New trees for the park

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Last year a mini tornado ripped through some of the villages of Bagni di Lucca. Some lovely old trees were destroyed in the the park in La Villa.

New trees have been planted in time for spring growth. Several Magnolia Grandiflora are in place.

The existing trees are looking good.

The magnolias have almost finished flowering and the leaves are beginning to appear.

Luckily, the little tower and the fountain were not damaged.

The children’s playground is well used. The weather has been lovely and it is great to see children out and about.

The grass needs cutting, but I love to see the tiny daisies growing everywhere.

Well done! I don’t know who is responsible, but it is excellent to see that the park is being taken care of.

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.

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.

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.

The diver

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Some undergrowth has been removed from what is left of the garden around Villa Fiori in Ponte a Serraglio. A sculpture of a diving girl has been uncovered.

She is one of a group of sculptures that stood around a shallow pool, now empty and abandoned. The others have disappeared and she has lost an arm.

The neglect of this building is a crying shame…but you could do something about this. Villa Fiori is for sale. For less than €1 million it could be yours.

Spread the word, tell everyone you know. There must be someone out there with vision (and money). Bagni di Lucca is a wonderful collection of villages, famous for its spas. The area is gorgeous, with mountains, a beautiful river and the first casino in Europe, as well as the spas that need a little love and attention. While other towns and villages in Italy struggle to find a focus for regrowth, Bagni di Lucca is a treasure trove.

It just needs someone with ideas and money to bring life to some of the magnificent old buildings. We love Bagni di Lucca just the way it is, and we don’t want it to change too much, but it would be great to see more opportunities for young locals, who shouldn’t have to leave their beloved home town to find work.

I Caduti

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Most of the villages in Bagni di Lucca have monuments to fallen soldiers from WWI and WWII.

Ponte a Serraglio is no exception.

I think the statue is very stylish. It looks a bit Art Deco to me. What do you think?

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: Italy