Wellbeing and Water

Whenever I hear the sound of water in a garden I stop and breathe, the effect this has on me is instant.  Whether it be a fountain, stream, waterfall, rippling pond or tiny table top water feature, the sense of restfulness is the same.  In Tuscany water is an issue it most likely will remain so, therefore the use of water in the garden has to be carefully considered.  However with a little bit of wizardry water can be channeled and reused in the garden and need not become a drain on precious resources.  I always try and incorporate an element of water within a garden, classic Tuscan gardens often include a grand statuesque fountain whereas simple more contemporary gardens take a modern twist with simple metal or stone water features. Water connects spaces in the garden and can also act as a focal point or resting space.  Sitting alongside a flowing stream or cascade of water will naturally calm and refresh bringing a sense of well-being to the space.

I recently stumbled upon this amazing artist and am in love with his work.  I will be asking for his input on any larger garden designs as his sculptures are truly breathtaking.  http://www.gilesrayner.com/sculpture-portfolio.php

Tuscan Gardens, In love with aliums x

This spring has simply whizzed by even though the weather has been somewhat confused.  For gardeners here in Tuscany the season is horribly late and we have only had one week of real heat since the winter months.  However, things are now really taking off.  Olives are still being cut, grass lawns are being mowed under control and the weeds are seriously taking hold of the flower beds.  We are spending much time up trees and on our knees which gives us time to think about new ideas for gardens and planting schemes.

Today I ate a delicious alpine strawberry fresh with dew at 6am whilst looking around the garden - fantastic, then I and picked a large bowl of sugar snap peas which we are growing up an ugly dividing fence, a great way of making use of it.  So in all corners the gardens are busy.

The courtyard garden is being developed to give a mix and match effect of English Cottage Garden and Tuscan Farmhouse, we are growing on borage and comfrey, hollyhocks, peonies, jasmines, wysterias, roses and herbs, a jumble of colours, textures and scents.  The vegetable garden is messy but productive and we have in many rare and interesting types of aubergines, just for fun and for our clients.  Also round courgettes, long courgettes verigated and yellow zuchinni, we hope to use the kitchen garden a an example of permaculture gardening once established.

On the drawing boards are plans for a Monastic Garden based around classic elements such as kitchen, herb and medicinal beds.  Also a hot red border featuring lots of texture and mexican grasses.  On love of ours is the trusty alium, whether ornamental, edible or simply architectural, these plants work in flower beds, veg gardens, borders, wild flower meadows and in pots for balconies and terraces.  Here are a few of our favourites, enjoy...

 

2013 Gardens on the go

Here in Tuscany the seasons have had a strange uneven flow of late and many plants have gone into a state of confusion, to blossom or not to blossom this is the dilemma.  

The last few weeks have been taken up by planting thousands of spring bulbs, Narcissus, aliums, crocus, iris, tulips you name them we've dug the holes for them.  The nursery garden is full of trays and pots and we are awaiting the arrival of our new poly tunnel.

In December our latest garden design project in Tuscany kicked off with a flurry of activity.  We are now in mid flow of creating a relaxed family garden designed to deter wasps, bees and other stingers as the family are extremely allergic.  We are introducing meandering gravel paths, hidden corners in which to sit and relax, flower borders beneath the trees and a covered eating area.  A large semi circle of neutral toned gravel has given the old Tuscan Farmhouse a welcoming entrance and we are introducing raised beds for veggis and herbs which have been handcrafted from chestnut timber poles.

The garden is taking on a whole new identity one that draws you in to different spaces and entices you to explore.

Our wonderful tree surgeon Oscar and his assistant Stefano have just completed a chestnut pergola for a woodland cottage in Pescia and also created a bespoke handcrafted wrought iron balustrade.  We love including artisan or one-off designs in our garden projects as they give the outside space a unique quality.  Next up on the list is a 'Alice in Wonderland' style tree-house constructed from natural timber, no straight lines here!  We are building this tree house with the idea that it will last for generations and still appeal to teenagers and adults alike.

When not working in a client's garden I'm pouring over seed catalogues for a little indulgence as I have just started an orto in our own garden here near Siena.  I also hope to create a small formal kitchen/herb garden or 'witches' garden as they are known here.

A few images from Bella Terra's gardens this winter...

 

 

Rules and Regs Tuscan Style

Working in Tuscany is a joy but there are elements of this work that can prove tricky.  Take permissions for example, what might seem like a simple gardening job can turn into a legal nightmare if you don't seek the legal permissions and conduct a survey.

Whilst we have worked on projects in several different regions of Tuscany there are no set rules, each Commune will have its own structure for obtaining permissions therefore we always advise seeking the help of an experienced local Geometra.

Things to consider when planning a garden and checking for permissions include:

• Boundaries
• Rights of Way
• Access
• Heights of Garden Structures
• Ground Moving activities
• Pergola Designs - with or without a covers
• Materials - local suppliers
• Water Courses - above and below ground
• Protected environments
• Communal Use
• Visibility from other Communes and Churches

Phew, yes it is a bit of a minefield and well worth checking out all queries with an expert before undertaking larger landscaping work.  I always work with nature rather than against her and this is vital in Tuscany with such wildly variable climates and I try create harmonious gardens that sit well within the environment.  Taking this approach and using locally sourced natural materials will always prove beneficial when seeking legal permissions for gardening work.

