Ilaria Menici, garden designer, for Mema Giardini
The concept
The fairy tale as a formative process: every hero must know how to sacrifice himself to become one. Two equal dimensions but upside down, a journey towards wonder. This garden is an experience that suggests us to look at the world with the unconsciousness of children and to sacrifice our certainties in order to amaze ourselves and rise to new dimensions.
The interview
What is the last book you read? And what will be the next one?
“L’arte della gioia” (The art of joy) by Goliarda Sapienza. The next one will be “Abbiamo sempre vissuto nel castello” (We have always lived in the castle) by Shirley Jackson.
Your next trip?
I wish I could soon go to Japan, a mysterious place, where history and myth intersect to create a fascinating and mysterious culture.
Favourite colour?
All the warm colours of autumn, from yellow to orange, from brown to vermilion to dark green. I love them because they warm the soul and create a union between the earth and the sky.
What is the plant that matters most to you?
Surely the Beech, keeper of knowledge.
Where would you live?
Anywhere as long as it is among nature and surrounded by many animals.
What is your favourite historical era?
I am very fascinated by the years of the industrial revolution, because of the deep socio-cultural transformations involved but above all for how they changed the appearance of cities.
Can you describe in short a scene that represents “beauty and elegance” for you?
The engravings by Giovan Battista Piranesi “The Views of Rome” depicting classical ruins overwhelmed by a nature slowly taking shape again.
What is a garden for you?
A place where respect and care become the real protagonists.
What is the fairy tale for you?
For me the fairy tale represents bond and evolution; these tales, narrated from generation to generation, are real cultural links. Furthermore, the scheme of these narratives suggests a way to live life actively in order to be the best version of ourselves.