Giardini La Mortella
Free RHS Member days
When open
About the garden
The gardens of La Mortella were developed by Susana Walton, wife of the late British composer Sir William Walton, on the volcanic island Ischia in the Bay of Naples. The couple arrived in 1949 for a short stay but moved permanently there in 1956. Lady Walton, a keen gardener, dedicated her life to the development of the gardens, and after William Walton’s death in 1983, she established twin trusts in England and Italy and opened the gardens to the public. The estate is now managed by the William Walton Trust.
Today, La Mortella is divided into two parts: the sheltered, shady and moist lower garden, known as The Valley, which houses collections of tender tropical plants; and the sunny, open and windy upper garden, called The Hill, which celebrates Mediterranean gardening and features an Oriental Garden and an open-air theatre. Throughout the gardens, the landscape is enriched with fountains, pools, exotic climbers and water plants. Visitors will also find pavilions, glasshouses, a tea house and the William Walton Museum, which hosts concerts on weekends.
Facilities
- Assistance dogs only
- Parking
- Refreshments
- Toilets
Key features
- Rock garden
- Sub-tropical garden
- Glasshouse (open to public)
- Japanese garden
- Mediterranean/Italian garden
- Water garden
Get involved
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