Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times the Giardini Reali will remain under concession to Venice Gardens Foundation for 40 years: an agreement was signed today betweenAgenzia del Demanio - Direzione Regionale Veneto and Venice Gardens Foundation extending the term of the concession originally signed in 2014 2064.This agreement marks a historic moment: it is in fact the first application in Italy of a recent regulatory change (introduced by Art 296/2005) that allows nonprofit institutions foundations and associations (active in the fields of culture health and research) to obtain concessions and leases of state assets for up to 50 years as long as they ensure their enhancement and accessibility to the public vien and considered an important recognition for the work done by Venice Gardens Foundation which has managed the Royal Gardens since 2014 Mark’s Square and its Basin and surrounded by the Correr Museum had been in gradual decline since the mid-20th century The decay affected not only the historic greenery but also the architectural structures: the Pavilion built between 1816 and 1817 by Lorenzo Santi the cast-iron pergola and the ancient drawbridge were in a state of neglect while incongruous buildings had altered its original harmony The turning point came in December 2014, when the State Property Agency and the city of Venice entrusted the Foundation with the task of restoring and enhancing the monumental compendium. The project, carried out thanks to the support of Generali, enabled thephilological restoration of the gardens and their reopening to the public in December 2019 Among the most significant interventions was the restoration of the drawbridge which re-established the architectural link between the Giardini Reali and the Procuratie Nuove returning the site to its original function as a green oasis accessible to all The restoration involved the collaboration of two leading professionals: landscape architect Paolo Pejrone responsible for the architectural interventions and renovation of the Greenhouse The botanical variety of the gardens has been enriched with species from all over the world recreating a lush and articulate vegetation capable of offering new landscape perspectives The daily management and care of the Royal Gardens remains entrusted to the foundation which operates with its own team of gardeners led by Edoardo Bodi The approach taken combines ancient knowledge and innovative techniques ensuring the preservation of the botanical heritage with targeted and sustainable interventions The same model has been applied to theGarden Garden of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer which was also recently restored and opened to the public for the first time Generali’s support was instrumental in the restoration and enhancement of the site which has historically been present in the Procuratie Vecchie in St promoted the restoration of the Giardini Reali as part of its strategy to protect the historical and artistic heritage The Human Garden Greenhouse chronicles this mission and the link with The Human Safety Net Foundation The work done by Venice Gardens Foundation has won prestigious awards: in 2022, the Giardini Reali was awarded “The Most Beautiful Park in Italy,” while in 2023 the Foundation received the European Cultural Heritage Award and the Grand Prix - Europa Nostra Award The extension of the concession until 2064 ensures the continuity of the Venice Gardens Foundation’s mission which will be able to continue the work of protecting and promoting the site is confirmed as a central element of Venice’s history and landscape “It is a great joy and a great honor for Venice Gardens Foundation that the Agenzia del Demanio continues to place its trust in our Foundation and in our mission of taking care of the Royal Gardens of Venice,” comments President Adele Re Rebaudengo “a place of rare beauty and symbolic for the city and known worldwide Thanks to the active commitment and a solid commonality of intentions and values among all the actors involved of a botanical and architectural heritage of absolute historical and cultural value not only for the city of Venice but for the whole world has been possible our Foundation has been committed in the city of Venice to the restoration and conservation of parks and gardens as well as to the recognition of the founding role that these assets can play in a social and community context: a commitment aimed at reconstructing the transcendent relationship intimately related to nature aimed at their growth and protection (which requires daily interventions as a living being) are not limited to ’maintenance’ but generate over the years a ’new garden’ and thus ’a new value’ creating a very important international interest and network of adherence visibility and prestige (as in the past the famous ’Italian gardens’).Therefore care and enhancement interventions that will be undertaken over time turn out to be indispensable for the preservation enhancement of the value and public enjoyment of this relevant Asset as well as for the protection of its botanical and landscape heritage I would like to express special thanks to the Agenzia del Demanio which supported us in the realization of this project and finally a heartfelt and profound thanks to the entire team of the Foundation which has supported me in these years with passion and dedication in observance of those principles of care and love for what is undertaken.” A new book of photographs by Marco Valmarana takes readers inside the Floating City’s secret gardens “Venice is a woman,” Diane von Furstenberg has written “The gardens of Venice are like precious emeralds set in the mounting of an elaborate golden jewel small green spots scattered throughout a complex urban fabric These green oases, which float above the city’s swampy lagoon, are everywhere in Venice Gardens hug the sprawling Fondazione Giorgio Cini They highlight the outdoor sculptures at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and concealed behind tall fences and brick walls was last seen at her grandmother’s house in Venice Gardens at 9 p.m left her phone at her grandmother’s house when she was last seen Sunday in Venice VENICE — A North Port mother whose teen daughter disappeared from a Venice home is hoping the public can help find her Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInSARASOTA (WWSB) - Locations listed will be open for regular voting on November 5th Here are all of your Suncoast voting locations: 3809 CHAPEL DRSARASOTA, FL 34234 2801 NEWTOWN BLVDSARASOTA, FL 34234 6050 LONGWOOD RUN BLVDSARASOTA, FL 34243 4080 LAKEWOOD RANCH BLVD NLAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34240 1620 MYAKKA RDSARASOTA, FL 34240 5101 BEL AIR AVESARASOTA, FL 34234 1845 34TH STSARASOTA, FL 34234 5900 N LOCKWOOD RIDGE RDSARASOTA, FL 34243 1201 N BENEVA RDSARASOTA, FL 34232 2004 LONGMEADOWSARASOTA, FL 34235 124 S TUTTLE AVESARASOTA, FL 34237 3333 12TH STSARASOTA, FL 34237 4880 FRUITVILLE RDSARASOTA, FL 34232 8010 FRUITVILLE RDSARASOTA, FL 34240 3330 FRUITVILLE RDSARASOTA, FL 34237 8200 BEE RIDGE RDSARASOTA, FL 34241 7601 STATE RD 72SARASOTA, FL 34241 501 BAY ISLES RDLONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 (TEMPORARY MOVE) BAYFRONT COMMUNITY CENTER 803 N TAMIAMI TRLSARASOTA, FL 34236 1300 BLVD OF THE ARTSSARASOTA, FL 34236 2050 OAK STSARASOTA, FL 34237 803 N TAMIAMI TRLSARASOTA, FL 34236 2256 BAHIA VISTA STSARASOTA, FL 34239 4041 BAHIA VISTA STSARASOTA, FL 34232 6901 BEE RIDGE RDSARASOTA, FL 34241 2035 MAGNOLIA STSARASOTA, FL 34239 3224 BEE RIDGE RDSARASOTA, FL 34239 4835 BENEVA RDSARASOTA, FL 34233 7091 PROCTOR RDSARASOTA, FL 34241 1460 GLENEAGLES DRVENICE, FL 34292 1535 E VENICE AVEVENICE, FL 34292 1115 CENTER RDVENICE, FL 34292 6207 W PRICE BLVDNORTH PORT, FL 34291 1602 KRAMER WAYNORTH PORT, FL 34286 2365 ESTUARY DRVENICE, FL 34292 13800 TAMIAMI TRLNORTH PORT, FL 34287 2200 PLANTATION BLVDNORTH PORT, FL 34289 2400 TAYLOR RANCH TRLVENICE, FL 34293 10500 TAMIAMI TRL SNORTH PORT, FL 34287 12125 WARM MINERAL SPRINGS DRNORTH PORT, FL 34287 3050 PAN AMERICAN BLVDNORTH PORT, FL 34287 4200 S BISCAYNE DRNORTH PORT, FL 34287 4675 CAREER LNNORTH PORT, FL 34289 2001 LYNX RUNNORTH PORT, FL 34288 219 MARLETTE DRNORTH PORT, FL 34287 428 VIVARNORTH PORT, FL 34287 5401 HOLIDAY PARK BLVDNORTH PORT, FL 34287 4615 GLEASON AVESARASOTA, FL 34242 2300 HALEY LNSARASOTA, FL 34231 4826 MCINTOSH RDSARASOTA, FL 34233 6210 CRESTWOOD AVESARASOTA, FL 34231 6908 BENEVA RDSARASOTA, FL 34238 8490 MCINTOSH RDSARASOTA, FL 34238 6700 CLARK RDSARASOTA, FL 34241 7112 CURTISS AVESARASOTA, FL 34231 (TEMPORARY MOVE) OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH 2705 N TAMIAMI TRLNOKOMIS, FL 34275 8885 S TAMIAMI TRLSARASOTA, FL 34238 OSPREY PUBLIC LIBRARY AT HISTORIC SPANISH POINT 337 N TAMIAMI TRLOSPREY, FL 34229 290 B AVENUE OF KINGSNOKOMIS, FL 34275 509 COLLINS RDNOKOMIS, FL 34275 502 VENETO BLVDNORTH VENICE, FL 34275 234 NIPPINO TRL ENOKOMIS, FL 34275 129 S TAMIAMI TRLOSPREY, FL 34229 208 PALM AVENOKOMIS, FL 34275 1060 LAUREL RD ENOKOMIS, FL 34275 326 NOKOMIS AVE SVENICE, FL 34285 606 BIRD BAY DR SVENICE, FL 34285 425 US 41 BYPASS NVENICE, FL 34285 800 TAMIAMI TRL SVENICE, FL 34285 700 WATERWAYVENICE, FL 34285 101 VIA VENETOVENICE, FL 34285 695 CENTER RDVENICE, FL 34285 2550 ENGLEWOOD RDENGLEWOOD, FL 34223 2395 SHAMROCK DRVENICE, FL 34293 406 SHAMROCK BLVDVENICE, FL 34293 3167 ENGLEWOOD RDVENICE, FL 34293 3951 WOODMERE PARK BLVDVENICE, FL 34293 4365 STATE ROAD 776VENICE, FL 34293 700 E DEARBORN STENGLEWOOD, FL 34223 1300 S RIVER RDENGLEWOOD, FL 34223 27075 Fairway DrPunta Gorda, FL 33982 Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center 75 Taylor StPunta Gorda, FL 33950 1120 Centennial BlvdPort Charlotte, FL 33953 3436 Indiana RdRotonda West, FL 33947 6868 San Casa DrEnglewood, FL 34224 4070 Beaver Lane NWPort Charlotte, FL 33952 23000 Midway BlvdPort Charlotte, FL 33952 12650 Wilmington BlvdPort Charlotte, FL 33981 26900 Harborview RdPort Charlotte, FL 33983 6400 Taylor RdPunta Gorda, FL 33950 750 Essex AvePort Charlotte, FL 33948 370 Atwater StPort Charlotte, FL 33954 2001 Shreve StPunta Gorda, FL 33950 43281 Cypress Pkwy (Field House)Babcock Ranch, FL 33982 1780 W Marion AvePunta Gorda, FL 33950 11200 First AvePunta Gorda, FL 33955 3460 N Access RdEnglewood, FL 34224 24411 Rampart BlvdPort Charlotte, FL 33980 245 Cougar WayRotonda West, FL 33947 670 Cooper StPunta Gorda, FL 33950 1201 Aqui Esta DrPunta Gorda, FL 33950 8600 29th Ave EPalmetto, FL 34221 5601 16th Ave EPalmetto, FL 34221 9505 Moccasin Wallow RdParrish, FL 34219 8565 Crowns CtPalmetto, FL 34221 9608 US 301 NParrish, FL 34219 6750 US 301 NEllenton, FL 34222 1012 57th St EBradenton, FL 34208 9422 Old Tampa RdParrish, FL 34219 Summary of Precinct 115 5525 Fort Hamer RdParrish, FL 34219 12180 US 301 NParrish, FL 34219 1200 Glory Way BlvdBradenton, FL 34212 35800 State Road 62Duette, FL 34219 26604 State Road 64 EMyakka City, FL 34251 10525 Lebanon St Myakka City, FL 34251 637 43rd Street Blvd W Palmetto, FL 34221 1701 10th St WPalmetto, FL 34221 501 17th St WPalmetto, FL 34221 1 Haben BlvdPalmetto, FL 34221 2410 4th Ave EPalmetto, FL 34221 3607 US 301Ellenton, FL 34222 1816 9th St WBradenton, FL 34205 3200 15th St EBradenton, FL 34208 1812 27th St EBradenton, FL 34208 Summary of Precinct 217 1100 15th St EBradenton, FL 34208 2112 53rd Ave EBradenton, FL 34203 570 57th Ave WBradenton, FL 34207 512 Pine AveAnna Maria, FL 34216 1505 Center RdTerra Ceia, FL 34221 248 Harbor Dr SHolmes Beach, FL 34217 201 2nd St NBradenton Beach, FL 34217 6200 Gulf of Mexico DrLongboat Key, FL 34228 6311 3rd Ave WBradenton, FL 34209 4701 Independence DrBradenton, FL 34210 2000 75th St WBradenton, FL 34209 3120 1st Ave WBradenton, FL 34205 1301 Barcarrota AveBradenton, FL 34205 2511 75th St WBradenton, FL 34209 5502 33rd Avenue Dr WBradenton, FL 34209 3700 26th St WBradenton, FL 34205 1805 30th Ave WBradenton, FL 34205 1305 43rd St WBradenton, FL 34209 5051 26th St WBradenton, FL 34207 6081 26th St WBradenton, FL 34207 1903 69th Ave WBradenton, FL 34207 7226 Tamiami Trl NSarasota, FL 34243 5115 Cortez Rd WBradenton, FL 34210 415 67th Ave WBradenton, FL 34207 7461 Prospect RdSarasota, FL 34243 6919 26th St WBradenton, FL 34207 5840 26th St WBradenton, FL 34207 5601 Country Club WaySarasota, FL 34243 7671 Lockwood Ridge RdSarasota, FL 34243 7671 The Park BlvdUniversity Park, FL 34201 8000 Stone Harbour LoopBradenton, FL 34212 4915 53rd Ave EBradenton, FL 34203 515 Upper Manatee River RdBradenton, FL 34212 5215 Lorraine RdBradenton, FL 34211 2113 57th St EBradenton, FL 34208 7340 Tara Preserve LnBradenton, FL 34203 7704 CR 675Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 4602 Lena rdLakewood Ranch, FL 34202 8175 Lakewood Ranch BlvdLakewood Ranch, FL 34202 15800 State Road 64 EBradenton, FL 34212 16410 Rangeland PkwyLakewood Ranch, FL 34211 11315 Palmbrush TrlLakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Alice had her wonderland, the "gardens of memory" where she promised the Mad Hatter they would meet. Angelenos have The Cook's Garden on Abbot Kinney in Venice where amid clucking chickens and bouncing bunnies crowds are packing picnic tables for arguably the best pizza SoCal has to offer Both were slid into a wood fired Neapolitan oven decorated with recycled turquoise pool tiles where blazing hot wood was ready to perfectly blister the hand-pulled crust.  Michael Fiorelli and Liz Gutierrez are drawing crowds to The Cook's Garden on Abbot Kinney in Venice.  The result was a perfect east coast worthy pizza every bit as good as one made by a Pizzaiolo in Naples with fresh herbs that had been sourced from the earth seconds earlier The only thing that could have made it taste better was a bottle of house Italian red but Fiorelli hasn't been able to secure a BYOB license — yet outside Fiorelli Pizza's garden plot where pizza toppings are picked fresh  The duo opened Fiorelli's pop up in March, but in recent weeks as the weather warms, the swarms have started waiting in line well before the 1 p.m. opening of the pizza garden on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Fiorelli has worked in many high-end kitchens, among them Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach but firing up pizzas in the great outdoors "feels like putting on an event every day."  "It's completely different," he says "It's very freeing and in some ways more challenging than a restaurant." Things you take for granted in a brick and mortar location not to mention air conditioning or even electricity," isn't always easy.  But it's "special," says Chef Fiorelli of his pizza garden.  "We're in a garden," Fiorelli adds "Cooking what we want and offering it the way we want We're very lucky and don't take it for granted for one second."  Thelma Golden will celebrate Lauren Halsey and U.K.-based singer Griff will take the stage featured A-list designers and Otis College standouts who earned scholarships for innovation in Fashion Design lawyers say Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe showed injuries consistent with a dog attack and plan to present a case against Chloe a German Shepherd who was re-homed by the owner's of the house where the cop's body was found in a snowbank Magazine’s takeaways on five notable topics from President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term consumers are stocking up on household items and bites from THEBlvd and Hinoki & the Bird Following major restoration and conservation by the Venice Gardens Foundation the ancient Garden Garden of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Venice opened its doors to the public yesterday Promoted by an initiative oriented to the values of knowledge this precious historic site becomes open to visitors and offers an experience that fully respects Capuchin principles and the idea of a responsible future a project desired by Adele Re Rebaudengo and implemented by her foundation restore and manage the Compendium that includes the Garden with the Kitchen Garden the Ancient Workshops and the Greenhouse of the Convent of the Most Holy Redeemer in Venice.The project is a tribute to the tradition of convent gardens reflecting a commitment to a conscious tomorrow The Redeemer Garden Garden Compendium extends from the Giudecca Canal to the Lagoon and presents a symbolic and spiritual environment the complex was donated to the Capuchins as a sign of gratitude after the plague of 1575-1577 Badly affected by the November 2019 acqua granda which reached 187 centimeters devastating the city it was entrusted to the Venice Gardens Foundation in 2021 by the Provincial Curia of Capuchin Friars Minor with approval from the Holy See and the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio The implementation of the international project relied on funding from NextGenerationEU in the amount of 2 million euros (PNRR - Ministry of Culture) the Superintendence of Venice and the Lagoon The Venice International Foundation and other donors Thanks to the leadership of Adele Re Rebaudengo the opening of the Compendium will be celebrated tomorrow with a public event the Garden will be accessible Thursday through Saturday and will be continuously maintained by the foundation itself with paths shaded by chestnut arbors and adorned with climbing roses orchards and cultivations of Mediterranean herbs and flowers reminiscent of the ancient Garden of Simples the Water Lily Pool represents the heart of the Garden offers a perfect vantage point for watching the sunset The itinerary also includes the Meditation Chapel the Antiche Officine restored by architect Alessandra Raso with new energy-efficient facilities Exhibitions in harmony with the soul of the garden will be held here The Workshops will welcome oil and honey production with the Oil Mill and the Honey Removal Room on the Lagoon front and managed by illycaffè will offer visitors products grown in the garden Experimental activities for experienced gardeners will be held in the Greenhouse The Venice Gardens Foundation maintains the Royal Gardens and the Garden Garden through an integrated approach of ancient and modern knowledge always with the goal of respecting and preserving the ecosystem recycling and on-site composting ensure soil fertility the Foundation will organize cultural events of international significance which will offer the public an intimate and deep immersion in the history and charm of the place Remo Salvadori ’s L’Alveare welcomes visitors with its poetics on the harmonious work of bees while the Antiche Officine hosts a video by Lucia Veronesi on the restoration of the Orto Giardino flanked by Guido Guidi and Francesco Neri’s shots of the rebirth of the Compendium “It is a great joy and a great honor for Venice Gardens Foundation to be able to inaugurate today the Garden Garden Garden of the Convent of the Most Holy Redeemer,” declares President Adele Re Rebaudengo “a place of rare beauty and admirable accord between spirit and nature a high expression of Capuchin spirituality of a botanical and architectural heritage of absolute historical and cultural value not only for the city of Venice but for the whole world the one we are celebrating today,” Adele Re Rebaudengo continues “which marks the opening after five centuries of this extraordinary place in which it is still possible to ”feel deep down“ and rediscover the joy of ”simplicity and listening to nature the Compendium will host works expressing the vision of sensitive artists protagonists of the world of art and culture of international importance I would like to express special thanks to the Provincial Curia of the Capuchin Friars Minor the Holy See and the Superintendence for the trust they have placed in the Foundation as well as to the Supporters and Patrons who with their generous support have made possible the realization of this project by creating an alliance with the garden as a source of life and creativity fertile ground where to restore the foundations capable of restoring nature to its deep meaning to the professionals and companies that carried out the restoration a heartfelt and profound thank you to the entire Foundation team that has supported me over the years with passion and dedication in observance of those principles of care and love for what one undertakes." the Garden Garden has always been considered a valuable asset to which great care and fruitful work should be devoted both for the productive aspects and for meditation and prayer,” says Paolo Pejrone architect in charge of the botanical restoration by Venice Gardens Foundation “For centuries it also represented an indispensable source of sustenance for community life referable to the forest indicated in the first Capuchin constitutions the Orchards even before the restoration were already lived in and loved over time their overall texture had become looser and looser and the first objective that animated the project was precisely to find a general structure that would make them cohesive harmonious and as simple as possible in harmony with the Capuchin spirit Each choice sought to respond to concrete needs with the most direct Thus restored and entrusted to the care of the Foundation and its qualified gardeners the Compendium is now a place of frugal and balanced beauty rich in botanical details and lush atmospheres but free of complacency and rhetoric.” well-established neighborhood due east of the Venice municipal airport across U.S most of them traditional Florida ranch homes Venice Gardens feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the thoroughfares at its borders There are mature trees and tropical foliage throughout A number of sizable interconnected lakes provide scenic water views from many of the backyards “It’s a calm neighborhood,” said C.J an agent with Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty “It’s very family friendly – a nice place to raise kids.” The earliest homes were built in the 1940s but much of the neighborhood was developed in two distinct sections with Briarwood Road at its southern boundary concrete block houses come with 1-car garages or attached carports Many have private swimming pools and covered lanais as well Conner’s listing at 1761 Valencia Drive is a three-bed with 1,490 square feet under air and a one-car garage it has an open floor plan with a living room/dining room area and big sliding glass doors that open onto a spacious patio “The property has mature oak trees that cover much of the roof keeping heating and cooling bills low,” said Conner “They also act as a buffer against the Florida sun which helps with longevity.” He continued “The backyard is one of the larger in the neighborhood with room for a boat and potential customization such as adding a fence.” While there are no deed restrictions or homeowner’s association fees Venice Gardens is a well-kept neighborhood with considerable pride of ownership “People take care of their properties,” said Conner working professionals and families with children Most of them live in Venice Gardens year-round The community has its own eponymous recreational facility bordered by Pomelo Drive and one of the lakes The dog-friendly grounds feature a playground Many residents enjoy the community swimming pool at a corner of the park and use the building of the Venice Gardens Civic Association there as a community center Parents appreciate the convenient location of Garden Elementary School within the northeast borders of the community allowing many of the children to walk there For residents interested in golf and fitness the Pelican Pointe Golf Course and Venice YMCA are right across Center Road An Aldi food store on the western border of the neighborhood and Detwiler’s Farm Market just a mile north on U.S Venice Island and the Gulf beaches are only a short drive away Access to I-75 via Jacaranda Boulevard is great for people whose work takes them north or south in the county There is also a village shopping area inside the neighborhood which includes the Jacaranda Animal Hospital Marco’s Pizza and Herman’s Meats & Deli Venice Gardens used to be a relatively inexpensive starter home neighborhood but home values have climbed in the past years keeping pace with the rest of the real estate market the median real estate price is now $277,822 Houses at and below that price point do come on the market – there is a pending sale which had an asking price of $277,000 the five active listings range from $316,000 to $449,900 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Discovery Senior Living community Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe has been named a 2021 Best of Venice Award Winner in two categories including "Best Assisted Living (Under 50 Beds)" and "Best Overall Assisted Living." Conducted annually by The Venice Gondolier Sun the Best of Venice Awards are 100% citizen-voted and honor the area's top businesses in dozens of wide-ranging categories Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe was named a finalist in two other categories including "Best Assisted Living - Independent" and "Best Overall Retirement Community." Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe is built amidst a charming park-like setting just one block from East Venice Avenue and the Venice Commons shopping center which sits adjacent to the Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club property The continuum-of-care campus is home to 298 Active Independent Living 31 Assisted Living and 12 SHINE® Memory Care suites and one- and two-bedroom apartment homes chef-prepared meals and access to resort-quality amenities including multiple dining venues; a heated outdoor pool; senior-specific health and fitness center; movie theater with digital surround sound; professional beauty salon and barbershop with spa services and much more the community unveiled the results of a $3 million designer remodel which imparted fresh aesthetics and delivered a host of enhancements to indoor and outdoor amenities spanning the community's more than 29,000 square feet of living and common areas "We are honored and excited to accept a pair of 2021 Best of Venice Awards for excellence in senior living," said Therese Williams Executive Director of Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe it's the truest testament of all that the new aesthetics amenities and experiences our team members are making possible each day are having the meaningful positive impact we've envisioned in the lives of our residents."  Located at 1000 Aston Gardens Drive with accessibility from both East Venice Ave Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe is one of six Aston Gardens communities owned and operated by Bonita Springs-based Discovery Senior Living Aston Gardens is part of that company's national multi-brand portfolio that includes 110 upscale senior living communities across 19 states planned and executed Aston Gardens' recent remodel Discovery Senior Living is a family of companies that includes Discovery Management Group a Medicare-certified home healthcare company the award-winning management group has been developing and operating upscale senior-living communities across the United States By leveraging its innovative "Experiential Living" philosophy across a growing portfolio of more than 15,000 existing homes or homes under development Discovery Senior Living is a recognized industry leader for lifestyle customization and today ranks among the 10 largest U.S SMohtady@DiscoveryMGT.com| 239.676.2870 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com — The National Guard has set up at the Myakka Community Center as residents in Manatee and Sarasota Counties continue dealing with flooding waters and damaged homes in the wake of Tropical Storm Debby The National Guard set up at the community center earlier Tuesday in Manatee County and the area near the Manatee Dam saw some of Debby's worst flooding Watch: Action Air One flies over hard-hit Parrish and two horses were rescued from rising water the county has not had to conduct any water rescues since daybreak Tuesday Parrish saw nearly 19 inches of rainfall from Debby Many people say they've never seen flooding to that degree some still want to know what they're returning home to and are assessing their damages Others say the Lake Manatee Dam is to blame for the heavy flooding says the dam did exactly what it was supposed to do Twenty roads remain closed in Manatee County there were more than 500 people rescued from flood waters in the Pinecraft area Entire neighborhoods were left underwater along the Phillipi Creek as crews raced to help residents WATCH: Action Air One shows the Lake Manatee Dam on Tuesday Sarasota County said its evacuation center at Sarasota Technical College remains open 31 residents and 19 pets were in the shelter The county also said 31 roads remain underwater ABC Action News Mary O'Connell talked to Dr Chief Medical Officer at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel about how dangerous flooding and flooded areas can be to health and safety His bottom line: you don't know how deep or what's in the water “I think, like more people feel compelled to say something now if they hadn’t been before.”Animal lovers have ramped up their advocacy after being angered by an ABC Action News report about a Polk County shelter falling short of expectations More Sarasota and Manatee County News from ABC Action News Report a typo From the best place to beat the crowds to the most coveted dinner-party invite their pared-down picks will never lead you astray Cecilia Alemani knows her way around Venice The Italian-born curator spent plenty of time in the floating city while preparing last year’s Venice Biennale titled “The Milk of Dreams” after a book by Surrealist painter Leonora Carrington made headlines for its focus on female and gender non-conforming artists who accounted for the vast majority of the 200 creators represented in the show Alemani works as the curator of the High Line's art program we asked Alemani to share her favorite spots in the mythical Italian city.  