La Mortella: A Garden Rooted in Passion

Carved into the volcanic rock of Ischia, La Mortella is one of Italy’s most extraordinary gardens,  a place of rare plants, cascading water, and an almost otherworldly beauty. Created by the composer William Walton and his wife Susana in the 1950s, it was landscape architect Russell Page who shaped its initial form, designing the valley garden and its sequence of fountains. Page’s archive now resides here at the Garden Museum, making this an evening with a particular resonance and 2026 a special year as La Mortella celebrates the centenary of Lady Susana Walton.

Join Alessandra Vinciguerra, Director of La Mortella, for a talk exploring the history, horticulture, and enduring vision behind this remarkable place, from its origins as a rocky hillside to the lush, layered landscape it is today. Vinciguerra will share the stories and the people that have shaped La Mortella, and reflect on what it means to steward a garden of such singular character.