Today I went to Casa Debbio for the first time in a month. We have had rain, snow, sleet, storms, more rain and the odd day of sunshine. I was to go last week, as most of the snow had gone from Vergemoli, but Filippo sent me a photo of the road up to the house and there was ice on the steep, shady parts.
Not only would driving be dangerous, but even walking on the steep bits would be treacherous. The sun was shining today and 10 degrees was forecast so I called Filippo who gave me the all clear.
The drive up was gorgeous…as usual.
It was a glorious day in Vergemoli. I parked the car at the church at the top of the village, stopped to admire Pania with snow on top and the valley below in the mist before heading along the road to Casa Debbio.
I can see where there have been lots of fallen trees. Filippo and others have chopped down the trees and cut them into logs for firewood. There are stacks all along the road.
There has been some damage at Casa Debbio. The heavy snow was too much for a couple of olive trees and they are damaged beyond repair. A few others will survive with a bit of pruning. Most are OK.
I wonder if the lavender along the driveway wall will be OK. We will know in a few weeks.
A persimmon tree fell down, along with a couple of pomegranates. They can be replaced in a few weeks. Our lovely little camellia that is just beginning to recover from the chewing of wild goats has been broken in half. All the terraces are OK. Most of the damage was caused by the snow rather than rain.
The garden is just waiting for spring to turn everything green. I saw lots of tiny buds beginning to appear. Daffodils are poking their leaves up. In another month there will be green tips all over the place. There is still plenty of cold weather to come, but the days are getting longer.
Rain is forecast again for tomorrow, but as soon as we get a run of fine days work will start in the garden at Casa Debbio…I can’t wait!