What’s the best neighborhood for a visitor to stay in What's a local restaurant you can actually get into for dinner If you’re in need of a bathroom while out and about What are you most excited to see during the Venice Film Festival?  Io Capitano the new movie by the incredibly talented Italian director Matteo Garrone To Sant’Elena or to Sant'Erasmo, a small island where they grow amazing artichokes! Or you can go to the brand new Giardini Reali Café Florian in Piazza San Marco is always a classic Isola della Certosa Punta della Dogana, the Guggenheim, Palazzo Grassi, Ca Pesaro, and the Prada Foundation.  Da Fiore.   You can’t leave Venice without a pair of Friulane, traditional Venetian slippers. Go to Piedaterre I Campo Santo Stefano.  There used to be an amazing club called Piccolo Mondo For more city guides, see museum director Myriam Ben Salah on Chicago. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest arts and culture updates Soprano Golda Zahra comes home to put on a free concert in her old neighborhood By Linda Chase“Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa…”The young couple was driving home after attending a performance of “The Magic Flute.” Their 4-year-old daughter was in the back seat singing the sounds over and over.“Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa…”Little Golda was imitating the famous aria she had just heard sung by the character Papageno Mozart’s colorful fairy-tale opera had awakened something inside her The car engine had barely cooled when her parents signed her up for piano lessons.Today the 25-year-old Golda Zahra is a rising opera star She chose her middle name for her stage name to honor her Persian heritage Zahra views herself as not only a singer but also a woman on a mission such as her free outdoor concert on May 24 in the Beverly Canon Gardens in Beverly Hills she wants to win over listeners who may think opera is too highbrow and “not for them.” Her strategy is to let the beauty of the music speak for itself.Zahra’s mantra is “Put your heart in your hand.” Whether performing for picnickers at the free concert or singing in an opera at Disney Hall the acclaimed soprano focuses on singing everything with feeling “Emotion is something that a lot of young singers are lacking in so I really try to move my audience,” she said in a Zoom interview.Backed up by a six-musician jazz ensemble she will perform mostly popular Italian-Neapolitan songs jazz classics and hits from Broadway and film she’s presenting one of her favorite arias “Quando me’n vo,” from Puccini’s “La Boheme.”Sung by the character Musetta in the opera the lyrics speak of her reveling in the admiring stares of others the aria ends in a high B flat with a diminuendo — a high-wire act requiring superb vocal command and range whose upper range reaches F and beyond (octaves above high C) Zahra discovered her vocal talents when she was 8 and already enrolled in the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles One of her advisers suggested that she sign up for a course called Opera Choruses She went on from there to study under the renowned vocal coach Kay Montgomery.In 2015 was the youngest grand prize winner in Classical Voice for her performance at the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Awards she left the comfort zone of 90210 to travel to the remote village of Rovigo That led to her becoming a protégé of Barbara Frittoli who took her to the next level of vocal technique and interpretation of roles.Zahra made her operatic debut in 2020 as Violetta in an Italian production of “La Traviata.” In 2022 she was a finalist in the Voci in Barcaccia international opera competition for Rai Radio in Rome.Today she spends at least a week in New York every month to work with Bill Schuman whom she describes as “the best coach on the face of the planet” for polishing her edges and giving her valuable advice about her career.Zahra is acutely aware of the physical demands of operatic singing “Our instrument is in our body,” she explains and when there’s an audition or concert coming up The concert in the park is the first of four shows Zahra will do in the Los Angeles area through the summer They include a program of sacred works titled “The Angelic Voice” at St Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica in June “Golda Zahra in Concert” with the Dream Orchestra in July at the BroadStage in Santa Monica and performing the role of Liu in the concert version of Puccini’s opera “Turandot” at Disney Hall in Los Angeles in August.Linda Chase is a freelance writer based in Santa Barbara specializing in the arts This feature is produced by the Journalism Arts Initiative which is underwritten by donations from arts organizations and others interested in supporting excellence in arts journalism.Golda Zahra sings pop and opera at a free outdoor concert May 24 at 6:30 p.m Guests are encouraged to arrive early with blankets and low chairs for seating on the lawn (first-come first-served) and are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy during the show The park has two large public parking lots and there is valet parking at the Maybourne is celebrating one year of business this spring... The 2,091-square-foot condo occupies the second floor of a 1972-built structure and features sweeping ocean views A beachfront condominium in.. the Gondoliers have clinched the top spot in their league and will look.. Firefighters from both departments worked together to inspect the aircraft for potential damage A small aircraft made an emergency landing.. While algal blooms and domoic acid outbreaks have occurred this particular bloom has reportedly impacted more animals than in recent.. Open houses for the property are scheduled to begin May 6 A rare stretch of undeveloped property along the Venice.. well-priced lots in desirable locations are finding buyers .. Federal prosecutors said the defendants submitted false claims following the devastating January 2025 wildfire Three people have been charged in.. A catalog of programs and classes has opened for Summer at Crossroads an immersive experience for students to continue to.. Support Services Lead to Reduction in Frequent Emergency Calls A collaborative effort between the Santa Monica Fire Department and Wise&Healthy.. IBEW Teams Up with LADWP to Advance Gender Equity in Public Utilities The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.. and automated rulesets California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced.. The grandmother’s injuries were not life-threatening A woman was taken into custody after allegedly stabbing her grandmother during a domestic.. Roll out the … robots.  An afterschool learning center for robotics and STEM is hosting weekly camps this summer designed.. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and events in Venice and the surrounding areas Made with ❤️ by ENKI Tech which has just seen a restoration by the venice gardens foundation as it had been hidden and left to decay for years maria thereza alves comments: ‘architecture must begin with a specific place every building is made in a garden whether or not that is recognised.’ for the venice architecture biennale, LABINAC dubs its collection ‘echoes of the forest.’ the exhibition at the royal gardens’ greenhouse presents twenty one tables designed by the two artists specifically for the event site-specific installation at the venue after the end of the biennale maria thereza alves and jimmie durham took inspiration from the endemic mediterranean pine tree the tables are expressed in serpentine green marble to show the tree as see from both above and below LABINAC scatters its arboreal collection ‘echoes of the forest’ throughout the greenhouse in venice as a didactic reminder of the lessons that can be learned by nature jimmie durham notes: ‘we humans always need to know that the rest of nature is close.’ the collection emphasizes the necessity and challenges to engage in an inclusive dialogue the twenty one tables will remain at the greenhouse permanently following the closing of this year’s biennale author: LABINAC (thereza alves location: greenhouse at the royal gardens event: venice architecture biennale 2021 AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style president of Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation and the guide for the Venice Design Series April 27 benefit tour to raise money for Venice Community Housing Venice Design Series is presenting a guided tour of the restored Gabrielino-Tongva Sacred Springs It’s the second of a three-part benefit to raise money for Venice Community Housing an affordable housing developer and supportive services provider across LA’s Westside The third event is a Rustic Canyon Dinner Party happening on May 4 This is the 10th year that Linda Lucks and Jay Griffith the duo responsible for the Venice Garden and Home Tour president of the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation Gabrielino-Tongva Sacred Springs was registered as a state historical landmark The three clearwater springs exist on the campus of University High School which rests on the site of an ancient Native American settlement Spaniards gave the native inhabitants of the land the name “Gabrielinos” because of their association with the San Gabriel Mission the people chose the name “Tongva” to distance themselves from the colonial oppressor a graduate of University High and Tongva tribe elder discovered that the once natural wonder where two of the springs are located was overgrown and filled with trash with her family and other community members she cleaned up the 2-acre area and founded the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation With the help of then-State Senator Tom Hayden the foundation received government funding for the preservation of the springs Behrns stepped down as president but still remains active along with her children and grandchildren was looking for a Boy Scouts service project with his younger son They stumbled on the Gabrielino-Tongva Sacred Springs The existence of the springs is close to Ramirez’s heart — his ancestors are buried in the San Gabriel mission “The best thing that happened was COVID,” Ramirez said Their team of volunteers were able to work on the closed campus and accomplish much of the major restoration as well as partnered with other organizations such as UCLA and created alliances with community groups Kuruvungna Springs Cultural Center & Museum a repurposed former classroom that houses artifacts excavated at University High School is open on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m Ramirez explains that the springs release 56,000 gallons of fresh water every day but a portion of which is used for irrigation “It is exceptionally clean water,” says Ramirez “People use it for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies There is a Mesoamerican garden with the three sisters The garden is also home to 43 species of birds the largest Eucalyptus saligna in the nation and the largest Montezuma Cypress in the state “The garden is a sanctuary for native plants and for anybody who needs healing,” Ramirez said Both of his sons are involved with the Gabrielino-Tongva Sacred Springs — the older one as site manager and the younger as a volunteer who joins the dozens of community members who show up to weed Ramirez explains that there is still work to be done to achieve the foundation’s mission of protecting preserving and restoring the Gabrielino-Tongva Sacred Springs There is a spring on the upper campus of University High that LAUSD has agreed to resurface in time for the 100-year celebration of the high school The foundation is also looking to secure a long-term lease agreement which includes a small parcel of surplus adjacent land that is no longer used by the school The upcoming tour is the perfect chance for the public to see for themselves just how much effort has been put into preserving this cultural heritage INFO: vchcorp.org/events/venice-design-series Carmelite friars in Venice have created a garden that displays the journey of Catholic souls described by Spanish mystic St Teresa of Avila is one of the most important female saints of Catholicism the Carmelite sister founded the monastery of St and compiled a series of texts that have become a staple of Catholic literature is titled The Interior Castle and provides imaginative insights on how to lead a fulfilling life in communion with God imagined our soul as a castle-shaped diamond containing seven houses or mansions each representing a step in the journey that leads to total union with God A monastery garden based on a saint’s vision you can visit a place that has actually turned her literary allegory into reality has created a “Mystical Garden” with seven flower beds each representing one of the mansions of St The Carmelite Order was founded in 1200 near Mt The first Carmelite friars escaped the Holy Land after a Saracen invasion in the 13th century and established themselves in mainland Europe