Our garden is becoming a real treat in the fullness of the Luccan springtime. The orto, especially, is starting to flourish under Sandra’s guiding hands. Already a variety of lettuces are savouring our lunchtime salads. And even agretti have been planted successfully. As they say the answer lies in the soil and this soil is so beautifully darkly rich, fed with the transformation of centuries of chestnut leaves.

Our fruit trees have emerged from their winter barrenness into fruitful foliage. I can’t wait to get my teeth into those ripened pears!

Yesterday we planted the azalea we got from Mrs Garibaldi’s nursery.

Our house borders are now coloured by a variety of dazzling flowers.

The wall lining the entrance area is now host, among other plants, to the jasmines we transplanted from our former abode.

Amazingly the ancient vines which seemed so dead have sprung back into life to join company with our new Black Hamburg arrivals.

All-in-all we are so happy with the way that our garden is taking shape and merging nicely with the constantly amazing floral surprises springing upon us and with the plants we have managed to bring across to our sweet new house. Even the still uncut lawn with its reams of clover is looking luscious: