The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle – A Botanical Garden as Tourist Destination

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are South Tyrol’s most popular destination: a cutting-edge, ecologically constructed, multilingual, state-of the-art botanical garden. Laimburg Estate Management constructed the complex, which belongs to the Province of South Tyrol, and directs its day-to-day operations. The diverse garden landscapes are set in a naturally amphitheatre-shaped site of 12 hectares; they comprise about 700,000 plants from all over the world. With a unique fusion of art and nature, juxtaposition of historical and modern architecture, numerous interactive stations in the four Garden Worlds (Forests of the World, the Sun Gardens, the Water and Terraced Gardens and Landscapes of South Tyrol) and musical and culinary events, Trauttmansdorff is not only a holiday destination but also a rejuvenating experience. Botany turns into an adventure: a walk-through encyclopaedia of horticulture, agriculture, historical landscaping and garden design that emphasises the intersection of art, culture, nature and mankind.

A sustainable approach to plant care is a prerequisite to the theme of ‘healthy plants in harmony with nature’. Sustainability during planting requires that plants are planted in soil with ideal composition and are given optimal light conditions. In the various Garden Areas, rare and protected local and exotic plants are displayed and maintained outside of their natural habitat. The Gardens work in close collaboration with the Research Centre for cultivation, maintenance and species conservation. In this way, Laimburg expands its role as a pioneer in Alpine agriculture. As a forward-thinking, innovative operation, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle make the most conscientious use of energy resources possible; judicious usage of energy resources, as well as pesticides, is a chief priority. Diseases or pests are handled using natural products such as beneficial insects or water-soluble soil improvement products with natural  microorganisms and selected seaweed extracts. A great deal of emphasis is also placed on the resilience of the plants. Fertilisation –  when necessary – is performed using largely organic biological resources.

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are directed by Laimburg Estate Management and follow the standards of private enterprise: operation costs are subsidized through ticket sales. The Gardens offer, thus, a complete package wherein consistent quality in presentation, delivery and customer-oriented service are top priorities. In 2005, the complex was voted Italy’s Most Beautiful Garden; it was chosen as Europe’s 6th Garden the following year.

Homepage: http://www.trauttmansdorff.it/