Amongst the 600 exhibitors this year at the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show in London were the gardens of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, who were participating with ‘Grandi Giardini Italiani’ (Great Italian Gardens). They are the only gardens in membership of this prestigious organisation not actually in the republic of Italy - due recognition of their classical Sicilian design – and rank as one of the finest gardens in Malta open to the public.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and many other members of the British Royal family were amongst those attending the official opening of the 84th Chelsea Flower Show. Every year the cream of British and overseas garden design descends on the Royal Hospital in Chelsea for a 5-day celebration of gardening excellence and despite the unseasonably cool wet weather, the show was again completely sold out in advance with over 160,000 thousand visitors flocking to it from all over the world. Dating back to 1852, the Chelsea Flower Show is probably the oldest and undoubtedly the greatest international horticultural event and renowned the world over.
The Grandi Giardini Italiani stand was awarded a ‘Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Presentation’ from the Royal Horticultural Society - and Justine Pergola, whose family own Palazzo Parisio was manning the stand throughout the week. “We had interest and enquiries from all over the world as well as a lot of media interest from Europe, America and Australia,” she said. “So many people are keen to take gardening tours and they were particularly intrigued to find Malta was represented. At Palazzo Parisio we are keen to work with specialised garden tour operators, perhaps offering two-centred Italy and Malta tours for horticulturalists and garden lovers.”
The two walled gardens at the Palace are a fine example of classic baroque formality mixed with the vivid colours and scents of the Mediterranean, with seasonal appeal all year round. From spring through to autumn, the rich collection of bougainvilleas is in flower featuring the vivid hot hues from crimson through pink, peach and yellow to cool apple white. In May the indescribably vibrant Jacaranda trees are in bloom. In summer, the gardens boast a vast collection of exotic hybrid Hibiscus with over 60 different species and colours. December sees oranges and unusual citruses in fruit and in April the heady scent of orange blossom pervades the gardens, whilst the fruit is still on the trees. There is also a fine collection of mature and unusual tropical trees and shrubs.
Palazzo Parisio is open to the public all year round from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (excluding public holidays); and in the evenings and on weekends, the whole Palace together with its magnificent and extensive gardens becomes available on an exclusive basis for corporate hospitality, private parties, events and weddings.
Horticultural groups and garden lovers tours are particularly welcome.
For further press information and photographs, please contact:
Joanna Oswin, Marketing Consultant, on email: joanna@omspartners.co.uk