Garden show

Posted on April 2, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

It wasn’t great weather for the first day of Verde Mura, the garden show on the wall of Lucca, but it didn’t stop the crowds.

We went in search of peonies and hydrangeas for our mountain house, but it also fun to wander to see all the gorgeous plants on offer.

There are other things to see and buy too, not all garden related.

It wouldn’t be an exhibition without food.

Verdemura is on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of April as well. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. http://www.verdemura.it

We found peonies, georgeous hydrangeas, aquilegias, daphne, and some acanthus…which will all be planted today.

Shelley House

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

La Villa has a delightful new addition to the shopping scene. Shelley House is an art gallery and book shop. It packs a lot into a tiny space.

They stock a good range of fiction, poetry, Italian Art, Opera, Italian recipe books, local history…in several languages. There are also books about Shelley, Keats and English poets who visited Bagni di Lucca.

Shelley House is a special place where you can find and buy works of art by painters and sculptors. If you are an artist they can organise and exhibition for you.

Meet Luca Guidi and Rebecca Palagi…drop in to say hello.

Shelley House is at number 78 Via Umberto I. It is open Thursday to Saturday 9.30 am until 6.00pm.

Messing about in boats

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The Lima River is a perfect spot for rafting. The Aguarja Rafting Company is based at the Tennis Club in Bagni di Lucca.

They offer rafting and canyoning rides and calm river trails for the more sedate amongst us.

My friend Farah shared these photos of a recent outing.

It looks like great fun. To find out more, go to their website…www.aguaraja.com

Cool clear water

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The rivers and streams are full of fast flowing water at this time of year. It is heartening to see that it is clean and clear.

The colour of the water changes, depending on melting snow and the amount of rain. There are some amazing colours in the river on the way into the Garfagnana.

I pass this river every time I go to our mountain house. It is always beautiful.

It is raining today, more water to fill the rivers.

Neglected magnolia

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

There is a neglected magnolia in the neglected car park of the neglected Villa Fiori. It still manages to look beautiful.

With a bit of luck a buyer will turn up in April when the building goes on sale.

Omaggio alla Donna

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The exhibition celebrating women has opened at the Casino at Bagni di Lucca. The opening ceremony was very well attended.

There were too many people there last night to allow me to get reasonable photos, so I went back this afternoon. The theme for artists was The Dreams of Women…interpreted in many ways.

A highlight was Maureen Halson’s white horse. The animal is huge and very impressive.

In another room was the photography area.

As well as current photos there is a lovely collection of photos put together by residents. It is fun to see scenes from times gone by.

The exhibition continues until Sunday.

The last of winter

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The weather has been a bit crazy lately. We have had days of rain, howling winds and some lovely sunshine.

Spring will soon be here. I can see a tinge of green appearing on the trees.

The last days of winter are looking good….

Spring is just around the corner.

The pansies are planted

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Between rain showers I planted the pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.

It is raining heavily today…I hope the poor little things don’t drown.

I chose the smaller flowers this year as they put on a great show last year. Here is a reminder of what they will look like soon if the weather cooperates.

Early spring at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

I arrived from Australia to find my daffodils have appeared on the balcony. I planted a couple of bulbs a few years ago and they have multiplied.

They are such cheery little flowers and have clearly been enjoying the rain.

Soon I will plant pansies on the bridge.

Something a little different

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

For those who would like a change from delicious Italian food, how about a delicious curry?

On Friday 26th February Ristorante del Sonno in La Villa is having one of their famous curry nights. For just €10 you can enjoy chicken, beef or vegetarian curry with rice. The price includes a small beer or a quarter litre of wine. Call 0583 805080 or 3356197303 to make a reservation.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany