After a few false starts with the weather, I am pleased to report it really is Spring in Umbria.
At Last It Really Is Spring in Umbria
Early April and the sunshine is warm and for the first day since mid October last year we haven’t had a fire lit. Yet. It will chill off once the sun disappears so I will be shortly getting our log burning stove underway. I managed to get the dog blanket from the sofa washed and dried today so that is a result!
The First Wildflowers of Spring
I sat out in the sun and had my coffee earlier. It was a joy to look down on the land and all the beautiful wildflowers. I think the daisies are my favourites at this time of year. The dogs walk around regularly with a daisy stuck in their collar.
I keep meaning to try a daisy chain crown for Stevie Mouse as I think she would look great in it. I don’t think she is quite so sure though, we have tried before and failed miserably. She was determined to get it off her head and chew it!
Below my terrace, and in different areas of our land, we have some lovely blue grape hyacinth. They are gamely trying to compete with the fast growing grass and other wildflowers. I love the fact that these self seed and spread without any effort on my part. You never know where the next clump will appear.
As I look towards distant hills, there are fields carpeted with yellow. The yellow is partly from dandelions but also hawk weed. It is amazing to see these vast areas of yellow. And even more amazing to think that in another month or so, the same areas will be full of red poppies.
Indoor Cats Get To Go Outside
Talking of cats, Stevie Mouse and Emmy had been gradually spending more and more time in the living room during the day. They were taking advantage of the rays of the sun coming in through the window there. In fact, some days there was a queue for the best spot.
Then a few days ago, it was warm enough to open the patio doors and let the two girls out into the cat porch that we had built on the side terrace. Regular readers of my blog will know that Stevie Mouse and Emmy are house cats because Stevie is partially sighted and Emmy has epilepsy. We had the cat porch built on to allow them the freedom of going out in the fresh air and sunshine without any risk of them coming to harm. Well I think Stevie Mouse loved being out there. What do you think?
Olive Pruning Time
Olive pruning is under way around us, our pruning will be done the week after next. For the first time ever I am paying someone to do it for us as my arthritis has told me in no uncertain terms that I can’t manage it this year.
An image from a recent trip to Castiglione del Lago shows how big the olive trees are on the road leading to the fortress (la Rocca) that overlooks Lago Trasimeno. In a few week’s time these trees will look like they have been attacked by a demented ax man.
In reality, the heavy pruning encourages the new growth which will lead to a good olive crop. And this year, given the cold temperatures we have had, it looks like the olive fly infestation has been killed off. This has blighted olive crops in the area for the last few years, including ours.
We might even get some olive oil from our trees this year. Now that is a cheery thought!
If you will excuse me, in true spring fashion I am going to go and sit outside and enjoy the sun for a bit longer.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
Great Spring blog. with the daisy chain crown for Stevie Mouse – how about a little bundle of catnip or grass in front of her nose while she wears the crown – for a few seconds. LOL
Good idea Roy I will try it!
Nice Post, beautiful pictures. We enjoyed visiting Assisi in very early March last year – the smell of fires burning everywhere. Not sure if it was olive or grape trimmings.
Castiglione del Lago Is one of my favorite memories! I saw Umbria and I had to read. My family spent many vacations there and in Orvieto. I can’t wait to share your blog with them!
Thank you Dough. Assisi is beautiful, only an hour or so from where I live. Yes the fires are typical of olive pruning time.
Hi Julie, have a look around my blog many of the local villages and towns are represented including Castiglione del Lago, Citta della Pieve, Villastrada, Panicale, Paciano, Passignano (other side of the lake) and of course Lago Chiusi and Lago Trasimeno.
Spring looks amazing there! My cats are excited about finally going out too!
Our two have had another lovely day in the sunshine today too. I think the weather is not so good for the rest of the week but then it will get gradually hotter. We add a big sun umbrella to the cat area once it starts to get really warm. They love it outside.
Spring is in the air at last and I feel much better for it, I hope you do too. My cats are so happy about the warmer weather coming in!
Yes it is lovely! Lifts the spirits.
It’s still chilly here. I have done nothing outside yet. Nothing to my plants, nothing to my deck…simply nothing. I can’t wait to get out there but with my allergies, I have to wait until our pollen level is much lower. You live in such a gorgeous area. You are so lucky!! I love seeing your pictures.
The main problem I have is controlling myself at the moment. A few sunny days and i start to get carried away!