The Gardens, which cover an area of about 10000 square metres, are located in Toscolano Maderno, on the banks of Lake Garda, near the town of Salò.

Formerly known as the Experimental Agricultural Station of Mimosa, the Botanical Gardens were founded in 1964 and curated by Professor Emilio Ghirardi for the study of medicinal plants from different parts of the world, which he often collected himself.

In 1991 his heirs donated the gardens to the University of Milan. Originally destined for the cultivation of medicinal plants for industrial uses, today the gardens also collect certain medicinal species used in research and teaching.

In fact, herbs are grown for research in the pharmaceutical and phytochemical fields (Eschscholzia, Nigella, Scutellaria) and other plants for scientific research (Nicotiana, rice, transgenic plants, etc.).

The facility includes a hectare of cultivated land, a small service building and three greenhouses. The gardens are only open to visitors by appointment.