BOTANICA URBANA 4th EDITION

On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March, Manifattura Tabacchi, in collaboration with the Società Toscana Orticultura, presents a spring event designed to rediscover and highlight the role of greenery in urban environments through two days of activities for families, adults and children.
The programme includes a plant and flower market featuring selected botanical varieties, along with a series of talks, workshops and hands-on activities taking place in the new event space MOTEL.

On Saturday, March 21, from 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm, Manifattura Tabacchi will also host the historic procession of the Uffizi Flag Bearers. The initiative, organized by MACA District on the occasion of Florentine Week, will open with an institutional greeting by Letizia Perini, Councillor for Sport, Youth Policies, and Popular Traditions of the Municipality of Florence. It will continue with a performance by the Flag Bearers, who will parade through the complex displaying the colors and symbols of Florentine tradition.

THE PROGRAMME

Saturday 21st March

10.00 am-1.30 pm Open class open to the public of the Futuro Vegetale Master’s programme of the University of Florence
The master’s program, coordinated by Stefano Mancuso, Plant Neurobiologist, and Leonardo Chiesi, Associate Professor of Architecture Sociology at DIDA UniFi, opens its doors to the public for a lecture on the relationship between urban greenery and justice, entitled “Urban Greenery and Justice. Beyond the Oversimplifications of Urban Renaturalization”, delivered by Prof. Bianca Galmarini, a collaborator of the Department of Architecture.
At Motel (Building B3)
Register here

10.30 am-12.00 pm Guided tour of Manifattura Tabacchi and visit to the Caveau
Register here

11.00 am-1.00 pm Stanze Fiorite, workshop curated by Susanna Stigler and Sara Pizzati
Stanze Fiorite is the meeting between the floral world of Sara Pizzati and the poetic and artistic world of Susanna Stigler. Sara brings with her the project “Fatti1mazzo-Botanica Informale” with her spontaneous and seasonal botanical compositions. Susanna brings to life “Appuntare le matite come le intenzioni”, the creation of rituals of poetic thought and colour that find their joyful synergy with the natural element. An invitation to discover plant names and seasonality, touching and composing with your own hands and with poetry.
At Motel (Building B3)
For info and registration: Sara Pizzati sara@botanicainformale.com

11.00 am-1.00 pm Workshop of Ricamo Botanico, curated by PUEBCO in collaboration with Bianca Hodselle
neapolitan embroidery designer based in Florence and lecturer at Istituto Marangoni. During the workshop the basic stitches to embroider botanical motifs on an iconic PUEBCO apron will be explained, transforming it into a unique accessory to take home.
At the PUEBCO store
Paid activity.
Limited places by reservation.
For more information: shop@puebco.it; +39 375 9089701
Register here

12.00 pm-1.30 pm Guided tour of Manifattura Tabacchi and visit to the Caveau
Register here

1.10 pm-2.10 pm FLOW\ER PILATES class
at LOSTUDIOESSE, Atelier del Movimento
Paid activity, the class will take place only upon reaching the minimum number of participants.
Register here

3.00 pm-4.30 pm Fiori Tessili: Laboratorio di Riciclo Creativo curated by Bottega Biologica & PUEBCO in collaboration with Ayako Nakamori
During the workshop, Japanese designer Ayako will teach how to give new life to precious fabric remnants selected by PUEBCO, from Japanese fabrics to Indian saris, to create handmade floral brooches. Participants may also bring a small piece of fabric from home, to make the creation even more personal and creative. The workshop is open to everyone and includes a special BIO snack at Bottega Biologica.
At the PUEBCO store
Paid activity, materials and snack included.
Limited places by reservation.
To register: shop@puebco.it; +39 375 9089701

4.00 pm-5.00 pm Workshop for children 5+ Ortolandia, piccoli orti crescono, curated by Società Toscana Orticultura
A workshop designed to introduce children and young people to the world of nature. Through practical activities and simple gestures of care, discovering how to cultivate a small vegetable garden in harmony with the environment, learning about plants, seasonality and the cycles of nature.
At Motel (Building B3)
Register here

