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10 Tips for Shooting Great Digital Photos
Want to know THE biggest secret to taking good digital photos? Well here it is: It's the photographer that takes great photos, not the camera. Think about that for a minute. It's true isn't it? I've seen some people take great photos with a simple...

How To Choose A Right Backpack?
Undoubtedly, backpack is an essential gear for every outdoor event to carry your world along with you. Experts believe that when it comes to choosing a right backpack a good rule of thumb is, "Buy right and pack light." There is a large...

Log Work Bench Plan
This log workbench is great for an outdoor work space and can easily be built over the weekend. You will need logs that have been peeled and are roughly: * 2 @ 68" x 3"ø - Upper Rails * 2 @ 63" x 3"ø - Lower Rails * 4@ 32" x 4-1/2"ø - Legs *...

Mike Kelsey: Steward of the Trail
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Top 10 Ultracompact Digital Cameras
If you’re looking for an ultracompact digital camera, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that many of these models offer great picture quality and excellent optics. A good ultracompact digital camera is not only lightweight and stylish to carry around,...

 
The Journal of a Gardener in Tuscany - June 2004

The Journal of a Gardener in Tuscany

June 23rd 2004

The wild flowers are dying back already, just days after their fantastic display peaked. The grass is yellowing and in a week, maybe less, all the green lush flowers will be a distant memory.

But elsewhere, the fruit trees, and in particular the cherry trees, are flourishing. Already they are producing plenty of tasty cherries. They are ready to eat now but we’ll wait a few more days and harvest them for cherry jam. The cherries like a few more days on the tree to make tasty jam, so they are a little over ripe. The olives are busy flowering like never before, again, most likely preparing for a good year after such a bad year last year. My Agronomo assured me earlier that on average just 2% of the flowers will become olives. As this is the first year we have started to prune them, and it takes three years to restore an abandoned tree, I suppose we’ll have to accept what we can, which is much more than last year anyhow.

A surprise appearance of aphids in the Rose garden required some action. I say surprise as usually the friendly bugs come and lift off any aphids well before they can cause any trouble. This year the bugs are a little slow and so we will use the only form of chemical we use at La Doccia, which is warm soapy water sprayed onto the buds of the affected roses. The aphids take a disliking to warm soapy water, and soon stop their nasty sap-sucking activity. Meanwhile I’m watching them carefully, and hoping to see some friendly ladybirds and hoverflies soon.

Other than this we use no other chemical pesticides at La Doccia, there has not been any form of intensive farming here and we don’t plan to change that. Also, a surprising amount of the chemicals available for sale at garden centres, in the UK, are now illegal to use in agriculture. The last place to use them, in my opinion, is your own garden one uses as an outdoor room; anyhow, I’ll rant no more on this subject for now.

The helicopter came as planned, when planned, and the garden was ready, as planned. Pity about all the bodies in the swimming pool, these will just have to airbrushed out. What is worse is that our already small swimming pool was made smaller by a large man of 6’7’’swimming in it at the time. Once the software scalpel work takes place, postcards will be on their way soon, coming to a letter box near you.

June 12th 2004

The first wedding, and ‘garden perfection’, seemed to go well together. With the lilies bursting out of the flowerbeds, the roses oozing colour while and fresh growth now is a good time for colour at La Doccia.

The geraniums we planted have taken root and are providing colour and succulence across all the terraces. Elsewhere the laylandii I planted to cover the water tanks are settling down well, in maybe 10 years they will grow enough to cover it up well, but then again from what I hear of Laylandii growing speed, it could be next week. Also, the box hedges planted last summer are growing fast. This is their first year alone and they are all producing thick growth. Hopefully by the autumn they will be ‘joined up’ and then they won’t require nearly the amount of wedding they need now.

The roses we transplanted from next to the lavenderia are in new sunnier positions and look much happier too. Many are producing white and yellow roses trailing all over the new flower beds. The lavender hedges are settling well, with a fair number of bees buzzing round, while I cleared away all the weeds around the rosemary I planted at the lawn at Francesca. It looks clear again and I am tending my rosemary cuttings, some of which look well and some which don’t. I will plant them all in September when the ground won’t dry up. All I need to do is simply remember to head down


Pig Lane and water them every couple of days – every two days for the next three months in fact.

The weather has settled down and the only chance of rain seems a long way away. Looking into the clear blue sky it is hard even to imagine rain, but the English in me always makes sure I leave the house with an umbrella.

