Home again from our garden travels

14 years ago

Tom and I are just back from one of our most enjoyable vacations ever. We were generously entertained and hosted first by Melissa in Italy, then Joan and her friend Jon of Wessex in England. We could not have had a better time.

We started off on our own in Venice. Need I say more? Even there amongst the more traditional attractions I managed to find gardens.

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Next we took a train to Piacenza where we stayed several days at Melissa's farm. She took us to see all the local sights as well as showing us her garden. It was a parade of one breathtaking beauty after another.

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After that we were off to England, land of wonderful gardens and wonderful food. Yes, I did say wonderful food. Our hostess Joan is an amazing cook as well as a knowledgeable and inspired gardener.

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And of course, a view of Jon's garden. I finally got there at the right time for the early summer flush.

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Tom kept seeing Tuscany and Tuscany Superb everywhere and loved it. I guess it is coming to live at our house soon. I was similarly struck with Austin rose Mustead Wood in Joan's garden, and Comte de Chambord everywhere. I had it once before and it didn't work out, but I think I may give it another try.

We ended up in Yorkshire, where my father's family came from some generations ago. Gardens there, too!

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My thanks to the amazingly kind people who made Tom's and my visit a lasting memory of delight.

Rosefolly

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Comments (12)

gardennatlanta
14 years ago
It sounds like a wonderful trip--beautiful gardens and good friends. Thanks for sharing some of your pictures. I'm not a little envious of your chance for a trip like this but am glad you had such a good time. Glad to have you back, too.
aliska12000
14 years ago
Thank you for sharing about your wonderful trip, sounds heavenly. The garden photos are wonderful. The gardens themselves are all gorgeous, and I was especially struck by that crowded one on the canal in Venice, not that it surpassed any in beauty but very intriguing nonetheless.
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ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
14 years ago
Rosefolly, what an enjoyable post! Thank you for the words and the wonderful pictures. If you have more to share don't hesitate to post again and again. The garden photos are phenomenal. It's so wonderful to see garden shots and not just closeups. It sounds like a dream vacation and how nice that you're sharing it with us.

Ingrid
jljohnson740
14 years ago
Thanks so much for sharing....ideas are popping in my head!!

I remember the gardens of England..everywhere one looked..gorgeous, but it's been years since I was there. Italy is enchanting in every direction...must have been dreamy to stay with someone and enjoy the native culture first hand!!! Brings back so many memories of youth and the first day in Rome!!

The pictures are wonderful and I agree that the Venice garden is unique and charming..but then...it's Venice!! Def all are eye candy!!! Glad you had a wonderful trip great time of year to go!! :))))
mendocino_rose
14 years ago
Remember when you thought about canceling? I knew you would have wonderful time. Vacations like this are like a jewel in your lifes box of wonders.
duchesse_nalabama
14 years ago
Thanks for posting the pics; I really enjoyed looking. Glad you had such a memorable and lovely time.
bluesibe
14 years ago
Paula, I was just thinking of you this morning, wondering if you had returned.

I'm so glad you had a glorious vacation, Joan's garden looks so wonderful, it is beginning to mature. And Jon's is fabulous.

I knew you and Melissa would get along, you both are thinkers and ponderers.

Welcome home!

Carol
rosefolly
Original Author
14 years ago
Carol, Jon's garden has been completely transformed since I last saw it. What was once a wonderful garden has become a garden beyond description in its richly layered beauty. Tom was as fascinated as I was.
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Joan's garden is also a place of great beauty. It is a younger garden but already it reveals itself as an astonishing creation. I could not keep myself away.
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And you are right about the astrantia. Wonderful plant! I'm going to have to look for it. Where did you find yours?

Rosefolly
melissa_thefarm
14 years ago
Paula,
We're glad you and Tom were able to come, and I hope you got an idea of how beautiful a place Piacenza is. As for our garden, well, I think I'll have it completely weeded and mulched by the end of the summer, have the irises divided, grass cut, paths somewhat in order, and so forth. Chaos was gaining fast during the period you were here. It rained yesterday! So it's somewhat less dry than it's been for the last month and a half. I dream of the day when our garden will be mature, with shrubs that are taller than I am, and the weeds will have to contend with their shade, and not just my hands and the mulch. Sounds like you had a great time in England: good for you!
Melissa
rosefolly
Original Author
14 years ago
Melissa, did you get your pictures yet?

Rosefolly
le_jardin_of_roses
14 years ago
I love the places you visited. They are among my favorite places to go. How did Munstead Wood look in person? Is it more stunning than the color of say, The Prince? I wonder if it will be available in the states next season.
seattlesuze
14 years ago
Paula, a dream trip! It's splendid to hear about your visits to Melissa's and John's garden and your photo of Venice brings back wonderful memories of our last trip to Italy. I hope you'll continue to post photos so that we can all continue to "travel with you." Thanks so much for sharing your adventure.

Sue