Our botanical trail is a path created in the midst of nature, designed to stimulate the five senses and allow guests to enjoy the resulting beneficial effects. In places immersed in greenery, everyone has the opportunity to reconnect with nature, become an integral part of it, and improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The path follows the sinuous lines of the olive trees, offering those who walk it resting points near the themed basins to enjoy not only a moment of pause and reflection, but also to observe the landscape and smell the scent of the plants.

Smell is the weakest of the five senses in humans, but it can have effects on mood, behavior, and cognition. For example, the scent of flowers, cut grass, and damp earth can evoke feelings of pleasure. Various studies show how a positive therapeutic relationship exists between humans and the environment, capable of providing beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, reducing anxiety and stress. The sounds of nature, such as wind, water, or animals, are preferred over anthropogenic noises, such as traffic and industrial sounds, which is why a rural landscape or a botanical garden is preferred over the urban parks of our cities. Consider the monastery gardens, used not only for growing useful plants but also for outdoor recreational moments to facilitate the healing of the sick and preserve the health of monks dedicated to doctrine.

The design of the trail was carried out by the staff of the “Angelo Rambelli” Botanical Garden with the consultancy of landscape architect Barbara Latilla and the collaboration of the University of Tuscia. To study the area intended for the project, an initial inspection was carried out in May 2020, during which topographic surveys were performed to map the entire area, taking into account the existing olive trees. Subsequently, the project was developed: a path that winds for 200 meters in length with a downward slope towards the south, with a sinuous and regular movement among the olive trees, respecting their position and adapting to the site. The trail was completed at the end of 2021.

Along this path, 6 themed islands were created about 50 cm from the ground to make the plants clearly visible to visitors and isolate them from invasive species. Corten steel was selected for their construction, a material with excellent structural and aesthetic properties that integrates very well with the surrounding environment and, in contact with atmospheric agents, takes on a characteristic rust color.

“Only the flower you leave on the plant is yours” – Aldo Capitini

The botanical trail begins with the basin of plants for tea and herbal infusions. This basin contains all those plants that provide aromas and essences enjoyed every day in a hot drink, at the end of a working day to relax, or with an energizing herbal tea to better face daily commitments. Chamomile, Artemisia, Rosehip, Echinacea, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Lemon are just some of the species that make up the tea and herbal tea bed.

Next, you will find the basin of medicinal plants, which hosts many plants typical of Mediterranean gardens, characterized by intense aromas. In this themed area, among others, you will find Calendula, appreciated above all for its soothing and emollient properties, Rosemary, also used to purify rooms thanks to its antiseptic activity, and, of course, Lavender.

The sense of smell will then be attracted by the third basin, that of plants for cosmetic use which, with their intoxicating and changing notes, evoke different emotions in the visitor in every season of the year. Among the various plant species that make up this flowerbed, Sweet Peas that smell of honey were selected, along with Lilac, with its intense and delicate scent that attracts butterflies, and Wisteria, which offers visitors cascades of white, intoxicating, and generous clusters.

Continuing along the path, you will find the basin of textile and dye plants, characterized by the long, ribbon-like leaves of New Zealand Flax, the lightness of Cotton flowers, and the upright stems of Papyrus plants.

Arriving at the basin of food plants, it is possible to admire the beauty of plants, flowers, and fruits that are used daily in the kitchen. From the Caper, which finds its place on a rock inside the basin, to the lively and colorful notes provided by the presence of many Physalis (yellow-orange berries of Asian origin similar to small cherry tomatoes, with their tart flavor reminiscent of tomato), yellow, red, and orange chili peppers that catch the visitor’s eye. Furthermore, Chicory plants were also planted for their tonic and purifying action on the liver, along with Dandelion, Strawberry Grape, and Pumpkins.

Last but not least, you will find the basin of roses through time. An area dedicated to the evolution of roses, from the most ancient to the most modern, the result of breeding between different species. Among the botanical species, Rosa canina and Rosa rugosa were selected, which, together with others, gave rise to the multitude of varieties known today. This basin was designed to have prolonged, abundant, and lush blooms with delicate scents. Roses are hardy plants with wild characteristics, steeped in legends and superstitions; they have delicate flowers that are not only pleasing to the sight and smell but also rich in nutritional elements and beneficial substances.