Farming

Orchards

Our orchard is laid out on eight terraces, covering a total area of 3200m2 and is managed according to the principles of organic farming. The choice of the vegetables grown is based on the soil and climate characteristics of the area, organic certification rules and the needs of our restaurant, with a focus on promoting local crops.

Aromatic herbs such as mint, thyme, savory, sage, rosemary, lavender, Euphorbia characias and agapanthus have been planted along the edges of the terraces. These plants attract various beneficial insects, pollinators, parasitoids and predators, which are essential tools in the biological fight against vegetable pests.

Within our gardens, we also organize educational activities for children, young people, adults, with a particular attention to vulnerable groups: for this reason, we have designed our spaces to make them accessible to everyone.

Germogli Greenhouse

The Germogli Greenhouse, equipped with chests filled with soil and a drip irrigation system, allows us to grow plants that need greater protection from biotic and abiotic stress (aromatic herbs, edible flowers) and to have a space dedicated to experimenting with new horticultural varieties or new natural products for combating plant diseases. The greenhouse is equipped with a drip irrigation system that allows watering to be managed in the most environmentally sustainable way. There are fans with a fogging system to better manage air recirculation and regulate the degree of air humidity in order to ensure the best growing conditions.

Subtropical Greenhouse

The Subtropical Greenhouse was created alongside the renovation of an old warehouse that is now Studio Khan. This space, unique in Monferrato, is home to over 100 varieties of plants from the subtropical region. In order to allow these species to grow, we had to recreate the microclimate typical of subtropical areas (temperature no lower than 11-13°C and minimum humidity of 60-70%) inside the greenhouse. To do this, the structure is fully automated and can also be managed remotely. Among the most significant plants are: elephant ears (Alocasia Macrorrhiza), tree ferns, which grow up to four meters in height, strelitzias (in bloom from autumn to spring), and various climbing species such as Passiflora edulis, Thunbergia grandiflora, Jasminum azoricum, Passiflora quadrangularis, and Aristolochia gigantea.

Limoni Greenhouse

The Limoni Greenhouse is home to 40 lemon trees, some of which are very old. This space, which is transformed in summer into a restaurant open to the public and guests staying at the hotel, serves as a shelter for the lemons in winter, which would otherwise suffer from the cold temperatures typical of the area.

Frangipane Greenhouse

In the Frangipane Greenhouse, visitors can immerse themselves in a lush environment, where colors and scents intertwine in a unique sensory experience. Among rare ornamental plants and exotic flowers from different parts of the world, nature expresses itself in all its variety and beauty. The large windows allow light to enhance every detail, creating an ideal microclimate for the growth of the most delicate species. It is a space that combines botanical discovery and relaxation.

Research

The farm has entered into several collaboration agreements with the University of Turin (Department of Viticulture and of Agricultural Science) and the Polytechnic University of Turin, with which it invests in and manages various experimental research projects on new varieties to grow and sustainable cultivation techniques. In addition, over the years, numerous students have chosen Orsolina28 for internships or as a subject for their thesis.