ORTO ITALIANO
Rachele Daminelli
In recent years, Italy’s urbanites have been reconnecting with nature in an unexpected place: small vegetable gardens, or “orti” in Italian. These humble green patches, often right outside city limits, are becoming sanctuaries for people looking to unwind, reconnect, and engage in sustainable food practices. “Orto Italiano,” by Rachele Daminelli, shares an intimate depiction of a family of gardeners. The series blends reportage and quirky portraiture capturing both the earnest and playful sides of modern gardening.
Italy has a longstanding tradition of family vegetable gardens, historically tied to rural lifestyles. However, a renewed interest in orti has surged as more people seek to counteract the stress of urban life, often driven by a desire for fresh, homegrown produce and a means to disconnect from digital demands. According to a recent survey, more than 50% of urban Italians express an interest in growing their own food, with many citing a need for sustainable, organic produce that supermarket chains can’t always satisfy.
While some gardeners approach their orto as serious agricultural pursuits, others see it as an opportunity for experimentation and humor. In “Orto Italiano,” playful portraits capture adults posing with the small animals of the orto, proud, slightly mischievous, and reveling in a simpler, hands-on connection to the earth.
Beyond the personal benefits, these vegetable gardens provide a sense of community as urban dwellers bond over shared gardening advice, plant swaps, and even impromptu outdoor dinners. In densely populated cities like Milan and Rome, these small vegetable patches also address larger social goals, such as reducing food waste, supporting local biodiversity, and minimizing carbon footprints.
As more Italians turn to their own soil to grow food, Orto Italiano captures a beautiful convergence of past traditions and present-day desires for authenticity, community, and sustainability. For these gardeners, the orto is more than a patch of vegetables—it’s a slice of freedom, peace, and a reminder of simpler times.
Rachele Daminelli
Italian photographer focused on relationship with mother earth, animals and all living beings.
Her clients include Atmos, Marsèll, SSENSE, Sali&Tabacchi Journal, Konfekt Magazine, Kappa, Rivista Undici, Alla Carta, Fabiana Filippi, Simona Vanth, Luisa Via Roma, C41 Magazine, RETROSUPERFUTURE, Furla.