June 5th 2004

Writing in a thunder storm after a damp week of what is already being called ‘mad weather’ makes me wonder if I am in Italy after all, for the mild cloudy weather all this week has led to accusations that I brought this weather over from England. Working in an olive grove earlier this week resulted in a healthy soaking once a thunderstorm came to say hello, and sent me scurrying the 20 minute run to the house, and three hours watching another incessant rainfall

Of course, being a gardener I am delighted at the rain after having mown our Italian lawn on the shortest cut this year in the morning it was ideal timing. The trouble is, having a rainstorm and walking round the house gleefully rubbing my hands together and grinning out of the window is in direct contrast to the guests who visit La Doccia in search of the Tuscan sun. But I manage to avoid slapping my hands together at every new thunder clap. So far no one has blamed me directly for ruining their holiday, but my glee is in direct contrast to their gloom, as I suggest yet another museum in Florence to avoid the rain.

When the sun is out, which is often enough, our guests are soon out enjoying themselves and plenty are complementing the roses. Some even entered the woods, which along with the Olive Grove is covered in a blue haze of tufted vetch. These and other wildflowers and clovers are making the most of warm weather and plenty of rain.

I strimmed and cleared the lowest of the walls below la Doccia, the first is the herbaceous border and the second is directly below, and part of the lawn, the third, above the olive grove, qv, is hopelessly overgrown. Exposing this from the grasses and brambles will add some order to the view of La Doccia when viewed from a helicopter 200 feet high. The reason it has never been cleared before is that neither we nor our guests ever see La Doccia from this angle – until after, the glorious occasion of the helicopter’s coming, from then everyone will see it on every brochure and even our website, www.ladocciawelcomes.com. Assuming the photos come out well, we’ll also have some postcards, if you want one let me know (with an address) and I’ll hasten one towards you.

The Hostas have recovered from the severe battering during an unseasonal hail storm at the beginning of May, and are again enjoying their role of greeting people at the bottom of the stone staircase. The lemon tree, exposed in the car park, is in the corner of the terrace surrounded by geraniums, and the box and rosemary hedges are thriving nearby.

One area which has seen out spring is the azalea flowerbed, along with the Rhododendrons and the Camellia. These have all past their bright peak and are now into hibernation before they flower again in September lighting up the entrance to La Doccia for early autumn. They are shaded by an apricot tree which I pruned last week. It is a good idea to remove dead twigs off fruit trees such as Apricots in early summer, they direct the tree’s energy away from the living part of the tree, it looks better and they also make excellent kindling for the barbeque.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rupert Mayhew recently moved to Tuscany, Italy, from a career in IT in London. He works in and runs an expanding agriturismo and this new role includes the task of creating a garden out of what is now mountainside.
http://www.ladocciawelcomes.com.
rmayhew@ladocciawelcomes.com


 

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Content Menu
  • 10 benefits you get from using trekking poles for hiking

  • 10 reasons to buy silk flowers and plants over real ones

  • 10 things to consider before getting a dog

  • 10 tips for great flower photography

  • 10 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 11 hints to pick your next camping tent

  • 3 easy steps to becoming a backcountry hero

  • 4 steps to an enjoyable hike

  • 5 easy steps to giving the perfect backcountry gift

  • 5 tips for successful bird watching

  • 5 tips to get out there and smell the roses

  • 5 ways to get the most out of your backcountry gear

  • 6 things you must do if you want to havethe secret to catching more trout

  • 6 things you must do if you want to have the secret to catching more trout

  • 7 magic trick tips using invisible thread

  • 7 things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • 7 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 9 tips for taking great digital photos

  • alabaster antique lamps

  • all about golf

  • art career success with local businesses

  • attract birds to your yard with bird feeders

  • avoiding snowmobile crashes safety tips and avoiding injuries

  • awesome ways to get outdoors

  • a beginners guide to marketing images with mats

  • a great day of cat skiing

  • a kayaking community at your fingertips

  • a look at the intriguing history of snowboarding

  • a look at wet suits for kids

  • a new outdoor craft idea artificial rock boulders

  • a sport the world loves

  • backcountry skiing for intermediate skiers

  • bean bag chairs guide

  • best tips for enjoying the backcountry in the rain

  • black bear chasing kid style

  • blind skiers see the light

  • boarding your dog

  • bungee trampolines discover new heights

  • camping equipment essentials

  • camping in lead king basin

  • camping makes the weekend perfect

  • camping tents what the tent ratings mean

  • camping tent making sure you get the right size tent

  • camping with mans best friend

  • caribbean national parks explore the outdoors

  • carnival and madi gras masks

  • caught in the camera eye

  • check out the teva mountain games

  • choose the perfect fishing trip destination

  • choosing a wrought iron sword

  • choosing project wood

  • climbing and fear

  • cloudy day photography taking advantage of natures diffused lighting

  • code of conduct for outdoor enthusiasts

  • container gardening indoors and outdoors

  • creative scrapbooking albums for your pet

  • cymbidiums orchid plants what you need to grow successfully

  • did you ever try selling your images

  • dirt hole set ticket to canine success

  • dog training tips

  • do it yourself landscape design where to begin

  • do you have a healthy brain the secret to mental agility

  • dreaming winter photography

  • dried flowers for decorating

  • dutch oven cooking basics

  • easy navigation in the woods or on the water with the garmin etrex gps handheld