For more info on planning a Tuscan Garden call Sharon on: 334 599 5702

Adventure Gardens

Marnie Moyles hand carved swing - lovely

To us the sheer joy of creating a beautiful garden is magnified by sharing it with others.  Gardens over the years have changed in their use, ornamental and formal gardens were designed to impress and demonstrate power and wealth.  Kitchen, Fruit and Medicinal Gardens were essential elements of larger country estates whereas now we find more and more gardens are created to be family friendly spaces. Environments where families come together to relax and share time outdoors.  Here in our garden we have gone one step further and whilst we do have an outside dining area, places in which to enjoy the views over San Gimignano and Poggibonsi but we have also created a zone for adventure and fun.

Pod seat image courtesy of Mulcheney Forge - I love this idea

Designed for children of all ages we have utilised the natural planting and strung rope walks, tight ropes, trapezes and high flying swings from our massive umbrella pines.  In our smaller garden one large and very understanding pine tree plays host to four activities, knotted ropes for climbing, a hand-made rope ladder, a wooden swing and of course the essential siesta accessory a spacious hammock.

Metal swing seat

I love this woven pod

Cool Australian Design

Perfect for a shady spot

Siesta space

check out http://muchelneyforge.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

Why not create a wild space for your children in the garden, a place for imaginations and spirits to soar.  Children also love to be involved in the building and knotting of ropework so it is a great idea to create a plan together.  At Bella Terra we are currently working on ideas for a woodland rope walk, a secret garden and treehouse, natural living willow huts and dens, hanging garden seats and very cool woven pods which are wonderfully comfortable and look pretty gorgeous too.

http://www.carolebeavis.co.uk - play den, handwoven willow sculpture

Summer storms

My last post seems particularly premature as we have now had 8 days of rain, the new herb spiral survived, thankfully, and every other area of the gardens we work with are growing like crazy.  We are currently creating a garden for reflection including lots of medicinal and healing herbs, aromatics and traditional plants usually found in ancient Monastic gardens.  This week I am really in love with Greek Basil which can be grown in pots and trimmed into lovely curves and flowing shapes, the perfect pot to have on the garden table, it smells lovely when you brush the leaves.

Just lately I have seen some real garden disasters, all of which could have been avoided if better planning had been implemented early on.  Following the heavy rain so many pools have been filled with Mud as fast flowing streams of rain wash away soil badly placed around the pool.

Creating rolling banks may seem an answer to utlising the huge amount of excavated earth created when digging out a pool, but it is not, also this is not generally good to grow plants in.  Yesterday I saw a very very sad 'New' garden with mounds of stony earthy piled high and levelled off around the pool and bathing area of a Tuscan house near Poggibonsi.  The hedging plants were dying as there was not top soil or mulch and the swimming pool had been the recipent of streams of muddy water from the banks...tragedy.  Expensive and avoidable. 

However learning from our mistakes arms us with knowledge for the future.  when it has not been raining I have been taking a look around a few Tuscan gardens.

Water, water not a drop to spare

He we go again, the gardens we are working on are getting pretty thirsty but we have taken a few measures to stop plants drying out, and are also making sure they get extra nutrients in the hotter days ahead.  Tucked in amongst the leafy plants we have submerged some medium sized plant pots in the ground and are putting chopped up organic matter in the pots and topping the pots up with water whenever possible.  The veg peelings etc are feeding the plants and when we fill the pots with water they then slowly distribute the water.  Make sure you cover the top of the submerged pots with a terracotta bowl or plate to stop the flies though.

Currently in bloom, Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)  which also acts as a great fertiliser, if you chop up the leaves and leave to stew in the spring air for a  few days in a covered tub, let the Tuscan sun do the rest, then feed your veg plants - wonderful, pongy but great stuff.  Or simply cut a few big leaves from the plant and lay these around your young veg plants, as the leaves break down they feed the soil.

Spring Fever

Wow - yes I truly believe spring is here.  The Cherry Tree (Prunus) is positively a burst with rosy glowing buds, spring bulbs are pushing their way into the fresh air with gladiator like vigour and every hour of the day our passionflower is twirling its tendrils onwards and upwards over its new arbour.

As spring arrives here in Tuscany life  life gets busy in the garden both in the veg patch and in amongst the flower beds.  This season our garden has a wholly more healthy appearance, every single plant has a sheen, a strength an urgency to thrive - why you ask.  Well the answer is mulch, layers of cardboard, grass cuttings, organic waste and enthusiasm.  We are adopting many principles of permaculture in our gardens and the results are truly heart-warming.  Rows of handsome garlic soldiers can be seen in our upcycled hot-house (stereo cabinet), banks of trailing strawberries are spreading daily along the fences and our new slightly formal flower bed has a very proud and energetic Quince (Cydonia Oblonga) taking central stage.  All of our latest gardening ventures have involved mulching which is truly transforming many flower and vegetable gardens in what can be a challenging climate here in Tuscany.

The Magic of Tuscany

Welcome to Bella Terra Garden Design, the Italian Gardener's blog and country diary. A space to gather ideas, gain inspiration and enjoy a shared passion for creating and enjoying Tuscan gardens. Here I hope to give you a real flavour for life in Tuscany, growing plants that nourish the body, feed the senses and restore the soul. Gardens that bear fruit, offer rejuvenation, heal the mind or simply enrich your life. The tranquil and uplifting scent of lavender, the heady aroma of sweet jasmine, the vibrant colours of the oleanders and the distant shadows of the cypress trees all go to make up the palette of this magical land.