Since their arrival in Venice in the 17th century they have maintained a vegetable garden near the Church of St There they grew vegetables as well as medicinal herbs used to make their renowned herbal remedy called “Melissa.” In 2014 that centuries-old garden was restructured to replicate the seven “houses” that St Teresa used to allude to the seven stages that need to be integrated on a soul’s journey to total communion with God The first “mansion” in St.Teresa’s book is dedicated to “self-knowledge” and humility which can be achieved through prayer and meditation Carmelite friars in Venice represented this “mansion” with a humble and simple grassy lawn The second “house” of the soul is dedicated to purification that can be achieved by prayer In Venice’s Mystical Garden this is represented by medicinal herbs which stand for the purification of the body in order to reach communion with God The third flower bed in the gardens hosts vegetables and stands as a symbol for the developed ability to practice charity avoid sins and be careful in one’s speech granted to those who move into the third house of the Interior Castle The fourth mansion signals a shift from active stages of prayer to mystical stages of prayer where believers can experience God’s supernatural presence This shift is symbolized by a vineyard with 17 rows of vines The way vines can be transformed into wine is in fact reminiscent of the supernatural power of the fourth house The fifth flower bed is dedicated to “ancient” and “foregone flowers,” a reference to the “hidden treasures” that St Teresa described in the fifth mansion of the Interior Castle treasures that can be achieved by passive contemplation The Spanish mystic specified that most of her fellow Carmelite sisters could achieve this fifth stage the stage where believers transition from illuminative stages to unitive stages believers can experience those mystical episodes such as visions and voices typical of great mystics such as Padre Pio and St this stage is represented by olive trees that can live in very harsh conditions for centuries in communion with their wider environment The seventh and final mansion is where the soul finally enters a marriage with God All three Holy Divine Persons of the Trinity appear and speak to the soul Teresa achieved this state in her lifetime and recounts a detailed appearance of Jesus appearing in front of her where large trees symbolize the essence of God The Mystical Garden of the Carmelites in Venice is right behind the main train station Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you Please make a tax-deductible donation today Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news to celebrate the upcoming inauguration, a physical model of the building showing part of the interventions will be displayed to the public this scale model will show from november 12th 2022 in the human garden space within the royal gardens which itself reopened to the public in 2019 following a five-year restoration by the venice gardens foundation in partnership with generali video and images courtesy of generali the opening of venice’s procuratie vecchie follows an ambitious five-year restoration project by david chipperfield’s milan office and is due to be completed by the end of the year. the project has not been defined by a single concept or architectural gesture but through a series of interventions that address the complexity of the work these included the restoration of the first and second floors the reorganisation of accessibility and usability of the building through the inclusion of new staircases and the renovation of the central pavilion on the third floor the intervention promoted by generali will enhance the third floor to include exhibition spaces open to the public and linked to the human safety net foundation which runs along the northern edge of the square will become a major new destination and hub of activity it will become the headquarters of the human safety net working with people living in vulnerable circumstances so that they can transform the lives of their families and communities the renovation will be part of the ambitious project to make venice the world capital of sustainability the re-opening rounds off a special year for generali which marked its 190th anniversary in 2021 with an array of initiatives geared towards economic recovery and sustainability the procuratie vecchie will also be part of the ambitious project to make venice the world capital of sustainability david chipperfield comments: ‘it has been an enormous privilege to work on the procuratie vecchie not only for the significance of the building’s architecture and centuries of history but also for the role it plays in defining one of the most inspiring civic spaces in the world through our project we are carefully reunifying and adapting the building’s fabric as well as reviving the role and meaning of the procuratie vecchie for venice not merely as an attraction but as a vibrant place of activity in a living city ‘the strength of such a project relies on the quality of collaborations advisors and the teams on site for their inspiring commitment throughout this project we look forward with great excitement to its public opening next year.‘ the intervention will enhance the third floor to include exhibition spaces open to the public a series of interventions will address the complexity of the work the building will become the headquarters of the human safety net to celebrate the upcoming inauguration a physical model will be displayed to the public the restoration is on track complete in spring 2022 A garden is growing in the elegant interior of Palazzo Franchetti – a particularly opulent Venetian edifice on the city’s Grand Canal At the top of the building’s palatial marble and stone staircase with its series of imposing gothic windows overlooking Ponte dell’Accademia the entire upper floor is lush with vegetation Each adjoining room is dominated by garden beds hosting a diverse range of plants In contrast to the ornate and perfectly symmetrical pattern of flora and fauna painted on the building’s baroque vaulted ceiling above the central staircase the real plants and flowers growing on the top floor of the palace are not there simply to decorate the space – they are claiming space The unexpected garden is an installation called Greenhouse created by artist-curators Mónica de Miranda Sónia Vaz Borges and Vânia Gala for the Portuguese Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale Responding to the international art exhibition’s 2024 theme “foreigners everywhere” the trio have recreated a Creole garden which was a plot given to and cultivated by enslaved people in order to sustain themselves it became an ingeniously diverse model of gardening “Creole gardens challenged systems of forced labour and monocultural plantations in colonial empires,” explains artist “By opting for alternative forms of cultivation such as permaculture and favouring multiplicity these plantations contributed not only to food and medicine but also to fostering a sense of belonging and identity By cultivating the land according to their own traditions and needs these people were claiming a space of autonomy The gardens were therefore not just spaces for cultivation a place where people could claim their own dignity and freedom.” Greenhouse highlights the histories overlooked by dominant Portuguese perspectives bringing to light Afro-diasporic experiences and challenging notions of identity and nation while addressing the constructed binaries between nature and culture There are multiple rhythms happening in the Creole garden … plants flourish at different times and working side by side in collaborative ways “I understand it as a Black practice … also as a counter-plantation technique which it used exploited labour and didn’t allow for that multiplicity of voices the Creole garden] is a practice of tenderness of caring of listening to the different plants flourishing.” The sense of an ecosystem created with the guiding principles of mutuality and symbiosis is reflected in the ways the three artists contribute to the artwork each bringing their own unique practices into the space the garden will function as a “transdisciplinary living archive” all feeding into a wider understanding of everything the Creole garden stands for “This invites another kind of world-making,” adds Gala “and also invites people to participate in that act The Venice Biennale itself is of course an established ecosystem and the very presence of a Creole garden as a “fugitive practice” is at least a challenge to Venice’s history of wealth built on global trade and of the systemic prejudice and elitism of the Western art world “This is a pavilion – it’s not in the Arsenale or the Giardini – but even even so [palazzos] share a lot of things with the Venice Biennale pavilions in the way that they were created as Western monuments of grandiosity which celebrated monoculture in all ways that we can think about,” says Gala the pavilions are based on the idea of a single origin in terms of nation and what we are thinking about with the creation of the garden is a completely different world.” The artists plan to invite local communities to engage and spend time in the garden refugees and migrant communities to create another kind of dialogue – one that is not top-down but a more horizontal and base-level conversation,” interdisciplinary historian Vaz Borges says “And it’s through the invitations and our research of other populations in Venice [whom] we can invite to the pavilion to be in conversation with the collective That’s our goal for the society that we live in and we hope to reproduce this in the garden – our vision of another future; another future that is not just concerned with the human being but with everything and the whole ecosystem we live in.” Greenhouse by Mónica de Miranda Sónia Vaz Borges and Vânia Gala is on show at the Venice Biennale until 24 November 2024 The Official Portuguese Representation at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is commissioned by the Directorate-General for the Arts (DGARTES) Slides of interiors at Robin Hood Gardens circa 1970 Exterior view of the facade of Robin Hood Gardens Photograph of Robin Hood Gardens completed 1972 See all the latest from Venice Architecture Biennale here escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox VIEW GOOGLE MAPS journalist and editor covering architecture with particular interest in sustainability After studying History of Art at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and Journalism at City University in London she developed her interest in architecture working at Wallpaper* magazine and today contributes to Wallpaper*, The World of Interiors and Icon magazine She is author of The Sustainable City (2022 a book about sustainable architecture in London a map of 20th-century architecture in Cambridge Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Venice's "Royal Gardens," built in 1806 are just a short walk from teh popular Saint Mark’s Square © Manuel Lagos Cid / Getty Everyone knows that water is what makes Venice unique It’s all part of its mythos and charm – the Serenessima floats in the middle of the Lagoon with only a strip of land connecting it to the mainland mixed with the stunning buildings left behind by more than a millennium of history might make it hard to think of Venice as a city with green spaces to enjoy Venice has no shortage of city parks where you can stop your walking tour and relax surrounded by trees These gardens located not too far away from Piazzale Roma and from Venice’s main train station can boast their fair share of history since they were ordered by the Papadopoli earls in 1834 Their shape has definitely changed with the World War Two bombings and the expansion of the city but they can still offer a huge variety of trees for anyone who wants to take a break from palaces and bridges and enjoy some unrushed quiet – or some climbing and swinging around since it also features a play area for kids Every Italian city that has ever been the seat of a dukedom or princedom or kingdom has Royal Gardens The Serenissima’s Giardini Reali are located right in its most popular area Napoleon was the one who ordered them into being it was the Austrians who picked up the project and brought it to completion – making the gardens a delightful area for the court to enjoy the gardens have returned to their chic and polished splendor ready to be enjoyed – just like the coffee house originally planned by Napoleon where you can stop for a quick espresso (and maybe a couple of Instagram photos) Pretty close to the Santa Lucia train station Parco Savorgnan is beautifully encapsulated in the historic buildings of the Cannaregio neighborhood since the first plans for the park were laid down around the 17th century It was a very common type of green space when it was first created and it has only gotten richer through the centuries – with statues fountains and careful Romantic landscaping It could be a great stop on your way to and from the city center from the railway station a chance to rest your feet as you sit down among trees that have seen the history of the Serenissima unfold Napoleon’s name pops up in the history of these gardens as well since their construction was ordered at the same time as that of the Giardini Reali the area was given to the foundation that organized the Biennale exhibition – and the international art exhibition became inextricably tied to the gardens As you stroll around the gardens today you can see thirty pavilions owned by different countries around the world – when the Biennale is on that’s where the works of art are displayed But even when it’s not a Biennale year you can still see the pavilions and explore their sometimes centuries-old history – like that of the Belgium pavilion which was the first one to be built in the gardens at the beginning of the 20th century this huge park is located on the island of the same name and just a bridge away from the Biennale area the Pineta is the perfect spot to reach when one wants to spend some downtime under the pine trees staring out at the sea and at some breathtaking landscapes of the city the Pineta di Sant’Elena is also equipped with a playground for children It’s true that what most people think