At around the same time, or just after the acacia flowers bloom, come the white or cream clusters of flowers on the sambuca trees.
The tree is also known as elder or elderberry. The flowers can be used to make cordial, syrup, liqueur or jam. The essence of the flowers is sometimes added to Sambuca, the Italian anise flavoured liqueur. They can also be cooked and eaten. The flowers are followed by black, blue black or red berries.
Acacia trees are in full bloom and right now are covering the hills around Bagni di Lucca.
Bees love the flowers and they make delicious honey.
The flowers are edible. You can dip them in a light batter and fry them. I haven’t tried that but I have eaten one straight from the tree and it tasted a bit like raw peas.
I love the flowers and the smell is heavenly, but they make me sneeze.
i know they are a pest and it is a pity the hillsides are not covered with chestnut, hazelnut, walnut and cherry trees. If you look at old photos of Bagni di Lucca you will see that the hillsides were terraced. Grapevines and vegetables were grown, so the chestnut trees are long gone. The farms were abandoned and acacia grows more quickly than more useful trees, so we are now left with acacia. They are beautiful, but they are a menace…any takers for removing them to start a replanting process?
Friday 31st March is the first day of the Verde Mura, the wonderful garden event held every year on the wall of Lucca.
Here is a reminder of what to expect.
Friday 31st March…12.00 – 19.00
Saturday 1st April…9.30 – 19.00
Sunday 2nd April…9.30 – 19.00
Entry fee €6 for 1 day
€10 for 2 days
€15 for 3 days.
There is a reduced price of €3 for those over 65 and for children.
The pansies on the bridge haven’t been the best this year. They are nowhere as good as those from last year. I have no idea why, perhaps the weather didn’t suit them.
In about a week I will take them out and replace them with geraniums for the summer. Let’s hope they do better.
Take a last look at the 2016 pansies.
Anyone who would like to help water them over the summer please let me know.
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.
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.
We are now heading back home to Brisbane for a few months to enjoy our lovely winter.
It it is always difficult to leave Bagni di Lucca, especially now when it is looking so beautiful.
The Tiglio trees have their blossoms and walking under one is a delight, the smell is heavenly. Don’t park you car under one however, they leave a sticky mess.
Our petunias are looking great.
Tina’s roses are flourishing.
My window boxes are doing well.
Big white magnolias are everywhere.
The geraniums on the bridge are growing slowly.
There are early morning fishermen in the river.
I have a couple of helpers this year to keep me up to date on happenings in Bagni di Lucca and I have lots of photos to share with you while I am away.
If any of you are passing the flowers on the bridge or the hanging pots, stick your finger in the dirt and if it is dry grab a water bottle, fill it up (there is a tap beside Bar Italia, or the tap at Cova, near the walking bridge) and water the plants…they will love you for it.
