imperfectly beautiful

 A few weeks ago on a hot, humid day and in the hopes of occupying our two year old for a few hours, Sandro and I visited Boboli Garden.  This once served as the formal garden for the Pitti Palace - home to the Medici ruling family in Florence.  I spent an afternoon here nearly 20 years ago as a backpacker and had memories of lovely manicured lawns; formal hedges; beds of colourful flowers; and beautiful views of the Florence Duomo.  Well, the views are still there but thanks to this summer's drought the lawns were crispy, there wasn't a flower to be found and the hedges were in need of a trim.

View of the Duomo from Boboli Garden

Looking down on Neptune with the city of Florence beyond.

 Strangely, on this visit, the gardens seemed to offer an authenticity that was lacking in my first visit.  Without the flowers and hedges steeling the show, what comes to the forefront is the structure and planning of this elegant Italian Garden.  The use of repetition is evident everywhere and it's a beautiful compliment to the formal symmetry of the outdoor space.  Lovely classical sculptures dot the landscape and there's an aged patina covering everything.

One side of the Amphitheatre located just behind Pitti Palace

One of the classical sculptures used to decorate the Amphitheatre wall

 

Repetition - a design element used throughout the garden to create harmony

The centerpiece of Boboli Garden's central axis is Neptune's Fountain.  Located on a hill above Pitti Palace and offering beautiful views, the fountain itself is green with algae and wild plants that have taken root.  Like the unkept gardens, this just seems to add to the fountain's beauty and authenticity.  There's a Grey Gardens sort of feel all about the place.  It's crumbling around the edges, but it's elegance still shines through.  It feels as if the space is being allowed to age gracefully...and naturally.    

Neptune's Fountain complete with plant life and brackish water

The only modern sculpture in Boboli Garden was added in 1998.  This piece by Igor Mitorai with it's patina and cracked surface was created to represent the deterioration of classical works over time.  You come upon it after strolling through the formal garden - it's a surprising discovery after all the classical pieces, but seems to fit naturally into the landscape.  Everywhere in Italy there are beautiful juxtapositions between the ancient and modern.  The two co-exist out of necessity in many instances but here in Boboli Garden it's natural and harmonious.

A new addition to the park - Tindaro Screpolato by Igor Mitoraj

The gardens were developed over time and in many ways are still evolving.  This visit wasn't what I expected, but it was a reminder of the beauty to be found in imperfection.  As a designer, often my job is to improve upon a space by "updating" or eliminating the signs of age.  Once in a while perhaps we need to leave a trace or two of the lives that have been lived...keep a little of the soul to offer inspiration and a sense of connection.  Just a thought.  

Looking back at the Pitti Palace & Fontana del Carciofo from the gardens

Cypress Lane - A little overgrown, but elegant nonetheless.

A statue tucked away in a corner of the Garden...

...but had to show you the lovely owl detail on her shield.