We are now on our way back to Australia. It is time to return to our other lives. As much as I love Italy I am ready to leave.
We travelled quite a bit on this trip. We no longer have a garden to take care of so we have time for other things. There will be more posts on our Spain, France and UK visits to come.
As well as visiting new and favourite places, we like hanging around Ponte a Serraglio. I have my coffee and sfoglia most mornings at Bar Italia, across the bridge, and there is always someone there to have a chat with.
I still have some flowers to look after. Our tiny balcony has lots of pots to fill. We are very prominent in the village so I like to plant lots of colourful flowers. It is fun to watch people stand on the bridge and take photos of the village, including the bridge and the flowers. I like to think of it as my front yard.
A delightful young man named Peter has been watering the plants on the bridge while I am not there. This year the flowers have another friend. A couple from Brazil have taken an interest and the very nice man usually beats me to the watering. The plants are thriving with all the care.
The window flowers. The trees on the other side of the river are reflected in the windows.
Balcony flowers. My neighbour opposite likes to plant flowers too. I wish everybody did!
Bridge flowers.
I am with Monet, who said…”I must have flowers, always and always.”
Goodbye lovely Bagni di Lucca until September.
Deb how great do the flowers look – such a lovely display to the village – looking forward to catching up on your return & hearing all your adventures- cheers Helen
By: helen Close on June 8, 2026
at 8:47 pm
I love looking from my window to the view over the river and surrounds. It looks amazing in any season, in any weather.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2026
at 10:45 am
What a special place this is. The flowers are a wonderful addition to the landscape.
By: Kerry & Jim on June 9, 2026
at 12:37 am
Ponte a Serraglio is a special part of the world.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2026
at 10:46 am
How lovely to tend the flowers for the community! I agree ! I have established a native Australian bush garden in a neglected area in our little village, we have it packed full! White Waratahs, Wax, Grevillias, Callistemons, Leucodendrons etc etc! Thriving with hand watering and native birds in heaven !
By: Susie on June 9, 2026
at 6:57 am
I started planting the flowers many years ago when the person before me gave up. I love it!
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2026
at 10:46 am
One word … Stunning !!! and welcome back 🙏🌻
By: Lorraine Wagner on June 9, 2026
at 7:10 am
In Singapore now, waiting for the next flight. I wish Australia and Italy were closer together!
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2026
at 10:47 am
You did a great job with all these flowers! Have a good trip home
By: scrumptiouslyclassybfc2173814 on June 9, 2026
at 10:29 am
The new flower people will take care of them now. It is a long, hot summer, and they are very exposed. It is not easy keeping them alive.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2026
at 10:48 am
Thank you Debra for all the lovely photos, your care of the flowers and all your lovely thoughts and stories. Safe travels!
By: Doug Petroni on June 9, 2026
at 1:25 pm
We are now back in Brisbane and missing Bagni di Lucca already. I will be back in September.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 12, 2026
at 8:37 am
The flowers are beautiful, and a lovely thing for the village.
By: Sheila C Lyons on June 10, 2026
at 12:29 pm
I like to see them on the bridge. They are really good this year.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 12, 2026
at 8:38 am