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In Terme di Valdieri, upper Valle Gesso (in the very heart of the Maritime Alps), Valderia Botanical Garden was named after the Valdeira violet by botanist Carlo Allioni in 1780. That scholar was, in fact, the first to discover the new species on the local riverbeds.

The garden was built at an altitude of 4.593 ft and covers an area of 2.5 acres. That area was recovered in 1990 after a long period of neglect. In the XIX century, it was a popular resort for relaxing walks, especially among the guests of the nearby spa who would appreciate the richness of spontaneous vegetation.

Today, the garden offers a comprehensive view of the Maritime Alps and features 500 botanical species arranged into 14 different environments; the latter include a larch grove, a peat bog, mountain pastures, limestone rocks, mixed fir woods, etc.

The naturalistic ring path (“Naturalistic path – terme di valdieri” – 1 hour walk along some 0,5 mile-trail, with a vertical drop of 197 ft) is probably the most suitable for occasional visitors and trekkers: it offers several rest areas where to stop and contemplate the natural beauty all around. A detailed map of all the visitor paths can be purchased at the entrance to the garden.
The map also includes the main characteristics of the plant species in the mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, as well as the most important geological and landscape features.
July is the best time of the year to visit this garden. Local guides and professionals are available to make the most out of your visit.

THE FLORA
The mixed fir environment mainly features silver firs (Abies alba); in the resurgence and moss areas ferns prevail, while the undergrowth of the beech forest is full of species that abundantly feed on humus.
In the peat bog area, the peculiar soil favors sedges (Carex spp.), Rushes (Juncus spp.), and Eriophorum spp.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)