cristina

I have been living in an urban area till summer 2006, when I moved with my husband and two cats to a very small hamlet in the Northern Apennines Mountains, 1,000 m asl. My house is an old stone building, that once was a stable. All around there are 3 acres of land – an abandoned pasture – divided into three sloping terraces, each bordered by a country hedge made of maples and few hawthorns and oaks. Two old walnut trees stand in front of the house.
When I first saw this place, 9 years ago, I was enchanted by the small building hidden by the shady walnut trees, the meadows full of flowers, the silence, the view of the green valley of the Ceno river and of the background mountains. And, at night, by fireflies and stars. It should have been only our holiday house, instead … my husband and I now live and work (I’m a teacher) permanently here.
I love the meadows here around, with the wild flowers (especially when the sage is blooming) and the high grasses: I just have to control the invasive plants (especially black locust and traveler’s joy) and weeds (field thistle).
I’m trying to cultivate a kitchen garden and, near home, some flowers in beds and pots, but… I’m still a beginner gardener!