An Urban Garden

 

Italians who live in small towns, like Casette d'Ete,  where we are staying for two weeks, often have their own gardens.

These gardens are found on any extra, not used, piece of property.

From one of our kitchen balconies I like to sit in the morning with a cup of coffee and watch what's going on in the garden.

Often it is a man watering or hoeing the garden. Sometimes it is a nonna and her nipote(grandmother and grandson) who are planting a new set of vegetables. One of the funnest things to watch are the chickens as they play and peck at the ground. Then there is the gatto, the cat who chases the rodents and the birds, but not the chickens-respect.

This garden will continue most of the year as the climate is very temperate as we are only a few kilometers from the sea.

With the tomatoes and onions etc. I can imagine the jars of tomato sauce sitting in  the basement storeroom. Items are pickled and placed in dark areas for the winter months such as potatoes and garlic. 

All in all, it is a good use of space, a great way of eating and cutting costs as well as a good habit to teach the young ones, especially for the fitness value  of working the garden.