ORTICOLARIO 2026: “EN RÊVERIE,” BEYOND WONDER TOWARD THE DREAM
From October 1 to 4, 2026, Orticolario returns to Villa Erba on Lake Como for its 16th edition, titled *en rêverie*
An invitation to move beyond the realm of wonder and enter the realm of dreams, imagination, and fantasy, through a journey that weaves together nature, art, landscape, and culture.
The theme of this year’s edition is “fantastic plants”: plant species that, due to their shapes, colors, and characteristics, seem to come from imaginary worlds. Based on this concept, the event features installations, themed gardens, cultural events, and immersive experiences spread throughout the historic park and the exhibition spaces of Villa Erba.
Among the iconic venues of this edition are Hypnos, a large installation in the Central Pavilion dedicated to the world of dreams; Phantasos, a botanical trail dedicated to rare plants; and Les Imaginaires, an art project that explores the relationship between nature and imagination. New additions also include *Cullami nella stanza del sogno* (*Rock Me in the Room of Dreams*), an immersive experience that combines art and contemplative practices.
The guest of honor will be Luigi Serafini, artist and author of the famous *Codex Seraphinianus*, an iconic work that has transformed the imagination into a universal visual language.
Orticolario 2026 will host over 250 exhibitors selected from among specialized nurseries, artisans, designers, and producers, reaffirming its commitment to research, quality, and the promotion of biodiversity. Also returning are the seven finalist gardens from the international “Spazi Creativi” competition and numerous installations outside the competition.
The event also reinforces its cultural role with a program of meetings, workshops, and conferences featuring artists, landscape architects, public educators, and scholars. Ample attention will be given to young people, with educational activities designed for children and teenagers.
The 2026 edition also marks a historic milestone in the event’s history: Orticolario officially becomes the Orticolario ETS Foundation, evolving from an event into a permanent cultural platform serving the local area and community.
Since its inception, Orticolario has combined the promotion of landscape culture with a concrete social mission. Through the Fondo Amici di Orticolario, it supports cultural projects and charitable organizations in the Lake Como area.
Orticolario 2026 thus proves to be an experience that goes beyond the traditional garden show: a journey through nature, art, and imagination, where dreams become a tool for seeing the world through new eyes.
