The final work on the road to Casa Debbio is underway. Huge cement pipes have been delivered and the bit of the road that was washed away in 2013 is being dug up. The pipes to allow the water from above to flow through are being installed and soon the new surface will be put down.
This means I can’t stay at the house all the time. I could if my walking was stronger, but it is a bit treacherous right now and I won’t risk it. Fortunately Filippo is more sure footed than I am and he will take care of the garden. He lets me know when the road is drivable and I go up for short visits.
Last Autumn I pulled out some lavender that was struggling under the chestnut trees, which have grown, and now cast too much shade.
I transplanted peonies from pots along with some new ones. In the more shady areas I planted hydrangeas, some from cuttings. Everything has grown and the new garden bed is starting to look great. It will only get better. Filippo is now keen to take out some more lavender and mix things up a bit. We will wait until autumn.
I could not resist these stunning petunias. I hope they last the summer.
My peonies are beginning to open and they are stunning.
The weeping cherry didn’t get a lot of blossoms this year but without wild goats eating the leaves it is growing well.
These bright yellow flowers brighten up a little corner.
The aquilegias are still growing madly. The yellow ones are nearly as tall as I am. I admit that I am not tall, but these little treasures are at least 1.5 metres high.
I pulled the ranunculas out of the pot and have saved the roots to plant in autumn. I wonder if they will come up next spring. I put a hibiscus in their place.
The hydrangea flowers are starting to open.
On the most recent visit there were so many peonies I had to cut quite a few. Some of the plants were being completely overwhelmed with the weight of the flowers. The photos below were taken a week after those above. Lots of peonies opened in the warm weather.
Here is my table under the pergola with some of my cut flowers.
And my kitchen sink at Ponte with the flowers. I gave away bunches to my friends.
Tiny gooseberries will slowly ripen.
Roses have blooomed.
The rocky hill that was bare a few years ago is gradually being covered with acanthus, peonies, may, fotinia and rosemary.
The wisteria over the pergola will need a trim soon.
The hydrangeas behind the house are opening.
I wonder what I will find when I go up to Casa Debbio next time. We have had rain this week which will be good for the garden.