Driving up the lane this week I have been admiring the autumn crocuses again. There are lots of them this year. I have always called them autumn crocuses, but a guest on one of our painting holidays in Italy recently informed me that their proper name is Sternbergia lutea. They look like large crocuses and
This photo could have been taken more than 50 years ago, maybe even 100 years ago but the t shirt gives it away. Yes, the photo was taken a few days ago; Giovane loading up the donkeys, not far from Art Toscana painting Holidays in Italy. The donkeys seemed happy enough carry theose heavy loads.
I am very proud of my orchids at Art Toscana Painting Vacations in Italy. So many of our guests at Art Toscana Painting Vacations in Italy say they have no luck with growing orchids. It’s the position that is important and making sure the roots are well drained. I have grown orchids on this windowsill,
Georgie has now had his first season at Art Toscana Painting Courses in Italy. He loves the guests, and they love him. Who couldn’t love Georgie?
This is one of my favourite salads and although it comes from a Persian cookery book, all of the ingredients are Italian; baby tomatoes, olives, red onions, pistachio nuts and pomegranate seeds. Even the pomegranate seeds, although not considered Italian, are from my two pomegranate trees in the garden. That sounds exotic, doesn’t it. The
What a strange Spring! It’s February. The daffodils are in bloom but the snowdrops are lingering-on in sweet splendour, while the hellebores, which decorate the garden in January, have only just decided to wake up. At Art Toscana, painting holidays in Italy, set in the unique environment of the Garfagnana, there are always strange surprises.