Gargnano celebrates in the Citrus Gardens

Claudio Andrizzi
Written by Claudio Andrizzi

The ancient culture of oranges and lemons reliveson Lake Garda from 22 to 25 April 2017, with “Garden of Citrus” (Giardini d’Agrumi),, an event organized in Gargnano by the Social Promotion Terre & Sapori d’Alto Garda in collaboration with the Municipality: a charming and attractive event, now in its third edition, with a goal certainly commendable as the discovery and exploitation of citrus fruits and lemon groves of the high Garda bresciano. The cultivation of these typically Mediterranean species on the shores of the largest Italian lake was particularly intense, documented since the fifteenth century, thanks to the unique micro-climatic conditions that make Benaco the last outpost of the Mediterranean at the foot of the Alps. The famous “limonaie”, monumental greenhouses built to defend the plants from the harsh winter, still characterize indelibly the magnificent scenery of the Riviera: the production is perhaps not so important as in the past but there is undoubtedly a re-discovery also linked to gastronomic connotations, with citrus fruits becoming a symbol of typical flavours of the territory in the recipes of the best chefs as well as raw material for spirits, jams and other assorted goodies.
The village of Gargnano, which already alone is worth a visit, dedicates to all this an intense three days that will get started with the exhibition held in the old cloister of St. Francis with the main varieties of citrus grown on the high Garda, also of particular and old varieties, as well as the tools once used for citrus cultivation on Garda. Some panels will illustrate the landscape and the constructive character of the lemon groves of Garda. The exhibition will be enriched by spectacular floral arrangements with citrus made by students of the Agrarian School of Minoprio Foundation, coordinated by renowned flower designers Rodolfo Casati. Completing the initiative: a group exhibition of artists from Garda, visits to citrus and lemons greenhouses on upper Garda, a conference as well as educational workshops, guided tours and a market dedicated to local and traditional products. Following the historical paths of the Crucifix and St. James streets, only Saturday 22 and Sunday, April 23, visitors can access to places where citrus fruits, sometimes even according to historical techniques were and are still cultivated through fifteen owners, who have accepted to open their sites. Details and times of the event and outline initiatives will be reported on the association’s website (www.terresapori.it).

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