I am back at our house in the Garfagnana mountains briefly. We have guests arriving tomorrow and I am here to get everything ready.
I don’t really have much to do. Filippo has done an amazing job looking after the garden. It has been an extremely hot summer with almost no rain and it has been a full time job keeping everything alive. Lovely Elena from the village has also done a great job looking after the house for the summer guests.
We have had a bit of rain, not enough, but it means I don’t have to do much watering.
The view from the house changes constantly.
Rain is on the way.
It didn’t rain much during the day, but overnight the fall was heavier. I was happy to be sitting outside to see the lovely sunset.
I woke up early and looked out of the window to see this.
For a time mist obscured the view.
This is over the course of 24 hours. The view is constantly changing and always fabulous.
You can see in the photo below the damage the summer heat has caused. The brown trees are not changing colour for autumn, they have been dried out with the relentless heat.
The pergola offers the perfect place to keep an eye on the changing view.
Or perhaps sitting under the weeping cherry offers a different view.
This is the view of the garden at the side of the house from the top floor. The stone wall on the right is part of the original house that was here. The barbecue was added.
This is looking down on the new stone walls in front of the house. The grass in front was destroyed with all the hauling of stone during the build, but it is slowly growing back. The plants I put in just before I left grew and are tumbling over each other. I will be more selective next spring.
I was here at Casa Debbio last year when the news came that Prince Phillip had died and I am here again to hear the sad news that Queen Elizabeth has gone. I was born the year of her coronation and while I don’t think a monarchy is what we need, I think she did a brilliant job for 70 years and she will be missed.
She has always been there and part of our lives. I had a Princess Anne doll when I was little. I saw the Queen and Prince Phillip when I was a volunteer at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. The Prince winked as he walked by and I waved back. He always reminded me of my father. Dad was prone to saying what he thought. I can only imagine how sad the Queen’s actual family is right now.
What marvellous views, and I always love mist in a vallley
By: Sue on September 9, 2022
at 7:32 pm
The view from here is always stunning. We have a view from every window. What a lovely way to waste time.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:25 am
It must be such a delight to sit and admire the views in your lovely garden. Yes we were extremely sad yesterday to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabet.h. what a wonderful example she has been to us. RIP.
By: Camillus Davall. on September 9, 2022
at 8:28 pm
Of course we knew she would go eventually, but it is still sad. I thought she did a brilliant job in a role she was not expecting.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:26 am
Looking absolutely beautiful!
By: mulinodominillo on September 9, 2022
at 8:40 pm
Filippo has done an amazing job over the summer. Keeping everything alive in the summer we had this year is a lot of hard work.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:27 am
These are fabulous photos and make me pine for Italia.
By: Dianne Perrin on September 9, 2022
at 9:15 pm
It is nice to be back for a while.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:27 am
Wow, beautiful photos and property! You are very fortunate – enjoy!
By: Newmexicotoitaly on September 9, 2022
at 9:50 pm
Yes, it is lovely here. I do feel fortunate.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:28 am
What an extraordinary view, always so thrilling to see it and how your garden is doing. Some day, I promise, I will come for a visit. And condolences on the passing of your beloved Monarch. Long live the King, right?
Derin G.
By: Derin Gemignani on September 9, 2022
at 9:55 pm
King Charles has big shoes to fill. He has had lots of time to prepare.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:29 am
The new terraces and garden already look established and colourful. Well done to Filippo for his had work over the summer to keep it all alive. Let’s hope you get some lovely rain soon to help the forrest recovery.
By: Kerry & Jim on September 9, 2022
at 10:42 pm
I hope we have a wet winter. We need it to keep springs running and to get plants back on track.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:30 am
Some beautiful views and the garden does not seem to have suffered much. Lovely.
By: Isobel Stuart on September 9, 2022
at 10:59 pm
We lost a few plants and small trees, but we can replant. Some rain will turn everything green again.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 4:31 am
Stunning photos of the mountains Debra. You have caught the impermanence and transient nature of the landscape beautifully.
By: John on September 10, 2022
at 12:34 pm
I feel very lucky to be able to enjoy this beautiful part of the world.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 10, 2022
at 12:47 pm
So happy for you and your garden. Everyone needs a Filippo!
By: Paddy on September 11, 2022
at 6:39 pm
He is a treasure.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2022
at 3:41 pm
Lovely views, Debra! Welcome back to Italy & I’ll look forward to seeing you in Firenze or ? for a cappuccino or aperitivo!
By: PostcardZ from Victoria on September 12, 2022
at 10:00 am
I will be in Florence for the night of 22nd October, if not before.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2022
at 3:41 pm
Casa Debbio is looking very lovely! And those nighttime shots with the mist are absolutely stunning! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on September 14, 2022
at 11:58 pm
It is beautiful here in the mountains. I never get sick of the view.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2022
at 3:42 pm
Your garden is so gorgeous! It must be a constant joy to observe the changes with each day, season and year.
By: Eat, drink and be Kerry on October 3, 2022
at 10:03 am
I love the changing seasons here in Italy, especially in our mountains.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2022
at 3:43 pm