“Ninfa” Stealer of Hearts
.
.
Slim Paley photo
A garden in Italy has stolen my heart.
.
.
Slim Paley Photo
I’m embarrassed to admit that just 45 miles southeast of Rome lies one of the most charming gardens in the world, and yet I’d never even heard of “Ninfa“. Set amidst the ruins of an eighth century Medieval town and traversed by the sparkling, crystal clear Ninfa river, it stands as a testament to the divine combination of English eccentricity and Italian romance.
.
Slim Paley Photo
For most of it’s history the property has belonged to the Roman Caetani family. The original garden was laid out in the 1920′s but it’s present incarnation was created by the English born Duchess of Sermoneta, her daughter-in-law the Princess Caetani, and the princess’ daughter Donna Leilia who amassed over 10,000 plants from all over the world to thrive in this magical place.
.
Slim Paley photo
.
The name “Ninfa” derives from a little temple built near the stream and dedicated to Nymph goddesses in Roman times.
.
Slim Paley Photo
.
Slim Paley photo
.
Slim Paley photo
I’m at a loss for words to convey how crystal clear and enticing the river was…
Slim Paley photo
In fact I’m quite sure I saw Water Babies peeking out from under the bridge.
.
.
Slim Paley photo
Mushrooms and rose petals for the Faeries of Ninfa
.
Slim Paley Photo
.
Slim Paley Photo
We had the garden to ourselves with only a fox and a cuckoo to scold us for loitering too long…
.
.
Slim Paley Photo
.
.
Slim Paley photo
Slim Paley photo
Ciao Bella Ninfa!
.
Ninfa is only open to the public on a very limited basis. If you are planning a trip to Italy do call ahead and move heaven and earth to visit this little slice of paradise.
~
.
.
A million thank you’s to the incredibly talented writer, prolific journalist and gardener extraordinaire Monty Don who shared his knowledge and admiration of Ninfa with us. I’ve been avidly reading his newest book “The Ivington Diaries” each night before I go to bed and cannot recommend it highly enough. Based upon 18 years of his garden journals and brimming with beautiful photos all taken by Monty, anyone even remotely enamored of gardens will be utterly charmed by this book. If you’re like me, you’ll be searching Amazon for all his others.
.
Available in the U.K. now and in the U.S. in July.
.
.
OTime to sign off- We’re off to The Chelsea Flower Show tomorrow!!
Oh yes, I forgot to tell you… I’m in London now 
Breathtaking. Oh those tiny little mushrooms …
i can only agree with lola. each photo took my breath away. No words can explain how my heart is filled with the astounding beauty every where, and my computer screen is getting a little cloudy.
Thank you once more for sharing , until next time , enjoy every moment keep the photos coming .
Enjoy , Enjoy . Such a lucky young lady. oxox.
You found an enchanted place. Thanks for sharing.
So gorgeous — I love the verdent landscape. Enjoy — keep in touch.
I am in total awe – So beautiful – Thank you.
So beautiful–enchanted. Thanks for sharing this slice of heaven.
I would want to stay in those gardens forever. Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip.
The Chelsea Flower Show is going to knock your socks off! ENJOY
And while you are enjoying all that explosion of Mother Nature at her finest…we had snow yesterday and flurries today. Soon, however, the Wood River Valley will also be in full bloom.
absolutely amazing!
Oh Bravo! The thing I love the MOST is the wildness of it! roses climbing up the trees!!!!!!! things spilling over the walls……vines untamed and providing shelter for birds and animals!
If in the US that garden would qualify for a “National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat”!
“Providing shelter, water and food for birds and animals to raise their young”!
The unmanicured wildness is its beauty! And its contribution to wildlife!
I almost fainted!
Thank you so much for finding it…..and for sharing it! BRAVO!!!
Penelope
Absolutely enchanting!!!
Personal tonight. Smell the lovely “bluebelles” for LK!!
Then offer Sarah Ferguson money to read SP while you walk in the Heath. Reeeeally??!! Enjoy
Those pictures! Oh my. I love the crumbling walls and the climbing roses. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Have a wonderful time in London. Drink some bubbly at Harvey Nichols for me please!
Thanks for sharing this enchanting spot with us. It is going in my travel files for my next trip to Italy. Happy travels.
speechless….really
and thank you for the book recommendation, I’m not familiar with Monty Don but i did a bit of Google Stalking and he sounds like someone who does everything with great passion, i’m sure his book will be amazing, here’s hoping our far less superior Amazon Canada carries it:)
p.s are these “really’s” possibly a take off from SNL?
What a glorious, romantic, mystical garden!
Paradise!
And how blessed we are that you share it with us!
Lovely!
xoxo
OMG, incredible photos, Slim Baby, I want to morph over there right now!!! Enjoy London!!!!
Now I have to GET to Italy!! and my husband and lover….thank God!
Thank you for that!! again 
JO
That took me away for a few minutes…as I sit in my kitchen in
Chicago and knock out all the chores to be done here…raising 4 boys and a crazy chocolate lab
I love how effortless the garden design at Nimfa feels. So serene and quiet.
I do not think I have ever seen anything more beautiful
than the bluebell I have been looking at.
I know the beauty of our Lord by it.
- Gerald Manley Hopkins
WOW this place is like heaven on earth, I am so happy you shared this find with all of us and I am now dying to go there! I hope you enjoy your vacation time in Italy!!! xoxo Bardot in Blue
I love going on virtual vacation with you!
So amazingly beautiful it makes me cry. Like Eden, I’m sure.
What a gem! And you timed it just right–the roses are in bloom.
Can’t wait to see your pics of the Chelsea Flower Show now….
Ninfa. It’s the best of both worlds – an English garden in a sunnier and warmer climate. Your photos should be made into a book, Slim.
When you return home and for any of you who love everything about gardens and all the etc’s… a dear friend just put me onto http://www.vintagegardengal.com….when I was telling her about your blog.
Enjoy
Slim, it seems all your readers are Nimfa-maniacs.
I can see why you were so captivated -so am I! Charming!
Great comment Lady Eve, Thats the truth !!!!! Count me in .
Slim…We miss you!
Hi Slim, In reading through your older blogs I came across your recommendation of Monty Don and his garden books. I did go to Amazon to see about him and came across his forward to another book entitled Trauma, Drug Mis-Use and Transforming Identity by Kim Etherington. Trauma and addiction recovery is my field and I am so grateful to have found this book and Monty Don who has a project assisting addicts. I agree with his and Etherington’s philosophy regarding recovery and will be able to use this resource.
Love how the internet works in these wonderful ways and thanks for the tip on the gardening books, too.