  • enjoy the view use a binocular

  • experience the adventure of a lifetime with river rafting trips

  • explore a whole new world on the water

  • exploring new trails

  • favorite hobbies camping

  • favorite hobbies yard games

  • feeding cattle

  • finding and catching fish has never been easier with the garmin 250 fish finder

  • finding snowmobile rentals in idaho fun and adventure awaits

  • find and catch those pesky fish with a garmin 240 fish finder

  • find the sunglasses that are right for you

  • fishing as family activity

  • fishing by moon phase increase your catch

  • fishing through the cracks

  • fishing vacation 101

  • five key factors that affect your pot plants in winter

  • five life skills for backcountry enjoyment

  • flower pictures a mild obsession 2

  • foot gear for a winter enthusiast

  • for fast paced fun nothing beats a pocketbike

  • funky fun garden plants

  • gearing up for an outdoor winter activity

  • geocaching a great way to get outdoors

  • getting ready for your backcountry adventure

  • get another hobby

  • get a hobby

  • get the most out of your hike

  • guitar performance make the most of it

  • hiking from your own home

  • history of kokeshi japanese wooden dolls

  • history of the adirondack chair

  • hobby ideas

  • hobby psychology

  • how much draw weight do i need for crossbow hunting

  • how to build a campfire

  • how to build a simple potting bench

  • how to buy the right binoculars for you

  • how to choose a right backpack

  • how to choose the right motor scooter for you

  • how to choose your dome tent

  • how to get the most out of your trekking poles

  • how to get your kids along on your next hike

  • how to pick your next camping tent

  • how to select the ideal home weather station

  • hunting by moon phase your best season ever

  • index

  • indoor trampolines and mini trampolines

  • introducing new horses to your herd

  • introducing the fascinating hobby of birdwatching

  • is backcountry snowmobiling for you

  • is first aid different in the backcountry

  • it was a christmas miracle

  • i hope it rains in heaven

  • keys to responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • kids croquet

  • landscape painting tips for beginners

  • landscape painting tips for oil painters

  • let there be light part 1 the camping lantern

  • log work bench plan

  • make it tonight glowing glass jar party lights

  • mike kelsey steward of the trail

  • mini bike madness

  • mission impossible construction of a backcountry ski lodge

  • mississippi outdoor adventures

  • my perfect campsite

  • natural stress relief without a doctor

  • navigating on the mountain in water or in woods there is an etrex unit for you

  • new years resolutions for the backcountry

  • night vision devices the ultimate in backcountry toys

  • north face tents

  • oil painting supplies guide for beginners

  • oil painting tips for beginners

  • outdoor design with old ladders

  • outdoor getting out of ones shell

  • outdoor navigation tips

  • paintball explained

  • photography poses the missing ingredient

  • popular play tents

  • quick guide to taking better photos

  • rainbow trout and trout flies

  • raising the bar for anglers who want quality equipment at a reasonable price the garmin 160 fish finder

  • real beauty comes from within

  • responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • rock climbing preserve your experiences

  • rock speakers and planters

  • rotator

  • sailing with wind orientation in mind

  • scrapbooking think about your theme

  • scrapbooking your christmas memories

  • setting up portraiture

  • set out a feast for your feathered friends

  • sewing with polar fleece

  • shih tzu history and legends cross breeding with pekingese and lhasa terrier shih tzu management

  • ski vacations how to end up in the right place at the right time

  • so you want to climb a colorado fourteener

  • stitching memories

  • summer fun with baby great scrapbooking ideas

  • teddy bears arent all cute cuddly toys

  • teddy bears aren t all cute cuddly toys

  • the best parts of camping gear

  • the great wide wonderland of snow and skiing

  • the journal of a gardener in tuscany june 2004

  • the many uses of the functional wetland

  • things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • things you should know about tents

  • thinking about buying redwing boots

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  • tips on buying your first gps unit

  • tip better outdoor portraits

  • top 10 ultracompact digital cameras

  • top tips for successful backcountry navigation

  • understanding white balance

  • unique tin can candle holders

  • using film speed effectively

  • utilizing the tools we are given

  • weather vanes brief history and different types

  • wedding craft ideas that save you money

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  • whats in your hiking pack

  • what to know when buying a gps

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  • why go gold panning

  • why orienteering is hot

  • why rangefinders are perfect for the backcountry

  • why range finders are perfect for the backcountry

  • winter safety in the mountains

  • winter snowmobiling vacations getting the best deal

  • women and fishing not just a mans sport

  • your craft show booth how it can make you more money

  • you too can ski down mount everest

  • you to can ski down mount everest