4.00 pm-5.00 pm Paesaggiando: alla scoperta della botanica di Manifattura Tabacchi activity for families and adults, with Elia Renzi from Società Toscana Orticultura
Paesaggiando is an immersive journey into the history of Florentine urban greenery. In this stage we will discover Manifattura Tabacchi not only from an aesthetic and landscape perspective but also from a botanical one. On the roof of Building B11, in fact, lies Officina Botanica, the rooftop garden rich in biodiversity designed by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi.
Meeting point at Motel (Building B3)
Register here

Selection of short films by the finalists of Corto Botanico 2025
Continuous screening of selected short films from Corto Botanico Film Contest 2025, a film competition on the theme of plants and the relationship between plants and the city, curated and organised by Società Toscana Orticultura together with director and activist Lorenzo Ci
At Motel (Building B3)

 

Sunday 22nd March

10.30 am-12.00 pm Guided tour of Manifattura Tabacchi and visit to the Caveau
Register here

10.30 am-11.30 am Workshop for children 5+ Ortolandia: il magico mondo dei lombrichi, curated by Società Toscana Orticultura
A workshop designed to introduce children and young people to the world of nature. Through observation, interaction and play, discovering the earthworm and its important mission. During the workshop it will be possible to learn how to build a vermicomposter using recycled materials and understand how to replicate the practice at home.
At Motel (Building B3)
Register here

11.00 am-12.00 pm Workshop di composizione floreale ARCIMBOLDO bouquet di fiori e ortaggi, curated by Shake Cafè in collaboration with Invasate Botanical Gallery
 learn how to create a bouquet of seasonal fresh flowers and vegetables. Anna from Invasate Botanical Gallery will explain step by step the spiral technique for composing your Arcimboldo bouquet, which you can then take home.
At the Shake Cafè store
Paid activity.
Limited places by reservation.
To register: legnanianna93@gmail.com; +39 334 9790532

11.00 am-12.30 pm Fiori Tessili: Fiori Tessili: Workshop of Riciclo Creativo curated by Bottega Biologica & PUEBCO in collaboration with Ayako Nakamori
During the workshop, Japanese designer Ayako will teach how to give new life to precious fabric remnants selected by PUEBCO, from Japanese fabrics to Indian saris, to create handmade floral brooches. Participants may also bring a small piece of fabric from home, to make the creation even more personal and creative.The workshop is open to everyone and includes a special BIO snack at Bottega Biologica.
At the PUEBCO store
Paid activity, materials and snack included.
Limited places by reservation.
To register: shop@puebco.it; +39 375 9089701

12.00 pm-1.30 pm Guided tour of Manifattura Tabacchi and visit to the Caveau
Register here

3.00 pm-4.00 pm Workshop di composizione floreale ARCIMBOLDO bouquet di fiori e ortaggi, curated by Shake Cafè in collaboration with Invasate Botanical Gallery
Learn how to create a bouquet of seasonal fresh flowers and vegetables. Anna from Invasate Botanical Gallery will explain step by step the spiral technique for composing your Arcimboldo bouquet, which you can then take home.
At the Shake Cafè store
Paid activity.
Limited places by reservation.
To register: legnanianna93@gmail.com; +39 334 9790532

4.00 pm-5.00 pm Workshop for children 5+ Ortolandia: il magico mondo dei lombrichi, curated by Società Toscana Orticultura
A workshop designed to introduce children and young people to the world of nature. Through observation, interaction and play, discovering the earthworm and its important mission. During the workshop it will be possible to learn how to build a vermicomposter using recycled materials and understand how to replicate the practice at home.
At Motel (Building B3)
Register here

4.00 pm-5.00 pm Paesaggiando: scopri la botanica di Manifattura Tabacchi (for families and adults) with Elia Renzi from Società Toscana Orticultura
Paesaggiando is an immersive journey into the history of Florentine urban greenery. In this stage we will discover Manifattura Tabacchi not only from an aesthetic and landscape perspective but also from a botanical one. On the roof of Building B11, in fact, lies Officina Botanica, the rooftop garden rich in biodiversity designed by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi.
Meeting point at Motel (Building B3)
Register here