of when they imagine Venice is only the part of the city that’s floating on the Lagoon but the mainland is only a bridge away and very much a part of the greater Venice area So if you’re intrigued by a location outside of the usual city centre routes you could take the day off and head to Parco San Giuliano in Mestre the last city on the mainland before the bridge to Venice A huge 74-hectare (183-acre) green space meant first and foremost as a flora and fauna preservation area the Parco San Giuliano is also well-equipped for outdoor activities like skating If you want to organise a day out with family and friends then this is definitely a place you should keep in mind You might also like:Venice's best beaches: sunbathing on La SerenissimaVenice's most unmissable experiences: sail away with usHow to get around Venice: from gondolas to vaporettos 2019Save this storySaveSave this storySave1 / 8ChevronChevronPhoto: Courtesy of Hamish BowlesA detail of a ceiling fresco in the Palazzo Grimani painted by Camilla MontovanoThe high tide had recently flooded the city’s streets and plazas but by the time I landed in Venice the sky was a bright forget-me-not blue and the sun was all ablaze I settled in to the deliciously old-fashioned Gritti and romped down a seafood pasta on the Grand Canal-side terrace (with views to the splendor of Santa Maria della Salute on the opposite bank) to fortify myself for a return trip to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection the collection of the fabled dealer and collector is showcased in her Venetian residence the exquisite one-story Palazzo belonged to the fantastic Marchesa Casati a spendthrift eccentric who romanced Gabriele D’Annunzio the fearless Peggy was an insatiable collector and a visionary dealer who was the first to showcase the work of Jackson Pollock and his wife Lee Krasner—and who championed the leading figures in the Dada (Max Ernst was her second husband) That evening, I hied to the poetic Palazzo Gradenigo for dinner chez Toto Bergamo Rossi, director of Venetian Heritage, the organization that has done so much to preserve the treasures of Venice and its former empire. The author of Venice: The Art of Living knows the storied city and its stories like no one else (his work has also taken him to Croatia, where he has another magical home The multiple smells for this latest Hermès fragrance were created in Nagel’s laboratory at Pantin, where the legendary Hermès workshops are based and where she chose to work because she felt that here “the heart of Hermès beats.” “I love the texture of perfumes,” Nagel told me over tea at the Gritti. “Perhaps that’s why I am at Hermès, because fabric and texture is at the heart of the house.” When she was working on a men’s fragrance for another brand, she said, she would come to Hermès and, eyes closed, run her hands along the men’s suits. “It was so sensuous,” she says, “but now perhaps when they see me they remember me as that crazy lady who would stroke the clothes!” “In Hermès, each time I create a perfume I create a story,” says Nagel, mindful of an injunction from Hermès’ chief executive officer Axel Dumas that “Without audacity there is no creation.” “I put in this perfume all the life of this garden,” she says. On the occasion of the XXVII Venice Seminar organized by the Italian Embassy in London the new project of Venice Gardens Foundation management and opening to the public of the Garden Compendium - the Kitchen Garden the Greenhouse and the Apiary - of the Convent of the Palladian Church of the Most Holy Redeemer was presented A major City Project of international significance that gives these spaces a significant reference role shared with the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and the Holy See.Built by the Serenissima and Pope Gregory XIII as a symbol of gratitude and rebirth following the plague of 1575-1577 which stretches for about a hectare from the Giudecca Canal to the Lagoon is significantly marked by the “acqua granda” of November 2019 submerged and devastated the city of Venice In order to prevent the traces of such an important landscape cultural and religious testimony from being lost in 2021 the Monumental Compendium was entrusted to Venice Gardens Foundation by the Provincial Curia of the Capuchin Friars Minor with the authorization of the Holy See and the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio in order to allow the recovery of the site and its subsequent reopening scheduled for 2024 when the work is completed Venice Gardens Foundation has been promoting its commitment since 2014 in the restoration and conservation of parks gardens and properties of historical and cultural interest implementing projects aimed at the protection of botanical and artistic heritage In keeping with the spirit of high patronage Venice Gardens Foundation now undertakes a new challenge namely the rebirth of the Compendium of the Redeemer leads back to the important tradition of convent gardens and orchards their richness and capacity for experimentation but at the same time looks to the future with conscious and responsible commitment “It is an honor for Venice Gardens Foundation to be able to help pass on an Asset of such high historical symbolic and spiritual value through its restoration and preservation over time,” said Adele Re Rebaudengo “A project made possible thanks both to the affinities between the Capuchin charism and the Foundation’s mission and to the fruitful discussion with the Friars of the Convent A journey that has involved many professionals institutions and generous patrons who enthusiastically participate in this project of ours sharing its vision and principles: the value of restoration respect and protection of nature in harmonious accord but also looking to the future with responsible commitment self-sufficiency and the recognition of the founding role that these places play in a social and community context through their opening that will take place in respect of the spirit of the place.” Key principles of the project are sustainability and self-sufficiency The botanical restorationhas been entrusted to Paolo Pejrone an internationally renowned gardener and landscape architect a student of Russell Page and Roberto Burle Marx of the restoration of the Orto di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome and of the Giardini Reali di Venezia in San Marco The architectural restoration project is by Alessandra Raso an architect engaged in restorations of important historic-artistic complexes and projects for cultural institutions including the Venice Biennale and the Milan Triennale The botanical restoration has received European Union NextGenerationEU funding of 2 million euros (PNRR Ministry of Culture Restoration and enhancement of historic parks and gardens) and sees more than 2,500 trees and plants planned to be planted in architect Pejrone’s project Visitors will be able to walk among the olive trees the water lily pool (a tribute to the fascination with the Orient that has always animated the Serenissima) handed down in Venetian gardens and covered with grape plants in the garden of pittosporum and roses overlooking the Lagoon in the ancient meditation chapel and in the library next to the refreshment room Great attention will be paid to bee welfare with the presence of beehives and the conduct of honey extraction activities on site All the places restored by the Foundation are then directly cared for and preserved by the Foundation with its gardeners through specific programs a synthesis of ancient knowledge and new techniques On the roster of the International Private Committees for the Preservation of Venice and registered in the Ministry’s National Register of Research Venice Gardens Foundation is also engaged in the development and application of studies aimed at innovation and sustainable and responsible management of landscape assets and related training paths The Foundation also collaborates with researchers and artists in the creation of works closely related to the essence and life of gardens and supports through a system of international cooperation the publication and transmission of texts related to garden culture Created by the Serenissima and Pope Gregory XIII as a symbol of gratitude and rebirth following the plague of 1575-1577 is significantly scarred by the “acqua granda” of November 2019 The Venice Royal Gardens restoration and conservation project has been awarded the European Cultural Heritage Prize / Europa Nostra Award 2023 an award established by the European Commission in 2002 with the aim of celebrating and promoting the multiple values that natural and cultural heritage has for society the economy and the environment in Europe.The complex restoration work of the Giardini Reali promoted and carried out by Venice Gardens Foundation under the direction of President Adele Re Rebaudengo and supported by Generali as main partner has made it possible to bring the Gardens back to life which reopened to the public on December 17 the Gardens were in a serious state of neglect and the intervention made it possible not only to restore their architectural link to St Mark’s Square and the Marciana area in general represent a symbolic place known all over the world Assicurazioni Generali supported as the sole partner the restoration of the Giardini Reali wanted by the Venice Gardens Foundation because this project gave back to the city and to those who visit it an oasis of beauty and reflection immersed in greenery,” said Simone Bemporad director of Communications and Institutional Affairs at Assicurazioni Generali and vice president of The Human Safety Net foundation “But it has also done so because there is a common thread that leads from water where the Procuratie Vecchie-home to The Human Safety Net and unmistakable backdrop to the square-open the door to a journey that affects us all: expressing one’s full potential.” The complex intervention supported by Generali in theMarciana area has also enabled a complex botanical restoration and enhancement of the Giardini Reali What concerned the gardens was a conservative intervention in terms of design and architecture deliberately respectful of the historical evolution that has connoted the site and consistent with the historic nineteenth-century design but also innovative and experimental from a botanical point of view thanks to the work of landscape architect Paolo Pejrone The Royal Gardens are now cared for and preserved with specific programs a synthesis of ancient knowledge and new techniques aimed at sustainable and responsible management without the use of synthetic chemicals with great attention to the conservation of natural resources recycling and enhancement of existing physical elements Taking up the designs of architects Carlo Aymonino and Gabriella Barbini the architectural restoration and rehabilitation of the Greenhouse was carried out by architect Alberto Torsello cultural and research activities promoted and supported by Venice Gardens Foundation It is also home to the Archivio delle Radici installation a xylotheque of different woods from the countries in which The Human Safety Net operates The restoration also involved the historic drawbridge which anciently connected the Giardini Reali to the Procuratie Nuove and St of restoring the promenade from the lagoon through the gardens to the Correr Museum reopening the renewed dialogue with St A Ruin in Reverse raises questions about the future of social housing in London and marks the loss of genuine free space Property is a ladder to be climbed; a home is to be bought and sold; public space is a device for commercial consumption and expenditure In light of this, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has acquired a section of the architecturally renowned estate The fragment is currently being shown at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale at the Pavilion of Applied Arts in the Arsenale which was shot in and around Robin Hood Gardens Serving as a prelude to the section outside the film is projected onto a massive 42-by-14-foot screen inside a dark the room’s dilapidated brick columns get in away and viewers must stand so close they need to turn their head to take it all in Less overwhelming is the piece of Robin Hood Gardens itself Propped up by timber board and scaffolding engineered by Arup only meager elements of the facade are on show though you can walk up the original stairs complete with an original handrail Viewers’ eyes scan across rhythmic patterns of concrete facade details then delve through window curtains to see messy rooms much like the invisible force of gentrification Suh makes the latter very apparent with a time-lapse shot that uses an open window to frame demolition teams tearing down a different part of Robin Hood Gardens The audience here comes to the realization that many who still live in the remaining block are seeing their neighbors homes torn down with the traumatic knowledge that theirs is next “The film touches many emotional elements,” Suh tells Metropolis “I became more and more aware of the energy that has been accumulated in the space There was a danger of this exhibition fetishizing Britain’s working class, with the V&A letting the creative elite descend on Venice to see how the poor people of East London once lived. To see suits sipping prosecco on the section’s balcony did seem slightly perverse. These questions will reappear if and when the V&A exhibits the fragment information on Robin Hood Gardens’ history and Suh’s film mitigate some classist voyeurism Suh was concerned with creating a piece that “complements the physical building,” while Olivia Horsfall Turner who organized the exhibition with fellow V&A curator Christopher Turner wanted A Ruin in Reverse to raise questions about what social housing means today “So many council housing estates from the ’60s and ’70s that are slated for demolition and redevelopment,” she says What role does properly affordable housing have in that city?” You might also like, “‘Freespace’ Shows That Architects Must Retool Their Relationship to Power—and to the Biennale.” Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the latest updates, exclusive content, subscription deals delivered straight to your inbox! Head needed for Rome's central archaeological area Italy – The new illy Caffè opens today in Venice inside the historic Giardini Reali near San Marco The Royal Gardens were commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early nineteenth century and are now once again open to the city after a major restoration project The illy Caffè is located inside the historical Coffee Pavilion a neoclassical construction designed by the architect Lorenzo Santi between 1816 and 1817 and used for the Cafehaus in the park during the Habsburg period The project to restore this remarkable historical location has taken several years and has been promoted and undertaken by the Venice Gardens Foundation in collaboration with Assicurazioni Generali illycaffè is delighted to participate in the project and returning the pavilion to its original function is an ideal role for the company The redevelopment of the circular space inside the greenhouse was entrusted to the Locatelli Partners studio who have reinterpreted the typical stylistic features of historic greenhouses emphasizing the elegance of the luminous space flooded with light from the tall windows all around The new illy Caffè covers an area of 250 square meters Guests are welcomed in the centre at a large circular counter with brass details are also carried over into the tables and the spectacular 4-circle chandelier constructed with blown glass rings a celebration of the Venetian tradition of glass-making the illy Caffè offers a rich and varied range of products Start the day with the aroma of the unique illy blend and delicious confectionery or relax with a selection of aperitifs and cocktails in the evening Inside the store there is also an area for the sale of products and accessories from the world of illy: from the illy Arabica Selection range to Iperespresso machines and the iconic illy Art Collection cups The new illy Caffè is sure to become a favourite meeting point for everyone who loves taste and beauty in one of the most beloved historical sites in Venice illy Caffè – Giardini Reali – Venice will be open to the public from December 17th. The Caffè is open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. © Copyright 2025 | Editoriale Comunicaffè P.IVA 05752870963 | tel. +39 335 5967702 Sara Schall, 15, was last seen in Venice Gardens Sunday. Sara Schall, 15, was last seen at her grandmother’s house in Venice Gardens at 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. Sara Schall, 15, left her phone at her grandmother’s house when she was last seen Sunday in Venice. Sara Schall, 15, may be in North Port or Bradenton, her mother said. VENICE — A North Port mother whose teen daughter disappeared from a Venice home is hoping the public can help find her. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. This is Radio Schuman, your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news, insights, and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond. From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs, this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans. Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics. No agenda, no argument, no bias, No Comment. Get the story without commentary. Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives. With explanations, engaging Q&As, and lively conversations, the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society. Europe's water is under increasing pressure. Pollution, droughts, floods are taking their toll on our drinking water, lakes, rivers and coastlines. Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters, how our wastewater can be better managed, and to discover some of the best water solutions. Video reports, an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters, from Euronews. We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source, analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing. We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt. If you are visiting the Venice Biennale this summer, take a break from the heat with a visit to these three stunning garden cafés. Hidden in fascinating architectural settings, these hidden green oases are perfect for a quick coffee, light snack or a Venetian aperitivo before hitting the pavilions again. The Serra dei Giardini coffee house is located just a stone’s throw from the pavilions of the Giardini della Biennale, one of the art exhibition’s two main locations. The café is housed in an elegant, spacious glasshouse, which was built in 1894 for the city’s first International Art Exhibition. After a major restoration by the town council of Venice, this iron and glass structure was converted into a light-filled space for a coffee and snack bar. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Serra dei Giardini (@serra_dei_giardini) The coffee shop is known for its fruity smoothies and homemade cakes. It is also a good place to try Venice’s version of spritz made with Select, an aromatic bitter that can be used instead of Aperol. The walls of the café are filled with unusual, ornate plants and just next door there is a flower shop which is a delight to wander around. A colour explosion at the Biennale’s design café The Central Pavilion of the Biennale, located in the Giardini della Biennale, houses its own spectacular art café. Its interior was designed by Tobias Rehberger, winner of the Leone d’Oro for the best artist at the 2009 edition of the Biennale. The walls are covered with dramatic black and white geometric designs with brightly coloured tables set out for customers to sit at. The style was inspired by an art form that appeared during the First World War called razzle dazzle or dazzle camouflage where geometric forms in contrasting colours create vibrant optical patterns. Those wishing to visit the café need to have a ticket for the Biennale. An elegant coffee house near St Mark’s Square Just around the corner from St Mark’s Square lie the historic Royal Gardens. The park was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century and has recently reopened after a major restoration project. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Rina Ciampolillo - Fotografa Professionista (@luce_eee) Within the verdant setting is the Coffee Pavilion The domed structure is made from Istrian stone and started life as a Cafehaus during the Habsburg’s rule in 1816 and 1817 It has now been restored and returned to its original function as a coffee house The cool interior of the 19th-century structure is perfect for sweltering summer days The adjoining greenhouse opens out onto the gardens where customers can also enjoy their coffee at shaded tables VENICE — Rob Merlino moved to the Venice area three years ago and became a fixture at the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier When the city was considering changes to pier rules that would have banned shark fishing that activity pushed him into the public spotlight as he became head of an advisory group on the issue As the city and Sarasota County wrangled over parks maintenance his interest in youth sports pushed him a little further Recently he’s jumped feet first into activism as he plans to start a drive to get a fertilizer ban on the statewide ballot for 2020 is the end game; there needs to be a statewide law Pennsylvania and Maryland got together to do a few years back,” Merlino said during a recent interview at what is arguably his favorite spot in the city — the Venice fishing pier “They got together because the watershed was dying they made it a law — you can pass a resolution The multi-state pact to clean up the the Chesapeake Bay started in 1983 as a one-page pledge to address the bay’s pollution problems that was signed by — among others — the governors of Maryland the first goals for pollution reduction were set governors for Delaware and New York joined West Virginia’s governor signed the agreement Environmental Protection Agency set maximum pollution loads of nutrients and sediment that could enter the bay and its tributary rivers Merlino hopes to start with a grassroots movement to get a restriction on fertilizer as well as the use of glyphosate herbicides on a statewide ballot through a petition drive Venice Vice Mayor Bob Daniels made that proposal at a press conference earlier this month the City Council only went as far as passing a resolution to "encourage nonuse" of fertilizers year-round said that in a perfect world he would help get the ball rolling on such an initiative then let others see it through by gathering signatures and crafting ballot language “Then somebody else takes up with the feds who actually lives outside the city limits in Venice Gardens had planned to spend several consecutive meetings at the Venice City Council asking for the board to take steps toward a ban He was grateful that Daniels took up the cause an eighth-grader at Student Leadership Academy in Venice Their eldest four children were all in college or beyond and Merlino could handle his internet marketing anywhere “I got a 6¼ percent raise when I moved to Florida,” Merlino said since Florida doesn’t have a personal income tax They chose Venice Gardens because of the schools in Sarasota County and the proximity to his parents snowbirds who winter at a home in the Venice Golf and Country Club a town with a current population of almost 33,000 and a town-meeting style of government that politics is the second favorite spectator sport in Massachusetts if you were for or against (something) you needed to show up with numbers,” Merlino said “Venice is similar — it’s not the same form of government but the same thing applies; if you want something changed “It’s that background in engaging with local government that makes me the way I am down here,” he added “Because what I see down here is a lot of people like to mope and complain about things Merlino and his family have been visiting Sarasota County for 17 years He’s been either an entrepreneur or commission salesperson his whole life He started a web page to advertise a hot dog truck and that led to his national blog hotdogstories.com which chronicled his tour of hotdog stands when people click through to buy a item they read about on his blog It works both for the current season and when people watch reruns and then visit the blog entertain and sell whatever they’re selling,” Merlino said The internet marketing allows Merlino to lead a laid-back lifestyle with lots of time fishing at the pier — until red tide wiped out the sea life so I have a lot of time on my hands all summer,” he said He’s attended a variety of clean water rallies and symposiums — including the Venice City Council’s special meeting on red tide — and has been very active on everything from the local Facebook pages to the more regional page now dubbed “THE REAL South Florida Clean Water Movement.” he organized a small protest at Venice City Hall to raise awareness of clean water and red tide concerns Daniels started his push for more stringent fertilizer and herbicide regulations in Venice He made a point of seeding published reports about that effort into the clean water movement Facebook page That prompted Naples residents to start pushing for similar action is to garner support for a statewide ballot initiative Ideally Merlino wants to fade out of the limelight While some have pushed him to run for elected office and that’s what I would rather do,” Merlino said Words:  Rachel Read Set behind St Mark’s Square and surrounded by water the Royal Gardens were built in the 19th century during the Napoleonic occupation of the city Work on the €5m project is scheduled to begin later this month and is due to be completed in July 2018.  The renovation is being funded jointly by Italy’s cultural ministry and Italian insurance group Part of the redevelopment will focus restoring the Garden’s statues and fountains Also being refurbished is the Neo-Classical Coffee House situated in the South West of the Royal Gardens https://theartnewspaper.com/news/conservation/venice-s-19th-century-giardini-reali-set-to-bloom-with-5m-makeover/ Get the latest attractions industry news direct to your inbox More from this author Blooloop is taking climate action and is now B Corp Certified speed and the best experience on this site Venice Williams has extra motivation for tending her Northwest side yard “I cultivate this space for the enjoyment of the community ... “For some people it defies the myth of what an inner city corner house garden should look like and most people don’t associate abundance with inner city life They don’t associate an abundance of anything healthy and good with the inner city." Williams, who has been executive director of Alice’s Garden Urban Farm 21st St., since 2004 and a Lutheran minister in Milwaukee for 32 years said neighbors also call her yard "the pharmacy" because of the many medicinal herbs she grows and consider it a place where conversations can happen “Some older people call it the neighborhood pharmacy because of all my herbs “People come by and ask for cuttings all the time I fully recognize that my garden is a prompt to engage my community,” she said Neighbors also love her gardens for their scents and colors “It’s always overflowing with inviting scents It’s aromatherapy without the bottle but I cultivate for scent.  When people walk past our front yard it smells so good!’ If they brush up against the plants and when the wind blows and you are coming past our home you are smelling the lemon balm and sage “Our garden is vibrant with color in early summer with daylilies yellow lemon balm and sun cups,” she said “Every single person in my family gardens I was blessed to grow up with grandparents and everybody in my family continues to cultivate food and flowers today farming and cultivating foods is about reclaiming celebrating and honoring the skill set that led to our ancestors’ enslavement People often talk about that period of slavery and that it was just about free labor It was also about our skill set and our ability to grow food It was because of our powerful relationship with the soil and seeds The wealth of this nation was built because of our ability to cultivate food “The most powerful thing you can do is feed yourself and control what you consume Our home gardens are about reaffirming our ancestral story and celebrating what’s in our DNA,” she said While her gardens are overflowing with lush plantings today that wasn’t the case when she bought her two-story corner home in 2000 and there were two trees that were dying,” she said She began removing large portions of grass and started adding plants there were some peonies and raspberry bushes and I took them both out “I started with a couple bushes and then I added some echinacea and rue sage but people also plant it at their front doors for protection One of my favorite plants is in the backyard; it's banana mint The whole neighborhood would just laugh at me ‘You aren’t going to have any grass left in front!’ and I would say ‘That’s the goal.’ ” and today it’s a lush space filled with unique plants, sitting areas You won’t see things in my garden growing in rows because nature doesn’t cultivate itself in rows If you are looking for this perfect immaculate geometrical garden The couple have seven adult children together He was retired and worked as the 4H and youth development agent at UW Extension in Milwaukee Williams said he came out of retirement to become production farm manager and beekeeper at Alice’s Garden “You can make anything beautiful and meaningful. The city can be and is beautiful you just have to choose what you are going to focus on If you decide to focus on beauty and potential — whatever that might be — then your efforts become part of an inner city solution instead of a problem or an eyesore.” RELATED: Greenery thrives in a 5.5-acre lakefront haven created by a Bayside woman She recently talked about her gardens and her love of herbs Question: Do you also grow herbs and produce at Alice’s Garden A: I use them when I cook. I also make hot tea and ice tea. I drink my tea all day. I also have a skin care line I sell through Alice’s Garden I use the herbs from my gardens and from my garden beds at Alice’s Gardens and I smudge with them in my gardens and in the neighborhood Q: Do you teach people how to use herbs A: I do consults at home and in my neighborhood all the time At Alice’s Garden I’ve had an herbal program for the past nine years and it’s one of my favorite times of the week Q: Any advice for those who want to plant herbs Don’t let the herbs you grow be the side chicks in your life Q: Any tips for those who want to create a permaculture garden We are always trying to create a false sense of order Q: Is there a plant your neighbors are most interested in The neighbors ask for the Egyptian walking onions the most They’ve taken over some of the front garden I put them in soups and stews and use them with fried potatoes and lovage.  People like to pick them for their potatoes and soups because it’s a reminder for me of how precious water should be and continues to be in my life After a rain they would pour the water out of the plants' natural cups I harvest water from my cup plants after a rain But I haven’t had any opportunities to do that this season A: I typically do vegetables between my flowers but I didn’t do it as much this year because the growing season came so fast Because of the heat and the abundance of perennials in my yard the perennials took off so fast they didn’t leave room for vegetables so I wasn’t able to tuck them in between the flowers the way I normally do I do have some peppers in between my flowers and the herbs broccoli and Swiss chard to eat and for vibrant colors in the garden A: My favorite tomato of all time is a green zebra tomato I like it because it’s so meaty and delicious Q: Do you have any raised beds for vegetables My husband also has a bed near the garage off the alley Q: Who did you garden with most when you were young A: I gardened with my grandmother but not my mother I understood my mother's gardening was her time away from us But I also like to buy plants because I try to be intentional about supporting local nurseries I buy my tomatoes and peppers at area nurseries. But there are some things I don’t grow so I can support the farmers at the farmers markets — primarily at the Fondy Farmers Market.  Q: Did you replace the trees you took down A: I didn’t plant any new large trees because I wanted full sun in the yard and we transplanted it from the home of Bruce and Gloria Wright. They are good friends that I call my Milwaukee parents The space near that tree is my favorite space in the front yard I have two chairs and a table under the tree where I invite people into the yard for conversation Q: How much time do you spend gardening Sometimes I’ll be working in the front and my son will be working in the back and we meet in between There’s never enough time to do what I want to do Q: Do you use chemicals when you garden Come April there are so many dandelions in my yard that I put out a call and 20 30 people come here and harvest the dandelion greens I give them recipes for dandelion wine and dandelion sweet bread Q: Are there stories connected to the bottle tree and the metal tubs in your backyard A: The bottle tree is an African tradition It catches evil spirits and they stay trapped in the bottles The tubs are a family tradition for me but also a Southern tradition In the morning the baby would have a bath in one of the tubs and in the afternoon we could put ice in them for cold drinks You will see sunflowers that will bloom later and autumn mums It’s a Japanese variety I grow for the leaf You put out the ears of corn to commemorate the children in your household A: There aren’t a lot of perennial yards in our neighborhood; but there are a lot of yards with annuals plantings Q: Do you have many ornamental plants but the oregano and lemon balm are choking it out after receiving approval from local authorities the development is set to move ahead with a large part of the building becoming publicly accessible for the first time in 500 years as with many of chipperfield’s restorations the project is not defined by a single concept or architectural gesture but through a series of calculated interventions that address the complexity of the work a large part of the building will become publicly accessible for the first time in 500 years image courtesy of david chipperfield architects | video courtesy of generali the ambitious project is being backed by generali one of the world’s largest insurance companies the intervention is part of generali’s larger plan for the marciana area which also includes the revitalization of the site’s royal gardens which develop along the entire north side of piazza san marco were designed by the architect bartolomeo bon and later by jacopo sansovino in the first half of the 16th century a series of calculated interventions address the complexity of the work image courtesy of david chipperfield architects generally speaking, the restoration will reunify the interior spaces of the procuratie vecchie and introduce clarity into the building. the interventions to be carried out by david chipperfield architects milan include the restoration of the first and second floors the reorganization of accessibility and usability of the building through the inclusion of new staircases and the renewed central entrance on the third floor with access to the raised courtyards the restoration work will involve original venetian materials and workmanship image courtesy of david chipperfield architects the restoration will reunify the interior spaces of the procuratie vecchie image courtesy of david chipperfield architects the human safety net is an initiative that combines the potential of the social sector with the one of generali it establishes partnerships and invests in social enterprises and NGOs in europe the foundation has built up three programs — for families for refugees startups and for newborns — that can have a long-term impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people and enable them to their talents the human safety net is now active in 19 countries with a net of over 25 partners an accessible rooftop will offer views across the city image courtesy of david chipperfield architects ‘working on this remarkable building with a client so committed to venice continues to be a great privilege,’ says david chipperfield ‘over the last two years we have come to better understand and respect the complexities of the building hidden behind its grand public façade in adapting the building to accommodate a more public program for the human safety net we have sought to balance the infrastructural requirements with restoration and refurbishment of the historic fabric we are driven by the ambition to both re-unify the architectural work as well as the identity of the building as a place of work meeting and discussion for the city.’ the building dates back to the 16th century  image courtesy of martino lombezzi / contrasto ‘the restoration and renovation of the procuratie vecchie will bring back to its original splendor one of the most beautiful places in venice known throughout the world,’ adds the chairman of generali ‘a place closely linked to the history of generali which shares the st mark’s lion as a symbol and which for the first time in 500 years will be open to the public through our the human safety net initiative the building’s first and second floors will be completely restored image courtesy of martino lombezzi / contrasto ‘the project we are announcing today is part of the broader vision for the restoration of the entire marciana area which we have promoted with pride and passion and will foster new development opportunities for the city,’ continues gabriele galateri di genola and philippe donnet ‘a special thanks goes to all the authorities with whom we have had discussions in recent months in particular the superintendency and the municipality of venice for having supported the launch of this project.’ local artisans will be employed throughout the project image courtesy of DCUBE the procuratie vecchie develop along the entire north side of piazza san marco image courtesy of martino lombezzi / contrasto After a complex restoration project that began in December 2014 the Royal Gardens of Venice have been reopened to the public returning to the city of the lagoon a place that has always been loved by Venetians.The restoration work was promoted and carried out by Venice Gardens Foundation: to counter the progressive decay of the Gardens the State Property Agency and the city of Venice granted the Monumental Compendium of the Royal Gardens to the Foundation for the purpose of its restoration and conservation The design and restoration thus took place from 2015 to 2019: the Foundation used Paolo Pejrone for the restoration of the garden and Alberto Torsello for the architectural restoration and restoration of the greenhouse both architects who took up the designs of architects Carlo Aymonino and Gabriella Barbini which will care for their conservation and growth for the duration of the concession with special professional figures and specific maintenance programs the Royal Gardens have regained their value and botanical complexity according to the historic 19th-century design Programs for the sustainable management and protection of landscape assets and their fauna are also planned with training courses; collaborations with IUAV University and LIPU are also planned cultural and research activities will take place in the greenhouse wing called The Human Garden The restoration was supported by Assicurazioni Generali and the Gardens’ first flowering will be celebrated in spring 2020 The Giardini Reali cover an area of about 5,000 square meters surrounded by water the National Archaeological Museum and the Biblioteca Marciana They were built as part of the Napoleonic reform project of theMarciana Area following the decision sanctioned in 1807 to allocate the Procuratie Nuove as the site of the Crown Palace; in December 1920 the Gardens included among the assets transferred by the Crown to the State Property were assigned to the City of Venice and opened to the public Image: Aerial photo of the Royal Gardens in Venice This vibrant and beautifully designed townhouse in California can be yours Actress Jen Landon is selling her California townhouse for $1.75 million. The architectural home sits in one of the most coveted pockets of Venice. It's a treasure trove of home decor ideas Jen's former residence was built in 2009 to be stylish and eco-friendly. The listing, held by Katie Crain and John Podhor at Compass describes the home as 'a true work of art,' and it's true The private house is set back from the street by bamboo hedges offering a tranquil energy despite the home's prime location a sprawling deck offers 350-degree views of the California landscape Jen Landon clearly knew what she was doing with this house design The Yellowstone actress's bathrooms are refreshingly modern The primary bathroom is en-suite to the primary bedroom with chic green tiles The guest bathroom has its own rain shower enclosed in contemporary glass walls.  