William Walton Trust
Guided tours of the La Mortella Gardens on Ischia continue throughout the autumn and winter months.
Although the regular opening season has concluded, the La Mortella Gardens do not close their doors entirely to visitors. Throughout the autumn and winter of 2026–2027, it will still be possible to explore this renowned garden, created by Lady Susana Walton, by booking a guided tour.
Visiting La Mortella in winter reveals a different, perhaps lesser-known, side of this extraordinary garden. Far from the exuberance of summer and the bustle of peak-season crowds, the landscape takes on a more intimate quality, inviting visitors to linger over details, observe plants up close, and appreciate the unique interplay between vegetation, architecture, and nature that defines every corner of the grounds.
Thanks to Ischia’s mild climate, La Mortella retains a surprisingly lush landscape even during the coldest months. Winter here does not bring the dormant phase typical of gardens in northern regions; many plants continue to grow and bloom, while others reach the height of their splendor during this very season.
In the sheltered, shaded Valley, the deep green of tree ferns and large tropical plants provides a backdrop for camellias, which bloom in succession from autumn through spring. Citrus trees, heavy with fruit, add vibrant color and fragrance, while various exotic species take advantage of the mild temperatures to extend their flowering periods.
As you ascend toward the Hill Garden, the landscape shifts entirely. Here, the scene is dominated by Mediterranean flora and plants native to the world’s arid regions—species that find the cool, rainy season to be the ideal time for growth. The spectacular inflorescences of the aloes ignite with shades of red, orange, and yellow, while rosemary spills over dry-stone walls in cascades of tiny blue flowers; meanwhile, the Mediterranean scrub, recovering from the summer drought, regains its full vitality.
The light, too, helps transform the garden. The lower sun, elongated shadows, and the shifting hues of the sky and sea create a unique atmosphere, especially in the upper reaches of La Mortella, where the view opens up to encompass Forio and the western coast of Ischia.
Visits are led by nature guides who, in addition to highlighting the garden’s botanical and landscape features, share the story of La Mortella and its founders: the English composer William Walton and his wife, Susana, who chose Ischia as their home and the place to realize their dream.
The year 2026 marked the centenary of Lady Walton’s birth, an occasion celebrated by the Foundation with an extensive program of musical and cultural events, both in Italy and abroad, dedicated to her life and extraordinary legacy. These winter visits offer a further opportunity to learn more about this remarkable woman, who devoted much of her life to creating La Mortella, transforming a barren, rocky plot of land into one of the most admired gardens in Italy.
From the initial collaboration with the renowned landscape architect Russell Page to Lady Walton’s own long and passionate dedication, visitors can trace the origins and evolution of the garden up to the establishment of the Foundation, which today ensures its preservation and fosters a vibrant array of musical and cultural activities. The visit also includes the William Walton Museum, which houses documents and mementos from the composer’s life, alongside Lady Walton’s famous collection of hats and dresses, as well as a whimsical puppet theater created by Emanuele Luzzati.
Winter visits therefore offer an opportunity to discover La Mortella from an unusual perspective, allowing oneself to be surprised by the richness of a garden that continues to live and transform with every season.
Every Thursday at 2:30 PM
with a guide only and by reservation
The cost is 18.00 euros per person
For information and reservations:
+39 081-990118
otherwise
Fondazione William Walton e La Mortella
Via Francesco Calise 45
80075, Forio (NA)
tel.: 081-986220, 081-986237
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