Between 2003-2007, groups of hardworking volunteers came together annually to clean up the Giardino Segreto, the Secret Garden, and make it a truly special part of Spannocchia. Over the years, more than 50 people participated in this project, including volunteers from afar and local Italian artisans.
Just beyond the Villa lawn, the Giardino Segreto serves as a natural transition from the lush grass, stone walkways, and manicured hedges of the lawn to the more wild forest beyond. The space includes a keyhole-shaped pond (complete with frogs and a resident turtle!), a wide variety of labeled trees and plants, quiet places to sit, and a small educational building called the Casetta del Bosco ("Little Forest House"), which features artwork, foraged items, and accessible written materials about the biodiversity one can find at Spannocchia. In more recent years, more opportunities for seating and reflection were added; just earlier this year, a wooden platform for yoga and other activities was installed on the lower level. In the past, local school groups have visited and used the Casetta del Bosco for their interactive lessons. A well-marked trail for self-guided nature walks runs through the Giardino, out into the woods, and back past the wastewater pond and orchard. Program participants and guests of all ages delight in all that the Casetta and the Giardino more generally has to offer when at Spannocchia.
As part of the original Giardino Segreto project, a mural was created in the Casetta del Bosco in 2006. Over the years, the building and the interior artwork saw some deterioration from the elements. So, in honor of our 2025 anniversary year and in memory of Randall, a dedicated group of volunteers came together in November 2025 to address these issues. Under the guidance of artist Pascale Quiviger, the group completed a restoration of the mural. The doors, windows, and gates of the garden were also restored. This was all made possible through a generous donation towards maintaining the Giardino Segreto as a contemplative sanctuary and an educational resource on the diverse flora and fauna of Spannocchia. Grazie mille to the donor and to everyone involved in the beautiful work! We encourage everyone to explore the Giardino Segreto and the Casetta del Bosco during their next visit to Spannocchia.