Similarly, Jen's open-concept kitchen and dining room idea proves that connecting these two spaces is always a practical design choice and large windows make the room feel massive The Yellowstone star proves here that she isn't one to overlook the details endowing Jen's former home with a warm and welcoming feel despite the cool color palette Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups If you are a lover of California casual style Jen Landon's former home just might be for you Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College Edwin Heathcote selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter “Buildings,” wrote Alison and Peter Smithson in 1967 “should be thought of from the beginning as fragments; as containing within themselves a capacity to act with other buildings.” The architects didn’t know quite how prophetic that line would sound half a century later It was announced earlier this month that the Victoria and Albert Museum had acquired a fragment of the Smithsons’ biggest built project the 3.7-acre Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Blackwall which is being demolished and replaced by Blackwall Reach “Fragment” might not be the right word for three storeys of reinforced concrete and walkway but this maisonette is an intriguing addition to the collection of a museum which also displays the 16th-century timber façade of a house in Bishopsgate and casts of cathedral fronts in its ground-floor galleries The story of this curious acquisition began with Liza Fior of architects MUF as the conclusion of a year-long residency thinking about plans for the V&A’s east London outpost in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Fior suggested that “acquiring” a piece of this doomed estate might be a way to address the particular issues of east London and its ongoing regeneration to anchor the new institution within a physical and that conversation is likely to be loud it is necessary to dig a little into the roots of Robin Hood Gardens just as its rusted rebars are being exposed and its concrete crushed Designed in the late 1960s and completed in 1972 the estate straddled the eras of modernist utopianism and public and political cynicism It was a reaction to the tower blocks which had already begun to show signs of failure and it represented a search for what the Smithsons saw as a new way of living in the city The architects were trying to achieve a sense of community at a scale commensurate with this industrial piece of city situated by the docks They had studied the sociology of working-class communities worked with photographer Nigel Henderson on capturing the way life was lived in the streets and imbibed Family and Kinship in East London Michael Young and Peter Willmott’s 1957 social study They were the architectural equivalent of the Kitchen Sink playwrights and directors The Smithsons conceived these elevated decks as stages for the theatre of everyday life all without being bothered by the traffic thundering by below notably in Sheffield’s Park Hill (1957-61) but the Smithsons were Britain’s most internationally influential architects They were the leaders of a generation of modernists who had rejected the simplistic tabula rasa approach of the previous generation and instead embraced the complexity of social relations and the character of a specific place In 1970 the avant garde author BS Johnson made a fascinating film about Robin Hood Gardens (easily found on YouTube) in which the Smithsons talked about their hopes appearing in a silver space-top with a shiny pink tie and speaking in an odd drawl that sounds like the approximation of English by a super-intelligent alien who heard it spoken once over the wireless says: “Society at the moment asks architects to build these new homes for them It may be that we should only be asked to repair the roofs and add the odd bathroom to the old industrial houses and just leave people where they are to smash it up in complete abandon and happiness so that nobody has to worry about it any more We may be asking people to live in a way that is stupid The architects were well aware of the heroic failures as well as the heroic successes of modern housing They were designing for an uncertain world “The realities of our working life were going to be traffic wearing a floral shirt and silver-sequinned tie adds: “One of the men on site said that this was too good for the people who were going to live in it.” Yet as architects they feel compelled to provide the best possible conditions “to build for successive occupying generations  society has to make a framework so that the makers can get ahead of the destroyers.” But should such an important architectural landmark be demolished if its 214 apartments are being replaced by 1,575 new homes of which 698 will (allegedly) be “affordable” Walking around the still-inhabited half of the estate you do not get the sense of a failed project the lively community spaces envisaged by their architects graffiti-spattered labyrinths of urban myth albeit a part that has been radically transformed Heavy industry has given way to the property industry as this area is repackaged Hotels in Hong Kong and Shanghai are hosting events and marketing the new development as “nothing but excellence” The reality of Robin Hood Gardens never quite lived up to the vision yet its importance was recognised in a petition to have it listed (organised by Building Design Magazine in 2008 and signed by Dame Zaha Hadid and Lord Richard Rogers The V&A engages with the world through objects and this acquisition of a piece of modernist city architecture has already sparked controversy which shares a borough with the blackened hulk of Grenfell Tower intends to rebuild the section as a room set Can that interior become a provocative place rather than just a reminder Its acquisition was announced on the same day as the news that fewer social housing units had been built this year than in any year since the second world war Robin Hood Gardens is a pivotal architectural landmark which surely justifies this acquisition by the world’s first design museum yet the principle it represents — decent housing for ordinary people — remains unrealised This is simultaneously a brilliant and a problematic and political acquisition The Smithsons were preoccupied with the condition of the existing and the ordinary They termed this notion “As Found” and used it as the basis for what in effect became both British Pop Art and Brutalism a three-storey slice of the sad remains of a socially engaged modernism Patrick's Day tornado that struck Venice in 1985 destroyed some 50 houses resulting in two deaths and the closing of a Publix store for nearly a year which took the brunt of the storm that hit in the middle of the night PHOTO FROM VENICE MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES The other side of this lake in Venice Gardens was untouched by the March 17 resulting in the destruction of some 50 homes and two deaths It sounded as if a train were rumbling through Venice in the predawn hours of St The monastic garden at San Giorgio Maggiore showing Longstaffe Gowan's revival of the use of straw between beds of flowers and vegetables In her account of her travels in Italy in 1784 the Anglo-Welsh traveller Hester Piozzi describes a visit to the Benedictine monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in order to see a famous painting there: Paolo Veronese's Marriage at Cana (now in the Louvre) the picture was kept in a refectory belonging to friars… and no woman could be admitted.' Her 'few entreaties for admission' are 'completely disregarded by the good old monk while the gentlemen visited the convent without molestation.' Things soon get even worse: 'At my return to Venice I met little comfort for I might put on men's clothes and see it whenever I pleased though perhaps all of them would know me.' In contrast to Piozzi's melancholy experience the monastery has recently been opening up to visitors parts of the grounds that have previously been off limits The Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore - Benedicti Claustra Onlus - has collaborated with the Caravane Earth Foundation to host a project that forms part of the Venice Architecture Biennale (more technically the Seventeenth International Architectural Exhibition) which began on 22 May and ends on 21 November Caravane Earth - a group concerned with architecture and sustainable living - approached the British landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan to design a garden for the biennale in which to set a 'majlis' It was agreed that the monastery of San Giorgio was an ideal site: not only is there a spacious garden there but it is architecturally distinguished - the church was designed by Andrea Palladio - and is sited on an island easily reached by vaporetto The monastery - established in 982 AD - is known to have had extensive gardens which were documented in topographical views during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries Longstaffe-Gowan sought to evoke (rather than simply to recreate) an early monastic garden; he drew on the traditions of horticulture in the Veneto strongly aware of the role of Venice as the centre of the European trade in spices and exotic plants The garden contains not only flowers but also a range of vegetables and medicinal culinary and aromatic herbs that are specific to the region as well as non-native species introduced during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance; the plants selected include Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) and a range of Venetian artichokes and summer cabbages The final choice was guided by Isabella dalla Ragione a specialist well known in Italy for her work to preserve biodiversity and safeguard traditional knowledge A visually striking element is Longstaffe-Gowan's use of the local custom of strewing straw in deep trenches between raised beds - long used as a means of suppressing weeds and retaining moisture given this close concern with the history of the Veneto the garden is more exuberant than is now usual in Venice where the choice of plants is usually limited and the layout lacking in variety Its imaginative and inventive qualities have excited some interest and comment among Venetians British landscape gardeners are used to designing instant gardens for events such as the Chelsea Flower Show This monastic plot is rather different: it was conceived as a living and there a possibility that it will continue to be enjoyed and cared for beyond the time of the Biennale Longstaffe-Gowan regularly discussed his aesthetic and horticultural strategies with the monks in informal chats over the meals that they invited him to share with them and they are mulling over the idea of continuing to tend it as a permanent space - for their own enjoyment He boldly expresses the hope that their talent for lively commensality and gastronomic finesse might bolster their delight in growing plants long savoured by local gardeners and gourmets within a space of contemplation and reflection Chloe Chard's most recent book is Tristes Plaisirs: A Critical Reader of the Romantic Grand Tour (2014) She has also written Pleasure and Guilt on the Grand Tour - Manchester University Press (1999) Todd Longstaffe-Gowan's English Garden Eccentrics: Three Hundred Years of Extraordinary Groves Mountains and Menageries will be published in April 2022 by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art San Giorgio Maggiore - https://buffaloah.com/a/virtual/italy/venice/giorgio/int.html Tags: Benedictine, Venice, Chloe Chard, Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, San Giorgio Maggiore Two job vacancies with Lay Community of St Benedict Book: Radical Hospitality: Benedict's Way of Love Dom Simon Piatkowski appointed Prior Administrator of Pluscarden Filipino Bishop in UK calling banks to stop financing fossil fuels Cameroon: Easter heartbreak - A deeply moving Resurrection story from the frontline We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community As our audience increases - so do our costs You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN This coastal hangout boasts an art studio that was home to the celebrated sculptor Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet's former home  – one of Venice Beach’s most artistic properties  – entered the market for nearly $7.8 million.  The vibrant two-story studio and former home of the singer-songwriter is a rainbow-filled shrine to ‘80s design – complete with a large artist’s studio and remnants of their original design remain visible today.  moved into the property with his former wife who is best known for her work with the comedian Bill Cosby on The Cosby Show before listing the home at the turn of the millennium.  The home is currently owned by another artistic couple who are following in the footsteps of Guy and are using the property as a beachside atelier Built in 1949, this 5,424-square-foot home oozes mid-century Californian style throughout its four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The kitchen was renovated in 2014 when the owners blessed the marble-topped space with contemporary features The entire area is drenched in golden west-coastal sunshine through its large window panes and doors, which offer a flow between the indoor/outdoor living spaces. There is also a large deck from the office loft where homeowners can unwind amongst the ocean breeze after a day in the studio The property’s exterior is equally as colorful as towering palm trees shade the other organic jewels that grow in the landscaped garden you can indulge in Venice Beaches’ globally renowned dining scene after a day of shopping in some of the most renowned boutiques in the country.  The 2021 listing was held by Anastasia Bowen.  Lenny and Lisa were divorced seven years previously and Lisa remarried the actor Jason Momoa in 2017 and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home Designers draped the former beach house in Alaskan yellow cedar to create a contemporary masterpiece – we take a tour the couple known for co-starring in HBO’s True Blood are selling their SoCal home for $8 million located close to the Venice Beach Boardwalk in 2009 for $2.2 million* and spent the seven years that followed transforming the abode into an exciting example of modern architecture Alongside celebrated architect David Hertz the couple wrapped the distinct boxy structure entirely in Alaskan yellow cedar juxtaposing the concrete floors and harsh steel pillars and railings Complete with a light-filled open-plan living space, a Zen garden, a swimming pool, and a rooftop deck (overlooking the Pacific), the property is a stand-out listing in California (and one of the world's best homes currently on the market) Inside, the home exhibits an airy open-plan living space across its third floor (to maximize access to light and access to the ocean views and breeze) The space opens out to a grassy terrace area that's surrounded by tall trees for added privacy.  The living area flows into the chef-style kitchen and steel accents that pay homage to the raw industrial feel that runs throughout the home.  In a break from convention, the five bedrooms sit on the floor beneath the living and dining area These spaces all exhibit the same bohemian-style aesthetic and eco-friendly design quirks Other notable features include a Zen garden and a partially covered swimming pool where swimmers can enjoy the wooden architectural assets in all their glory.  According to property data acquired by *Robb Report Anna and Stephen first tried to sell their home for $14 million in 2020; however the home has been on and off the market at lower prices David Kramer and Ruby Fay of Hilton & Hyland currently hold the listing Inspired by Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer's home We can recreate a similar space with these bohemian picks below