I am now back in Australia for a couple of months, leaving our garden at Casa Debbio in the capable hands of Filippo.
The new growth each spring still amazes me. When I arrived in February, winter was almost over and there were signs of new beginnings. Once things start to turn green it all happens very quickly.

The garden has really come on this year. Our first lavender is now 5 years old, the second planting is 4 years old and the lower terrace is in its 3 summer.



The first 2 photos were taken 2 years ago. The difference this summer is amazing.

 


We have also planted another 100 lavender along the sides of the road up to the house. They are still quite small, but they are growing well.

The new pergola has been put to good use and we have had many lunches on the terrace.


Wisteria and roses are growing over the 2 pergolas. I am hoping they will be covered by next summer.


The last of my peonies flowered just before we left. There were 50 dark crimson blooms on one and 30 white flowers on the one beside it.


The hydrangeas were beginning to flower. The oak leaf hydrangea is fabulous and the 5 plants I have seem to be thriving.


Aquilegias do very well at Casa Debbio. They are great little plants and flower for quite a while.


The weather this spring was glorious. I rained for months last year, but this year was dry. We had warm weather early,  but then cold days returned. We had the promise of cherries, but the cool weather changed that. The blossoms came, then little cherries , but they didn’t come to much. The tree looks fine, so maybe next year will be better. We have planted 6 new cherry trees, along with apple, pear, pomegranate, olive, mulberry, persimmon, quince and peach trees. Our raspberries and tomatoes are thriving and we have a gooseberry bush.

The fig trees are laden. There are a few old trees and we have planted a dozen new ones.

Geraniums this year are happy with the fine days and are looking great.

The hardest thing for me to leave is the view. It is stunning and ever changing. The house faces south and we have sunshine all day.



I love fine, clear days, but I also love the misty days when the village below appears and disappears under the swirling mist.


Casa Debbio has been rented this summer by people from Australia, Scotland, Belgium and Poland. There are a couple of weeks available in August and September…tell your friends.
We think Casa Debbio is the perfect place to enjoy peace and quiet in a gorgeous setting. The only sounds you will hear come from the local birds and, if you are lucky Sisto, who lives below us, will play his music in the afternoons.
The village of Vergemoli is a 10 minute walk, or a 3 minute drive, if you feel like a chat with the locals. In summer there is often a party in the piazza. Drop ins are welcome.
I am counting the days until my return in fabulous autumn…time to prepare the garden for the winter.
It all started with this…amazing.