The Massachusetts Horticultural Society is delighted to welcome Princess Giorgiana Corsini in the Hunnewell Carriage House at Elm Bank on Sunday, September 27 at 5 pm, who will speak on the history and culture of gardens in the Renaissance. She brings rich understanding and hands-on experience in gardening and will, no doubt, give ideas to elegantly enhance our New England gardens.
The architecture of the Palazzo Corsini’s 16th century vaulted loggia in Florence is echoed in the structure of the classical gardens it faces. Fifteen generations of the Corsini family have enjoyed the Renaissance symmetry of their private gardens just steps from the center of Florence. The garden is highlighted by symmetrical box hedges, ancient statuary and potted citrus trees. It was recently updated by the famous landscape architect, di Collobiano, who is known for his simplistic elegance. The Corsini have added color and scent with a variety of lavender and other vigorous Mediterranean plants.
Princess Giorgiana and Prince Filippo Corsini come from an historical Florentine family dating back to the 12th century. Their early fortunes were tied to trading with the Court of England. While their political influence declined under the Medici they increased their wealth through trading throughout Europe and providing a postal service. During the 16th and 17th century they built palaces in Florence, Tuscany and Rome including the palace on Via Sul Prato that is home to their classical garden. The family soon regained political power with the elevation of cardinals and Pope Clement X11.
Today the Corsini family maintains Wineries in Marsiliana and Le Corte and other agricultural properties. They also have one of Italy’s finest and most expansive family archives which have recently been moved from Florence to their Tuscan villa, Le Corti, with a great deal of national press.
Giorgiana Corsini is an expert with hands-on experience in both Renaissance Italian classical gardens and aristocratic wineries in Tuscany. She travels and lectures throughout Europe, Canada and the United States.
Registration: $20/Member, $25/Non-member. Please register by Tuesday, September 22 at http://www.masshort.org/eventdetail/169/422|427|430|433/culture-of-the-gardens-in-the-italian-renaissance?filter_reset=1
