La Mortella
Lady Susana Walton
See also:
Giardini La Mortella
Forio, Isola d'Ischia (Napoli), Italy
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In 1951, William and Susana Walton purchased property in the north-west corner of Isola d'Ischia, an island just north of the Bay of Naples. They came to this part of Italy to escape the distractions of London, England, so that William could find inspiration and compose his music. Susana, who was in her mid-twenties (then about half the age of Sir Walton), began to `make a garden'. Now, more than 50 years later, La Mortella is counted among the most beautiful gardens in Italy!
John Fero Sims' beautiful photos, more than 180, from different seasons and phases of the garden, allow the reader to experience this beauty. The forward, by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, a patron of the William Walton Trust, provides a thoughtful overview of the garden's significance.
Susana's first chapter briefly covers her life with William from the time he first saw her during a music tour to her native Argentina, their whirlwind courtship, and how they came to live in southern Italy. As she relates her fascinating and often hilarious stories, the reader comes to realize that William and Susana were not concerned about leading unconventional lives, regardless of rumors or pressure to do otherwise.
In the next chapter, Susana delves more deeply into the topic introduced in the book's preface, by Penelope Hobhouse: Russell Page's original concept of the garden's design, and his influence regarding its evolution over time. His genius is still apparent as one walks in the garden today, enriched with a maturity I imagine he foresaw. Susana is quick to point to his guidance and direction, but as one reads this garden's story, it is easy to see that without her own pluck and determination, along with her sense of dramatic style, this creation would never have come into being. Even today she is tirelessly devoted to improving the garden, adding new and interesting plants, and ensuring the longevity of her husband's musical legacy and its setting within the beauty of La Mortella.
The next three chapters are devoted to three broad areas of the garden - the Valley Garden, the Tropical Houses, and the Upper Garden. Susana discusses the various plantings and their history, and the unique challenges of each area. Throughout the book there are occasional references to the particular obstacles provided by the local bureaucracy as well as the Italian way of thinking, none of which seemed to foil Susana's plans for long!
The Valley Garden, now protected by mature trees (some of which were started from seed by Susana!), is a tranquil shady retreat, punctuated by the sound of various fountains that Russell Page designed to provide structure to this area. In this area, as well as the Tropical Houses, Susana's love of bold and architectural foliage is indulged. One of the greenhouses is specifically devoted Victoria amazonica, the giant water lily from the Peruvian Amazon, whose huge round lily pads have captured our imagination since it was first introduced to Victorian England. Susana is a well-known member of the Victoria Conservancy, in frequent contact with other enthusiasts worldwide growing this improbable plant.
For those willing to climb the cliff stairs to the Upper Garden, a variety of surprises await, including other Victorias, grown seasonally out of doors in a pond guarded by a crocodile sculpture, a retreat featuring a Thai folly, various tolerant plantings with bold succulents, as well a dramatic views of Mt. Epomeo, the central mountain peak of Ischia, and the azure Mediterranean waters of the beach at Forio.
Also in the Upper Garden is a memorial to Sir William Walton - a pyramidal rock which was his favorite vantage point on the cliff. Susana placed his ashes in the tip of this stone so that he could forever look over the property they had created.
In the next chapter entitled 'William's Legacy', Susana relates William's dying wish that the garden at La Mortella continue and that the property be dedicated to young musicians. She explains how master classes now offered in the summer to deserving students are a way of returning to the community the generous sponsor support William received in his youth, under which his own talent blossomed. Sir William's Facade, Belshazzar's Feast, the opera Troilus and Cressida and film scores (e.g. Olivier's "Henry V") made him a major figure in British classical music in the 20th Century. During some weekends in the summer, concerts performed by students are held in La Mortella's recital hall, provided at no additional charge to garden visitors.
Published in what would have been Sir William's centenary year, the proceeds from La Mortella: An Italian Garden Paradise will benefit the William Walton Trust which supports these programs as well as the garden and property.
Finally, Susana discusses the various plant collections of La Mortella not previously mentioned. Her avid interest in the unusual, combined with the congenial climate of southern Italy, and a now well established landscape, provide many opportunities to grow impressive specimens of a number of wonderful plants.
I have had the pleasure of staying at La Mortella and falling under its spell. La Mortella: An Italian Garden Paradise can now help others appreciate the unique beauty and character of this garden of both sight and sound.
Seán A. O'Hara
garden consultant and writer
Berkeley, California
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