The northern Italian lake region of Lombardy is famous for its "smiling landscape" borders Switzerland and its alpine north, however the lake district has its own microclimate and offers comprably warm tempertures throughout the winter.  

The lake district consists of 6 lakes including Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo and Lake Lugano.  They are all in relatively close proximity to one another, though each offer unique beauty.

The varied geography and unique climate give rise to differing styles of gardens that abound throughout the area.  From the lemon groves and exotic gardens flourishing on the shorese of the lakes, to sixteenth-century gardens reflecting the long reach and agricultural influence of Renaissance Rome, Italy's Lake District is most certainly a garden enthusiasts paradise.

Some of the most fantatic gardens to visit in the Lake District are those of Villa Del Balbianello which occupies one of the most idyllic positions on all of Lake Como as welll as Villa d'Este, Villa Carlotta the Barromeo Islands in Lake Maggiore which are all completely covered by gardnes.