I am back home in Brisbane for a while. I left behind torrential rain that lasted weeks for heat and smoke. There are fires burning all around the city, a terrible situation. I wish I could have dragged some of the rain with me.
One of the best things about being home at this time of the year is the fruit. My favourites are mangoes as cherries and right now they are looking and tasting great.
I spent a couple of autumn months in our little corner of Tuscany. It is a gorgeous time of the year. I can’t decide whether I like spring or autumn better.
I divide my time between Bagni di Lucca and Vergemoli, as well as a bit of travelling.
Ponte a Serraglio, our part of Bagni di Lucca is gorgeous, whatever the weather.
The drive between the villages and in our mountains is always a treat.
I always make time for a walk around Lucca’s fabulous wall.
When I arrived at Casa Debbio the garden was still looking great, not as good as spring and summer, but lovely anyway. Once again Filippo did a great job over the summer. The month of rain in May seemed to set the garden up for some serious growth.
The straw bed lasted for summer and now might become goat food.
The original weeping cherry grew a lot this summer. The wild goats trimmed the lower leaves just before I arrived.
Wisteria has just about covered the pergola.
Our pomegranate trees produced fruit and we had lots of chestnuts.
I love to wake up on the side of the mountain and see what the weather is serving up. The rain might prevent pruning work in the garden, but is does make for some spectacular views.
The drive up to Vergemoli is beautiful. The road winds its way up the mountain with a gorgeous view at every turn.
We had the first snow on the mountains around us while I was there, and lots of rain. I’ll be back in February for some lovely winter weather and to watch our garden come alive again in spring…can’t wait.
If you live in Brisbane come to say hello at my Pop Up every Saturday from 10.00 – 2.00 at Sarva, 239 Boundary St, West End (Cnr Corbett St). I make summer clothes and accessories in pure cotton and linen, perfect for our hot days. My friend Savva (who owns the shop) is a designer and makes garments to order and he is a whizz at alterations.