Goodbye pansies, hello geraniums

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

The pansies on the bridge in front of my apartment at Ponte a Serraglio this year have put on a fabulous show. We have had little rain or wind since they were planted and they have thrived.

They were still looking great, but they won’t last through the summer and it is now time to plant the geraniums.

This year I have had help to plant the flowers on the bridge. It has been great. There are lots of pots and dragging the bags of soil, carrying the plants and digging up the old ones takes time, so having 2 helpers made a big difference. Thank you Paul and Sheila.

Paul also cleaned out and replanted the large pots beside Villa Fiori. (Somebody pinched one of the lavender plants almost immediately, which is a bit disappointing).

We are now thinking of buying some new hanging pots for the lampposts along the river and planting more geraniums. There is a reasonable amount of expense involved in this, so if anyone would like to contribute it would be appreciated. Please email me at debrakolkka@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out.

Bluebells

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

I came upon this abandoned garden where bluebells have taken over…lovely. They can take over my garden any time they like.

The azalea festival at Borgo a Mozzano

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

Every year, on a day in April, Borgo a Mozzano’s streets are filled with azaleas…a great time to visit this quaint nearby town. It wasn’t the best day with overcast skies and threatening rain, but I went anyway.

There were displays in the streets.

…lots of flowers for sale. Some of the rhododendrons will be living under the hazelnut trees at Casa Debbio.

Of course there was food for sale.

…and other things to buy.

The pool and surrounds in Borgo are looking great.

The pruned trees on the main street are springing to life.

On the way home I stopped on the Borgo side of the river for a different view of the Ponte della Maddelena. Even on an overcast day the bridge looks great.

Verde Mura Lucca

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

This annual garden show is on in Lucca right now. It started today and continues tomorrow, Saturday 5th April and Sunday 6th April. If you love looking at beautiful plants this is the place to be.

I went today and the rain cleared just as the gates opened. I was one of the first in, so I had the place almost to myself. Come for a little wander with me.

My first stop was this stand with metal ornaments for your garden. I love their birds.

There was an endless variety of beautiful plants.

Of course there was food.

…and lots of other things I had no idea I needed, until I saw them.

If you are close to Lucca this weekend you shouldn’t miss this event.

www.verdemura.it

Magnificent magnolias

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Debra Kolkka

The magnolia trees are in flower right now in Bagni di Lucca. The season is almost over and green leaves are beginning to take the place of the blooms.

There is a huge tree in Fornoli.

…another at Villa Fiori.

…and more in the park in La Villa. You can see the flowers fading and the leaves forming here.

My favourite one of all is the one behind the English church in La Villa.

What a pity we have to wait until next year for it all to happen again.

Under the Linden trees

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

In summer the beautiful Linden trees form tunnels on the roads into Bagni di Lucca. Linden trees are called Tiglio in Italy and as well as providing welcome shade in summer the perfume from the tiny yellow flowers fills the air with the delightful smell of summer.

Bees love the flowers and delicious Tiglio honey can be found in local shops.

Be careful not to park you car under one of the trees. A sticky sap falls from them and is quite difficult to remove…admire them from a distance.

Poppies everywhere

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Gorgeous red poppies are popping up everywhere right now…straggly ones beside the road, masses of them in fields… they look wonderful with their papery petals on furry stalks blowing in the wind.

What a pity the season is so short.

Brand new helibores

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Helibores grow wild under the trees all over Bagni di Lucca. Even though there is snow on the ground these hardy little plants are beginning to appear.