Lily Love

There’s a lot going on in the Boboli Gardens these days.   Aside from the arrival of summer which is always a big deal there, some major restoration work is underway. The Upper Botanical Garden has just been opened to the public for the first time in the Garden’s history.    Nearly two acres of gardens are now on display as part of an ongoing reorganization and restoration project.

Luscious and Pale Roses

Blooms abound here along the walking paths which are always shady and cool because of the tall trees and bushes.

Water Lilies and Pineapple Palms

Pineapple palms and water features such as lily ponds add to the exotic nature of the garden.   In fact,  the garden is often referred to as the Ananassi (Italian for pineapple) Garden.

Aquatic Divided Pond

A very unusual feature hidden away in this garden is the Aquarium which was constructed in the late 1800s.  It’s a large circular shallow pond divided into forty-eight cells,  each containing different species and varieties of aquatic plants.

Stairway to Greenhouse

Aside from the array of plants, trees, flowers and shrubs on display in their natural habitat, there are many beautifully crafted stairways,  railings and even a charming old greenhouse, fragile but still standing proudly.

Old Greenhouse

This wonderful space is only open Monday through Friday mornings from 9am to 1pm.  There are usually gardeners at work as well as a few docents, always eager to share their knowledge with you, as you wander through a very unique opportunity to experience green, tranquility and silence in this otherwise bustling city.