Here in Italy we are beginning the fifth week of lockdown. It seems that the numbers of people contracting the virus are decreasing but strict lockdown is still in place with no end date certain. We are not allowed to leave the house except for essential shopping.
It has now been decided that everyone must wear a mask at all times when away from home. In Tuscany masks are being distributed to each household.
Right now I can still see cars approaching Casa Debbio along the track through the forest. Once the trees have more coverage that won’t happen. Yesterday I saw a car hurtling along the track. I rarely have anyone come to the house, especially now.
It was my nearest neighbour delivering my masks. The village received their quota a day after the announcement. I think that is very efficient. Vergemoli has fewer than 100 residents and is just one of hundreds of tiny mountain villages in the Garfagnana.
These 2 masks will cover my next 2 outings. Previously I made one from a red and white check linen table napkin, keeping with the Italian theme.
For me at Casa Debbio it is all OK. The weather is lovely. The mornings and evenings are still cool but the days are warm and sunny.
I have been kept busy watering the garden, particularly the newer plants. My nearest plant nursery was allowed to open early this week. I was first at the gate on Monday morning and filled up the car. What looked like quite a lot of plants in the car is hardly noticeable in the garden. I am trying to fill in a few gaps left by things that didn’t make it through winter and planting a few annuals.
We have not had rain in weeks and everything is drying out. There isn’t much hope that the grass will grow, but I can keep most things alive until it rains again.
My biggest cherry tree is in full bloom.
The trees in front of the house are becoming greener every day.
If you look closely you can see some white spots. These are wild fruit trees coming to life in spring.
My peonies are in all stages of growth. Some are still just tiny pink points poking out of the soil, while others have flowers which the bugs and bees love.
This is the first peony I planted at Casa Debbio. It gets about 60 blooms each year. The flowers are a glorious crimson colour.
The one beside it is called Shirley Temple. It grew about 30 pale pink flowers last year.
An animal of some kind climbed into this pot and squashed the growing peony flat. It seems to be bouncing back. The goats/deer/porcupines don’t just eat stuff, they like to dig them up, pull them out and sit on them. My goat shouting is not working.
Wisteria is beginning to open. There are several different types.
The ginestra and forsythia are continuing to put on a good show.
So is one pot of rhododendron. There are others close to blooming, including one that had a severe pruning by goats recently.
Lilacs are almost open.
So are ricotta flowers.
I planted a couple of things around the edge of the bed. I hope the seeds I put in grow soon. Something pulled out the pink flowers last night, but I managed to replant it before it died. ( I don’t like goats)
The big excitement is my drive down the mountain tomorrow for my weekly food shop…and I get to wear my new mask. We have to wear gloves while shopping too. I found a pair of cotton gloves which I prefer to the plastic ones issued at the supermarket.
Stay home and stay well.