Lady Susana Walton
La Mortella, Ischia, Italy

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On the island of Ischia, just off the Italian coast from Naples, is one of the world's remarkable gardens. It is called La Mortella, "The Place of the Myrtles", an unexpected oasis in a dramatic stone landscape bordering the sea. The story of the garden and the people who built it is charmingly told by Lady Susana Walton on the garden's web site and in her books, but a brief account here will introduce them.

William Walton was, during his lifetime, and is still considered to be, one of Britain's most important contemporary composers of classical music. With his Argentinian-born wife Susana, he fell in love with the craggy ravine in Ischia and engaged renowned landscape architect Russell Page to create a garden within it. Giardini La Mortella has 1,000 different exotic plants, stunning water features and sweeping vistas.

	For us, perhaps the most alluring part of the garden is the Victoria House, a rain forest environment full of rare aroids, bromeliads and, of course, Victoria. Lady Susana is one of the few people who has brought a Victoria through several seasons.       In 2000, Lady Susana transported the essence of La Mortella, including Victoria, to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in Britain, where it was one of the highlights of that year's <<< show. In November 2002, Britain royally reciprocated with a visit to La Mortella. Lady Susana is pictured with HRH The Prince of Wales in the garden. >>>

The garden is open to the public April through October from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Every Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. there is a concert in the Recital Hall by talented young musicians.