Florence in bloom: 5 gardens not to be missed in spring

Behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens are a true open-air museum of statues, fountains and paths to get lost among the greenery. Architects such as Vasari, Ammannati and Bernardo Buontalenti worked on the construction from the 16ᵗʰ to the 19ᵗʰ centuries, creating a unique interweaving of styles.
Created at the behest of the Medici family, the gardens hold truly unique treasures. Famous works include the Fountain of Neptune, the Buontalenti Grotto with its Mannerist feel, and   majestic Fountain of Oceanus by Giambologna.
Stroll along cypress-lined avenues, by sculpted hedges and glimpses of the city, passing through centuries of art history.
In spring, the grazing light and intense colors provide a timeless atmosphere, perfect for a slow, contemplative visit.

Silent and scenic, the Bardini Gardens offer a perhaps lesser-known but extraordinary treasure.
Spring is the perfect time to wind your way along its avenue of blooming wisteria, a natural tunnel that looks like something out of a dream. 
From the top, the view of Florence is simply unforgettable. It also enshrines Baroque statues, fountains and striking staircases. Between pathways and elegant vistas, the garden is a secluded corner where art and beauty gracefully merge.

More intimate and secluded, the Rose Garden is a true urban oasis located under Piazzale Michelangelo. From here, there is a splendid view of the entire historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the garden area itself. 
With more than 400 botanical varieties, mostly ancient and rare roses, the garden is transformed into an explosion of colors between May and June. 
Adding to the charm of the place are the twelve bronze and resin sculptures of Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, which are delicately integrated into the landscape. A place suspended between nature, contemporary art and panoramic views.

The Iris Garden is a tribute to Florence’s iconic flower, the lily, also depicted on the city’s coat of arms. 
Open only during the flowering period—between late April and mid-May—it encompasses more than 1,500 varieties of irises from around the world. Arranged on terraces facing toward the Arno River, the flower beds create a unique mosaic of color. The garden also hosts an international iris hybridization competition, attracting experts and enthusiasts from all around the world. A small botanical gem, visible for just a few weeks of the year.

The Horticulture Garden combines architecture, botany and everyday life. 
In 1880, on the occasion of the first National Exhibition of the Italian Horticultural Federation, the garden was completed with the construction of a large tepidarium, the largest in Italy. This beautiful greenhouse, designed by Architect Giacomo Roster, can still be admired today and is often used for exhibitions and events.
The garden houses ornamental plants, citrus trees, hedges and open spaces where seasonal events and markets are held. Also suitable for families with children.