Lost Gardens: From Knowledge to Revitalization and Cultural Valorization of Natural Elements

Abstract

Gardens constantly change during their lifetime due to the growth and death of plants and to the effects (or lack) of management activities. The loss of garden areas, as well as the building’s collapse, can drastically impact the view and understanding of archaeological areas. The study and reconstruction of ancient lost gardens is a complex topic, and it seems that there is a lack of a general methodological approach for assessing the revitalization and valorization activities of these gardens, especially when considering the floristic features. Here, we discuss the required steps for developing the various intervention components for achieving a deep knowledge and understanding of natural, historical, and philosophical features of the place and its culture, from the past to the current conditions. Considering this knowledge, we propose a revitalization and a cultural valorization approach of the natural elements, and we discuss the limitations and issues arising in lost garden studies.