In October 2025, my family—Alice, Luca, and I—embarked on a special journey to Puglia, Italy. Our friend Antonio Fumarola generously offered us a private tour of his greenhouse. I first met Antonio at the Italian Carnivorous Plant Meeting in Viterbo in 2024, and this trip was a chance to reconnect, explore his plants, and soak in the warmth of Puglia’s culture.

A Legendary Sarracenia Collection

Antonio’s collection is nothing short of legendary among Sarracenia enthusiasts. His greenhouse is home to some of the most coveted cultivars in the world, including:

• Sarracenia South Winds – vibrant, ruffled pitchers

• Sarracenia Bloody Punch – a deep, dramatic, dark red stunner

• Dionne – bursting with unreal color saturation

• Black Sheer – a sleek, dark beauty

Not only is his collection of designer hybrids impressive, but some of his own creations rival any I’ve ever seen. One of my favorites is a plant he calls S. Delirium Nocturnum, which has an incredible gaping mouth with striking red-and-white pitchers.

A Living Gallery of Carnivorous Art

Walking through his meticulously curated greenhouse felt like stepping into a living gallery of carnivorous art. Each pitcher seemed to tell a story of careful cultivation and Antonio’s deep knowledge of these remarkable plants.

As we wandered through the greenhouse, Antonio shared insights from his recent trip to Malaysia, where he explored native carnivorous plant habitats. His stories of trekking through tropical forests to see Nepenthes in the wild were as inspiring as his Sarracenia collection. It was a reminder of how our love for these plants connects us to growers and ecosystems across the globe.

A Taste of Puglia’s Culinary Traditions

After an evening immersed in plants, Antonio treated us to an unforgettable taste of Puglia’s culinary traditions. We sat down to a feast of local sausages, succulent cuts of meat, crusty Puglian bread, and perfectly roasted potatoes. The meal was a celebration of the region’s flavors, shared with laughter and stories that made us feel right at home. For me, it was a highlight of the trip!

More Than Plants

This visit was more than just a chance to admire rare Sarracenia or savor incredible food. It was about the connections we build through our shared passion for carnivorous plants. Puglia’s sunny hills, vibrant plants, and warm hospitality will stay with us for years to come.

Follow Antonio on Instagram:
@delirio_carnivoro

Join the Conversation

Have you visited a fellow grower’s collection or discovered a new carnivorous plant gem on your travels? Share your stories in the comments below—We’d love to hear about your adventures!

S. October Hope