and striking colours. Curators have gathered botanical specimens whose morphology or life tactics feel visionary — traits that fit perfectly within a cabinet of curiosities. This “World of Phantasos,” set up in the gazebo within the park, will showcase carefully selected rare plants from exhibitors, highlighting species that endure drought and require minimal watering — an essential consideration after the recent extreme heat.

Workshops to spark creativity and skill

Orticolario is more than a plant fair; it’s an atelier for the imagination. Small, bookable workshops allow visitors to bring home handcrafted memories and new skills:

“Sogni appesi” — dreamcatchers made from dried flowers, an opportunity to make poetic décor that preserves summer blooms;

“Erbario dell’altrove” — a playful, creative herbarium workshop to assemble an imagined collection of fantastical leaves and flowers;

“Anatomy of a Paper Flower” — an artisanal workshop inspired by Galician paper craft traditions, teaching you to fold a camellia from a single sheet.

These hands‑on sessions are perfect for anyone wanting to reconnect with tactile creativity and slow, mindful making.

Art, sensory dining and botanical tattoos

The festival blends nature and contemporary art. Luigi Serafini, guest of honour, brings his fantastical vision; meanwhile tattoo artists Giada Ciraci and Bala will present botanical tattooing — ephemeral or permanent designs that celebrate plant forms. A striking addition called “Le Mirage” offers distributed tastings that play with perception: small bites meant to deceive the senses and remind us that not everything is as it seems.

Hypnos, the cultural agora

At the heart of Orticolario sits the Hypnos installation — an immersive bamboo structure by CanyaLab that becomes an agora for conversation and performance. The programme includes talks and events with writers, botanists and artists such as Luigi Serafini, Alessandra Viola, Christophe Ségas and Tiziano Fratus. Hypnos is designed to be crossed, inhabited and experienced; it’s a place of intimate discovery where ideas and imagination meet.

Experiences for all ages and abilities

The festival includes activities for a wide audience. Photography lovers can sign up for “Fuori fuoco,” a workshop led by Franco Cogoli focusing on depth of field to capture uncanny details; selected photos will be featured in Gardenia’s November issue. Young gardeners (14–19) have a dedicated programme to develop skills and curiosity. Notably, Orticolario offers an inclusive sensory walk “in the dark” — a guided experience for sighted and visually impaired visitors alike, inviting participants to explore the garden through touch, smell and sound.

Dogs, perception and playful learning

Orticolario even welcomes four‑legged friends with special sessions like “Dreaming on Six Paws” — a guided walk for dogs and owners that explores how canines perceive landscapes through scent and vibration. Led by expert dog trainers, the walk encourages owners to observe and build richer communication with their pets, revealing an often overlooked layer of the garden’s life.

Practical tips for visitors

Orticolario 2026 runs from 1–4 October at Villa Erba in Cernobbio (CO) on Lake Como — check the programme and reserve workshops in advance as many have limited places.

Attend Fuori*Orticolario events such as “Topography of the Invisible” on 19 September for a prelude of sensory practices combining breathwork, perception exercises and poetic imagination.

Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the park and a notebook to capture planting ideas and plant names you’ll want to add to your balcony or garden.

What the festival teaches us about gardening now

After a summer of drought and plant losses, Orticolario’s message is clear: choose resilient species that match your exposure and microclimate, reduce reliance on heavy irrigation, and design with biodiversity in mind. The festival showcases options for urban balconies and private gardens that are both beautiful and climate‑smart.

Why you should go

To discover rare and resilient plants that will inspire more sustainable gardening at home;

To enjoy immersive art and sensory experiences that enrich how you see nature;

To learn practical craft and botanical skills in small, guided workshops;

To connect with a community of makers, gardeners and artists who celebrate the joyful and imaginative side of plant culture.

Start compiling a wish list of species to plant this autumn and prepare to be inspired: Orticolario 2026 promises to turn the garden into a place of wonder again — a place where practical horticulture meets the fantastical, and where every visitor can take home both ideas and a renewed love for the living world.