Lots a Lemons!

The lemons that grow in Positano are gigantic and sweet smelling. They are apparently very labour intensive to grow but have lots of healthy properties including vitamin c.

Image via Serenity Nursery

Magnificent Magnolias

The evergreen magnolias in Italy were truly stunning. They have a conical shape and tower about 6-7 meters tall. The creamy white flowers are gigantic and fragrant.

We stock a similar range of magnolias that are dwarf forms of the original. They still have the large fragrant bloom but will only grow to about 2.5-3m tall. Evergreen magnolias make a great screen or single specimen.

Images via Serenity Nursery

Hello Hydrangeas

I wish I could grow hydrangeas like this! The ones in Italy grow so well and have the biggest flower heads I have ever seen. While in Positano we spotted this standard hydrangea in a pot. Wow!

Images via Serenity Nursery

Italian Garden Inspiration

The ivy planted in the Italian planter is a simple idea that looks great.

Little weathered pots in a row make an interesting display.

I love the way they have wrapped the topiary pots in hessian, it compliments the timber door.

I found these aged half wine barrels painted white at an antique fair. I loved them but they wouldn't fit in my suitcase. I will have to paint my own barrels white for my own garden one day and plant some conifer topiaries in them.

Images via Serenity Nursery

Sweet Tuscan Fruit

On our Tuscan travels we discovered a little fruit and veg stall on the side of the road. We ate some nectarines and I would have to say they were the tastiest and sweetest I have ever tried. The shop owner cut us each a large piece of watermelon which was super juicy. It was lovely to escape our Aussie winter for a summer get away.. all the seasonal fruit and veg were such a delight and has inspired us to continue to grow our own at home.

images via Serenity Nursery

Fruit and Vegtables the Italian way.

The seasonal fruit and veg. throughout Italy taste great. They are most likely ripened on the vine or tree making them naturally sweeter and more flavoursome.

Useful large leafed basil plants grow in a Tuscan village. Colourful geraniums add colour to the potted display.

A small sunny patch makes a great little spot to grow tomatoes.

Images via Serenity Nursery