A view from the Boboli Gardens, in Florence.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Garden sharing in my neighborhood
From the Melbourne Age.
I liked this story because it is happening under my nose in my neighborhood and because it underlines that sense of generosity and goodwill shown by most people who love to grow things.
Geraniums near Florence
Check out the foreground of this photograph. We were having a little rest, having climbed up a very steep hill from the carpark to the wonderful village of San Gimignano. It is in Florence and is famous for the towers dotted around the perimeter.
Love the red geraniums. Such a wonderful view.
How it all began.
Ever since I can remember I have loved gardening. As a little child I could often be found across the road in my neighbour's garden. Mrs Nightingale (or Mrs Nightie as we knew her) kept a meticulously tidy garden.
No weeds, dead straight borders and lawn mowed just so.
She loved geraniums and pelargoniums. Two, three and maybe even more times a week she would get out dead heading them, pulling off stray leaves and making sure that not a thing was out of place.
I always looked upon the pelargoniums as being the upmarket cousin of the humble geranium. Years later, I adore geraniums planted enmasse. Each time I go to Europe I come back with a newfound devotion to red, white and pink geraniums. I adore the blast of colour they provide when planted in window boxes and placed on steps. I have endeavoured, with limited success, to recreate that look at my own house. Just back from a European trip, I am keen when the weather improves to have another go.
And the great thing about the humble geranium is that they are so easy to propagate. Cut a bit off, stick it in some potting mix and voila. Great for kids, great for people looking to do some planting on a limited budget and great for those new to gardening who want some quick gratification.
Perfectly tended roses, a Camellia Japonica (feed with tea leaves) and hellebores are some the other memorable plants in Mrs Nightie's gardening. I have always loved hellebores, or Winter Roses, as a result. They are pretty pricey now that they are fashionable for shaded areas. You often see them planted enmasse. The Fitzroy Gardens, in Melbourne, has a nice display.
No weeds, dead straight borders and lawn mowed just so.
She loved geraniums and pelargoniums. Two, three and maybe even more times a week she would get out dead heading them, pulling off stray leaves and making sure that not a thing was out of place.
I always looked upon the pelargoniums as being the upmarket cousin of the humble geranium. Years later, I adore geraniums planted enmasse. Each time I go to Europe I come back with a newfound devotion to red, white and pink geraniums. I adore the blast of colour they provide when planted in window boxes and placed on steps. I have endeavoured, with limited success, to recreate that look at my own house. Just back from a European trip, I am keen when the weather improves to have another go.
And the great thing about the humble geranium is that they are so easy to propagate. Cut a bit off, stick it in some potting mix and voila. Great for kids, great for people looking to do some planting on a limited budget and great for those new to gardening who want some quick gratification.
Perfectly tended roses, a Camellia Japonica (feed with tea leaves) and hellebores are some the other memorable plants in Mrs Nightie's gardening. I have always loved hellebores, or Winter Roses, as a result. They are pretty pricey now that they are fashionable for shaded areas. You often see them planted enmasse. The Fitzroy Gardens, in Melbourne, has a nice display.
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