THE PARK AND ITS VEGETATION

There is a ‘green lung’ of over 56 acres that extends around the Villa Asquer buildings forming a park of significant scenic and cultural importance. Of great value to our environment, the landscape has been protected by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia since 1990.

For Francesco Morelli, this vast area, acquired in 1977 and meticulously designed to achieve its current appearance, was first and foremost a place for reflection and self-expression. For this reason, the woodland areas, that are left to grown naturally, are interspersed with historical and architectural landmarks and ornamental fountains, an exceptional exotic forest, Italianate gardens and fruit trees. A place where time, both ancient and modern, stands still that requires constant care to preserve its magic.

hectares of extension

hectares of wood

palm trees

species of palm trees

THE PARK AREA

A mixture of art, history and nature come to life in the park in which 2,100 palm trees are the main feature. They are both natural landmarks and architectural elements, defining specific areas of the estate and accompanying us in our exploration. The 24 species of palm trees come from different parts of the planet and represent an important botanical, cultural and landscape heritage.

THE WOODLANDS

The wooded area of the Villa Asquer estate is a place poised between semi-controlled growth and the preservation of a delicate balance between different species. Covering well over 29 acres, 41% of the grounds, it requires on-going and skilled maintenance to preserve the environmental and architectural resources within it. Every day, the upkeep of the park safeguards the immeasurable heritage of the Asquer estate which extends far beyond its cultural significance.

The woodlands are divided into three areas based on their layout and quality.

The exotic forest

An area, occupying about two and a half acres, is reserved for the exceptional coexistence of typically Mediterranean plants and exotic species from various regions of the world. Many exotic specimens from all over the world grow alongside the heliophilous and thermophilous species typical of the Mediterranean that thrive in the sun and hot climate, such as the Aleppo pine (pinus halepensi) and holm oak (quercus ilex), the wild olive (olea europaea var. sylvestris), mastic tree (pistacia lentiscus), the narrow-leaved mock privet (phyllirea angustifolia) and Italian buckthorn (rhamnus alaternus). To create an artificial forest of this kind, the exotic trees have followed a slow and gradual process to become accustomed to climatic and soil conditions that differ from their native ones, called acclimatization. The striking scenic effect of this coexistence, however, now requires specialized care, to preserve the delicate balance between species with different degrees of adaptability to environments (degree of hardiness) and different needs.

The Mediterranean forest

Covering an area of about five acres, the Mediterranean forest immerses visitors in a world of scents and colors of native plant-life. This part of the estate is the result of perhaps centuries of planting by man and is now left free to grow naturally, necessitating only minimal intervention. A pine forest grows here populated by trees such as Aleppo pines (pinus halepensis) and holm oaks (quercus ilex) and by shrubs such as the wild olive (olea europaea var. sylvestris), mastic trees (pistacia lentiscus), the narrow-leaved mock privet (phyllirea angustifolia) and Italian buckthorns (rhamnus alaternus).

In 2015, a whirlwind felled a large number of trees in this area, radically changing the appearance of the forest. New native species were introduced into the gaps left behind with a large-scale planting of new trees. This challenging operation increased the quantity and quality of the species growing here: cork oaks (quercus suber), carobs (ceratonia siliqua), olive trees (olea europaea), and shrubs such as strawberry trees (arbutus unedo) and viburnum tinus (Laurustinus).

The pine forest

Laid out over 17 acres, the pine forest is the most natural area of the property. This area also suffered partial deforestation in 2015 due to severe weather. The area covered by the Aleppo pines was drastically decreased.

Differentiated upkeep

These three woodland areas, which differ so greatly in species and extent, require specific upkeep. The exotic forest, crossed by three cobblestone paths, requires regular watering to ensure the survival of the species present, while the lush wild vegetation must be controlled to prevent it from impeding the survival of the exotic species.

The Mediterranean and pine forests benefit from the ideal climate and soil conditions. Their growth is sustained by calculated minimal upkeep, that is never invasive. Work in the area is limited to keeping clearing the paths, removing dead trees and controlling weeds.

THE GARDENS

The gardens and green areas

The estate also features gardens and green areas covering 20 acres, in addition to the woodlands. This is the area that requires the most labor-intensive maintenance and care to keep the plants and paths in good condition and damage free. There are native aromatic shrubs, plants and fruit trees near the areas inspired by Italianate gardens with formally sculpted hedges.

Throughout the year, the eleven and a half acres of grass, nearly 4 square miles of formal hedges of different heights, the 2,100 palms, numerous trees and shrubs and intricate network of paths, all require constant and regular upkeep. Watering, fertilization, pruning, mowing, disease monitoring and treatment, weed removal and the upkeep of the paths are routine activities.

To create a “tropical forest” of this kind, exotic trees were introduced into the current environmental and ecological setting through acclimatization (a gradual adaptation process), creating a striking scenic effect. The current layout is maintained through a series of actions aimed at safeguarding the special, delicate balance between species with different ecological requirements, thus allowing them to coexist in this ‘unusual’ setting.