Venice was a beautiful dream, we really enjoyed our recent stay there. There was so much beauty in the place, and in almost every turn we made there was something noteworthy to behold.
More about this spectacular city on a separate post. For now I will focus on a few random plant vignettes that we've spotted on our walks in on the main island and a couple of nearby ones (Murano and Burano).
A rose garden on an exotic gardening blog? This will be a rarity for us but spotted this along the grand canal and couldn't help but note how quintessentially romantic the entire thing is: roses in full bloom, gently cascading on Italianate balustrades and statues, in a most desirable location of along the grand canal and surrounded by period buildings.
Ahh to be able to grow succulents like these on an outdoor windowsill! Not sure about an Opuntia though...
More likely Dasylirion longissimum (could be D. quadrangulatum) planted on urn. I understand the effect they wanted to achieve (i.e. fountains) but this is a harsh way of trimming these plants. They are best left with as much foliage as possible or just trimmed as 'half spheres' rather than just 'spurts'. Hope these still thrive well and for the long term.
Not sure about the identity of this climber, a Tetrastigma perhaps? The effect is beautiful.
Love this collection of plants in one of the many small squares within the main island. My eyes naturally zoomed in on the Aeonium perched on the slender shelf on the wall.
This Jasmine was everywhere and in full bloom, wafting a heady floral scent that makes strolling around extra pleasurable. Photo was taken in Murano.
Seen at the colourful island of Burano. Not many front gardens here but a few had a collection of potted plants at least. These ones were succulents.
And so was this one. Any ideas what those water bottles could be for?
More about Venice on a future post!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Beautiful city..... but more importantly, I think I know about the plastic bottles. It was common here a while ago to put out plastic bottles of water to deter dogs lifting their leg. Doesn't work, of course, but it does give the dog something to aim at.
ReplyDeleteHaha that's funny!!
DeleteDid the bottles have water and the odd coin inside? The reflections and distortions are said to deter flies - and maybe bugs! Having said that we found it didn't work for eating outside!
ReplyDeleteIt did have water but didn't notice the coins. I thought it was there so they have water for watering handy, but Venice can be rainy and those are succulents.
DeleteSome delightful shots! I'd heard the same thing about water-filled plastic bottles being a dog urination deterrent. Glad you enjoyed your visit!
ReplyDeleteThat's curious isn't it??
DeleteOh thank you! This was wonderful...both the city shots and the plants.
ReplyDeletePleasure!
DeleteThank you for sharing your visit! The romantic rose garden is fabulous, and I found myself fantasizing about living there!
ReplyDeleteAhh that would be wonderful. But you'll have to get used with the day trippers :)
DeleteVenice always seems like something out of a story or a dream - other-worldly! I look forward to seeing more from your trip.
ReplyDeleteYou have to go, it is :)
DeleteIf you would have posted these photos in reverse order I would only have guessed it was Venice from the last two photos (first two). Surprising! You captured some great vignettes there too. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat place, and the weather was mostly cooperative :)
DeleteBellissimo!
ReplyDeleteSi!
DeleteThat brings back memories. I was beaten up by a Nun in Venice.
ReplyDeleteThat would have been fun to watch :)
DeleteYou travel all that way to a unique place and end up looking at plants. Typical gardeners!
ReplyDeleteI agree, those poor Dasylirions. Cordyline australis would have been better, and happy by the ocean.
Poor dasylirions indeed. Although Italian nurseries do grow them and supply all over Europe, so perhaps it was easy enough for the hotel or garden designer to source them.
DeleteI've never been to Venice but your photos make me want to go even more. If only time and money were in unlimited supply....
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to Gerhard, a must :)
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