4.00 pm – 6.30 pm Bamboo self-building workshop with Margherita Bertoli from Arundo
A practical workshop dedicated to bamboo self-building techniques, a natural, strong and sustainable material. Participants will discover together with Margherita Bertoli from Arundo the properties of this plant and will experiment with simple assembly techniques to create small structures, approaching the principles of lightweight and circular construction.
At Motel (Building B3)
Register here

5.00 pm Paper Bloom, creative paper flower workshop with drink and tapas, curated by Postò in collaboration with Estrolab
You will create paper flowers inspired by spring and the warm season, to give an extra touch to your home and table. The course is open to everyone, no experience required, just curiosity and a desire to try something new and have fun.
At the Postò store
Paid activity, materials and aperitivo included.
Limited places by reservation.
To register: estrolab.studiocreativo@gmail.com.

Selection of short films by the finalists of Corto Botanico 2025
continuous screening of selected short films from Corto Botanico Film Contest 2025, a film competition on the theme of plants and the relationship between plants and the city, curated and organised by Società Toscana Orticultura together with director and activist Lorenzo Ci.
At Motel (Building B3).

All activities in the programme are free except for those explicitly indicated as paid in the programme.

 

EXHIBITORS

Ayadesignlab by Ayako Nakamori
A Japanese designer graduated in artistic craftsmanship, presenting bags, accessories and home design pieces made with natural fabrics. All creations are unique pieces or limited editions, Made in Florence.

Azienda Florovivaistica by Lotti Sergio
Featuring azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons.

Azienda Agricola by Carlo Sandro
With a rich selection of seasonal plants.

Azienda Agricola Alessandro Pippi
A collection of peonies, strelitzias, banana plants, monsteras and begonias.

Botanica Informale & Il Chiosco dei Ciompi
Fatti1mazzo returns to Botanica Urbana to offer an experience that goes beyond simply buying flowers: you’ll be able to choose, purchase, and create your own bouquet. A wide selection of dried flowers in every color will be available, perfect for expressing your creativity and adding a touch of imagination to every choice.

Chianti Bonsai by Luigi Daddi
Featuring native and imported bonsai.

Dinello by David Piccini
A stand featuring handcrafted wooden flowers and wooden toys.

Floricoltura F.lli Susini S.S. Agricola
With flowering and green outdoor plants.

Floricoltura Staccioli
With green and flowering plants.

Herbarium by Annalisa Ciani
Perennial herbaceous plants, roses, bulbs and flowering plants.

Idea Cactus
Cacti and succulent plants.

Il Campo dei Cucchi
Floral compositions and refined decorative objects combining nature, art and originality.

L’Agave – Vestire di Natura
Clothing made from natural, ecological and organic fabrics.

Libreria Editrice Fiorentina
A small independent publishing house selling its own books along with a curated selection from other publishers, including thematic titles on ecology, agriculture and folk traditions.

Mercante di Provenza
Natural soaps and related products.

Nopest
Natural plant protection solutions, without pesticides.

Piante d’aria – Campinoti Leonardo
Epiphytic Tillandsia plants and advice on their care.

Poggio Shanti Azienda Agricola
Herbal and phytotherapeutic products.

SaròRosa
Natural cosmetics made from plants cultivated on the farm or gathered in the wild.

Società Agricola La Penta
Collectible violets, self-produced seeds and seasonal wildflower bouquets.

Sonnoli Silvano
Citrus trees and tricolour flowering apple trees.

TODO MODO
A selection of books on urban greenery and botany.

Vivai Vinicio Petreti
Flowering shrubs, conifers, hedge plants and fruit trees.

Zoo Hub and Opera Prima
The stores will be open on Saturday 21st March with a special display of selected vases and decorative solutions from several brands featured in their catalogue, designed to enhance greenery in both domestic and professional environments. Among the highlights are the new ceramics by Bitossi Ceramiche, enriching the offering with an iconic collection from the Italian ceramic tradition.