APCOM

In 2007, 213 out of the 2,000 council green areas of Milano (31 more than in the previous 12 months) were looked after by private citizens. They were patronised by private companies and together they took part in the contest 'Il migliore amico del giardino' ('The garden's best friend'), which awarded those who most stood out in the care of the green areas they were entrusted.

A panel formed by experts of gardening, horticulture, landscape and urban equipment periodically visited the sponsored areas. Each member expressed their own evaluation on the base of the project's quality and originality, floral decoration and level of maintenance. The prize ceremony took place at Villa Belgioioso. The winner was Ravizza street, who was spruced up by seven of its inhabitants, while supermarket Esselunga was praised for having arranged the green space between Lorenteggio street and Giordani street, one of the most important accesses to the city.

"Our aim is to strengthen the collaboration between the city council and citizens" claimed Maurizio Cadeo, councillor for Urban Equipment "The growing participation of privates is an extremely interesting phenomenon. The same method has been adopted in the promenade of Sempione avenue and we are already considering to do the same with citizens and retailers for all the green areas".