The gardens of Palazzo Parisio, in Naxxar, were among the 600 exhibitors at the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show, in London, held last week.

Palazzo Parisio was participating with Grandi Giardini Italiani (Great Italian Gardens).

The Maltese gardens are the only members, outside Italy, of this organisation, in recognition of their classical Sicilian design. They also rank as one of the finest gardens in Malta open to the public.

The Grandi Giardini Italiani stand was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Presentation by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Justine Pergola, whose family owns Palazzo Parisio, manned the stand throughout the week.

The two walled gardens at Palazzo Parisio are a fine example of classic baroque formality mixed with the vivid colours and scents of the Mediterranean, with seasonal appeal all year round.

From spring through to autumn, the rich collection of bougainvilleas are in flower featuring the vivid hot hues from crimson through pink, peach and yellow to cool apple white.

In May the indescribably vibrant Jacaranda trees are in bloom. In summer, the gardens boast a vast collection of exotic hybrid Hibiscus with over 60 different species and colours.

December sees oranges and unusual citruses in fruit and in April the heady scent of orange blossom pervades the gardens, whilst the fruit is still on the trees.

There is also a fine collection of mature and unusual tropical trees and shrubs.

Palazzo Parisio is open to the public year round Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the evenings and on weekends, it becomes available on an exclusive basis for corporate hospitality, private parties, events and weddings.