Tree Ferns

The ferns that give the valley its name are all examples of Dicksonia antarctica Labill., a tree fern native to southeast Australia. Today it is possible to buy it in Italy, in well-stocked nurseries, but when the valley of ferns was planted, the specimens had to be brought from the southern hemisphere. The Villa Carlotta archives contain the documentation for purchases of tropical plants made by Grand Duke George II’s gardeners so they could give the garden the original appearance that is still its distinctive feature.