11. Cher jardin, prends soin de moi

The garden is a place brimming with life, not only on the surface but also underground. It is an invitation to discover the symbiotic world of plants and animals in a bamboo forest and ingenious little ponds linked by a wooden structure. This structure not only makes it possible for fish and water lilies to thrive here, but it also serves as a bank and a refuge for insects. The bank is covered in pine cones, leaves and bamboo, and is shaded by fruit trees that are appreciated by both birds and humans, rowan and jujube.

Underground life is also celebrated. At the foot of the groves of holm oaks and hazel trees, wood-eating insects feed on dead branches and fungi grow in the hollowed-out trunks. A carpet of cyclamen and Siberian bugloss stretches over to a nest, the garden’s centrepiece, made up of an iron structure and woven willow. The nest sits on a bed of fragrant, aromatic plants that are particularly appreciated by bees. It serves as protection for a pond filled with aquatic plants and a whole host of invertebrates. In the vegetable garden full of wild berries and vegetables, there is a compost heap for any plant waste generated from the maintenance of this precious garden, providing a food source for all living beings. This is a garden that takes care of us, in a perfect cycle.

 

Member of the Perugia Order of Architects. Serena Fabbretti graduated in 2011 from the Aldo Rossi architecture school of Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna. She worked as an architect for architecture firms in Italy and abroad, including France and more specifically, Lyon. She was responsible for architectural design, with a focus on the recovery and renovation of buildings. In 2018, she began a professional partnership with  Dr. Agr Martina Pedrazzoli, with whom she founded APRUS – Landscape, Architecture & People, a landscaping and architectural design office. Dr. Agr. Sergio Trentini is also a co-founder of this design office. Serena supports the work of the AIDDA Association for female entrepreneurs and business executives.

She has a PhD in agronomy and is a member of the Perugia Order of Doctors of Agronomy and Forestry. Martina Pedrazzoli graduated in 2004 from the University of Perugia where she gained some brief experience in the field of research. In 2009, she became self-employed and worked on broadening her knowledge and experience in the field of ornamental gardens and landscape design. Her work was focused on sustainability, reduced water consumption, the protection of biodiversity and innovation in the use of materials and techniques. Along with her work in design, she also takes care of the landscaping and management of private properties in Umbria and Tuscany, as well as the historic garden at the Villa Schnabl (Monte del Lago – PG). In 2018, she began a professional partnership with architect Serena Fabbretti, with whom she founded APRUS – Landscape, Architecture & People, a landscaping and architectural design office. Dr. Agr. Sergio Trentini is also a co-founder of this design office. Martina supports the work of the AIDDA Association for female entrepreneurs and business executives.

Member of the Caserta Order of Architects. Giovanna Emanuela Plomitallo graduated in 2018 from the University of Campania. She has worked as an architect in firms in Campania and Umbria. She is responsible for architectural design, with a particular focus on interior design. In 2021, she entered into a professional partnership with APRUS – Landscape, Architecture & People.

Aurora Giuriati graduated in design in 2023 from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Perugia. She approaches design using both her  technical and artistic expertise. She specialised in garden design and construction techniques at the Minoprio Foundation (CO). She carried out an apprenticeship with APRUS – Landscape Architecture & People, and has been working with the studio since 2023.

Berardino Buonforte is an engineer specialised in architectural and structural design, seismic consolidation and adaptation, and more generally, the reconstruction of existing heritage sites. He has designed and managed the restoration work for many historic buildings and monuments.