With warm sunny days, sufficient rainfall, and tender loving care, “our” garden grew from this at the end of April…
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to this in August!
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After giving a thumbs up to the garden’s success, Len decided to take in some sun and enjoy a Toscano, a small Italian cigar (that actually doesn’t smell bad),
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while Fernanda and I were ready to pick, baskets in hand.
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We filled our baskets with three of the four varieties we had planted…
Ciliegino (Cherry)
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San Marzano
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Camone
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and the not quite ready, Cuore di Bue (Beef Steak)
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We also picked susine (plums) from the brimming trees that not only keep the orto from scorching in the summer sun,
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but also provide fruit for delicious marmellata.
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Then it was time for our “casual” county lunch ~
Our Al Fresco Menu included:
freshly cut prosciutto and sliced melon;
hand-picked tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and garden basil;
just cooked porchetta from the market;
cannelloni beans sautéed in fresh tomatoes;
Toscana Rosso di Montalcino
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Talk about farm to table – and so much more rewarding since we are the planters, pickers and very fortunate eaters!
After lunch, it was time for some serious relaxation.
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Little did we know two years ago how incredibly rewarding this small garden would be. How does our garden grow? Well, we may not be experts, and the local farmers still offer much advice, but for us, everything about the orto is perfectly wonderful, perfectly delicious, and so proudly our own doing. We just can’t help but smile!
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Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
You two look like you’re right where you belong! Right at home. Italia!
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If it looks and feels like home, it must be home, right?! Hugs!
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I don’t think it gets any better than what you have!
Thank you
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Thanks, Royce, we agree 100%!
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Oooo is that a thin slicer Fernanda is using? I must check that out! Sadly we will miss you and Len this year but the fun-loving Goldhars will be in our place. See you in 2019!
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Every Italian woman we know has a slicer at home! And yes, we have many plans with the Gs. To next year!
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There is NOTHING more satisfying than eating that which you sow! Ahhh the taste of a tomatoes still warm from the sun is a bit of heaven. You guys look 10 years younger when you’re over there!
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You are so right, and also one of the few people I know that can grow just about anything! As for the 10 years, yikes, we better never go back!!
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So wonderful !!!
Florence C. Connelly faclarsen@aol.com
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Truly truly! xo
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What a great day! Thank you for sharing, miss you and Cortona, love to you both (and Len also of course)!
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Thanks! Wish you were here and hugs back to you two.
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What a beautiful garden and such a stunning view!
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I know, I could look at that view all day long…the garden is in the country but a stones throw from town. Can’t beat that!
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That is amazing. What a treat. It all looks so good
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Always an extra special treat for city dwellers like us!
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You two seem to have the magic touch. The orto looks amazing again!! See you in a few weeks!
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Seems so, but with a lot of luck! See you soon.
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