Horti Aperti 2025: The Festival of Green in the City

From September 19 to 21, 2025, the Horti Park of the Almo Collegio Borromeo in Pavia will host the fourth edition of “Horti Aperti, Festival of Green in the City”, an unmissable event for gardening, sustainability, and biodiversity enthusiasts.

With the theme “Avant Garden. Cultivating the Future”, this edition aims to address the challenges of climate change and promote environmentally friendly gardening practices, working toward a greener and more resilient tomorrow.

Climate Gardening as a Proposal for the Future

The festival presents itself as a circular journey between the urban ecosystem and that of the garden, emphasizing the importance of each seed planted as a gesture of trust in the future. The theme “Avant Garden. Cultivating the Future” invites reflection on how greenery can become a crucial ally in combating climate change.

At a time when the rhythms of nature seem to be accelerating and plants are blooming at different times than in the past, Horti Aperti positions itself as a platform for awareness and innovation, encouraging climate gardening practices that respect water cycles, soil, and biodiversity, while reducing environmental impact.

A central element of the event will be the presence of numerous renowned national and international experts and speakers. Among the special guests: climatologist Luca Mercalli will open the festival with reflections on the relationship between climate and Italian landscapes. Stefano Mancuso, plant neurobiologist and leading figure in Avant Gardening, will speak on this practice to “cultivate” the future. Naturalist Francesco Gatti will give a lecture on the world of insects and their essential role in sustainable gardens. Massimo Vacchetta, well-known veterinarian and writer, founder of the hedgehog recovery center La Ninna, will explain how to help hedgehogs in gardens in preparation for autumn. On Sunday, Carlos Magdalena, botanist of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will talk about biodiversity and the conservation of extremely rare plant species, while Marco Gramaglia will address the topic of medicinal plants for the herbal care of dogs and cats.

Conferences, Exhibitions, and Much More

The event will feature numerous workshops for children, with activities focused on the world of insects and flowers, to introduce the youngest participants to caring for greenery and protecting the environment.

There will also be exhibitions by nurserymen and workshops led by industry experts. Among the most interesting initiatives: Ortobello 2025, the competition awarding the best vegetable garden in Pavia and its province. Round tables and “Question Time” sessions will also take place, offering opportunities for dialogue between experts and the public, with answers to questions about climate gardening.

All images courtesy Horti Aperti