The land surrounding the house is working olive grove, as is the vast majority of land in this area. In a good year Puglia produces 70% of Italy’s olive oil. It’s a tradition that goes back here for centuries and accounts for many of the grand mansions found locally. Selling the olive oil to light street lamps in the major cities of northern Europe made this a very wealthy area.
During the renovations in and around the house we have taken the opportunity to create different garden rooms. These are a work in progress. As any gardener knows, gardening takes love and patience.
The dry garden is at the entrance to the house. Being in the sun nearly all day makes this the hottest part of the house and perfect for the cacti and succulents that grow here.
The courtyard forms the core of the building. It’s formal in structure but very informal in planting, with a profusion of Mediterranean plants and herbs adding colour and a wonderful scent throughout the year. The central fountain is surrounded by citrus trees making this the perfect spot to sit and relax.
The planting around the swimming pool is unobtrusive, leaving you with the impression of swimming in the olive grove.
Eventually the walled kitchen garden will provide the majority of produce for the food we offer, the nursery for the gardens and supply the cut flowers throughout the house.
The majority of plants throughout are native and as a rule once the plant is established we don’t water intensively. Any irrigation that is needed is supplied from an old water cistern which is filled by rain water during the winter. The olive grove and the gardens are all managed organically.
You are welcome to wander and relax anywhere throughout the gardens and grounds and even to help yourself to what ever is in season in the vegetable garden.
The Proud Garden 