ALAO and the Liberty Greenhouses of Villa Litta (Italy): Conservation, Heritage, and Orchid Education in a Historic Botanical Setting

Founded on 3 January 1981 by Giorgio Zanzani, Luciano Ferrato, Roderich Karl Warnings, Benito Ferdinando “Nando” Natali and Antonio Sorgato, the Lombard Association of Orchid Enthusiasts (ALAO) celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2026. Over four decades, the association has evolved through volunteer commitment, a strong orchid-growing culture, and continuous educational out-reach. Since 1986, ALAO has also published Orchis, a members-only magazine that provides four issues per year plus a special monograph dedicated to a single species. The entire archive is available for online consultation to registered members. A major milestone in the association’s recent history was reached on 23 July 2021, when ALAO signed an agreement with the Municipality of Lainate (Milan) for the care and enhancement of the historic Liberty Greenhouses of Villa Visconti Borromeo Litta. These late-19th-century structures, restored between 2015 and 2016, have a long tradition of orchid cultivation. They now host ALAO’s living collection following the transfer, in August 2021, of the historic “Approdo” collection from the estate of Nando Natali—former president, founding member, and pioneer of orchid cul-ture in northern Italy. This collection of approximately 3,000 specimens includes Bulbophyllum, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, and historically significant Cattleya hybrids. Today the Liberty Greenhouses serve as an active center for orchid conservation, education, ex-hibitions, and public engagement. This poster presents ALAO’s development from its 1981 foun-dation to its renewed role in 2026, highlighting how historical legacy, community participation, and institutional collaboration converge to support orchid biodiversity and botanical culture in Italy. For further information, please visit www.alao.it or contact [email protected].