Inheriting a garden in apulia italy...advice needed

Jason-3 · May 2018

Hi all my grandfather recently passed away leaving his house and garden to his family. None of my family are gardners. So the task if I accept would be mine.

The garden is about a 12×12 m courtyard..in possibly the hottest part of Italy near lecce, apulia. The site reciplves minimal rain between june to September. ..tempretures reach 35 regularly. The plot is shady but still gets 6 direct hours on sunlight. The soil is typical of the med which is stony rich clay. The area is renown for growing fruit and veg. I would be looking for flowering plants as it is likely that the property be used as a holiday home

I dont realy know where to start with the following

What plants will tolerate these conditions ( the house will only be used 3-4 times during summer with little scope for any further watering)

I have no idea of the cost of plants, terrecota pots, or whete to buy soil in southern italy or even if their are garden centres. Do they deliver etc I have never seen any

Any advice would be appecited as I'm at a loss

josusa47 · May 2018

My relatives in California have automatic watering systems that come on at dawn and dusk. Don't know how expensive. And of course, Americans live like there's no tomorrow when it comes to using natural resources. "Water the garden? Wash the cars? Fill the swimming pool? Fine, we've got plenty more valleys we can flood.". You might have a more tender conscience. First thing to do is make friends with the neighbours and see what grows in their gardens. I'm drooling at the thought of globe artichokes.

Fire · May 2018

I would guess water is the place to start. What is the water supply / cost/ storage / garden infrastructure like? I would avoid pots at all costs if the house is going to be empty a lot. Go with what's native or similar, no wild jumps to things you quite fancy but would take lots of work/resources to make thrive. The area might be famous for fruit and veg, but probably a lot of that is irrigated. Work out who's going to be in the house and how often (though might be tricky to plan) - be ferociously realistic/pessimistic. Would you have any local help? Keep it simple-simple to start with, while you're mapping, researching, quizzing neighbours, farmers, gardeners. Trees and vines might be the way to go, if you / someone will be around enough to get them established.

Valley Gardener · May 2018

I lived in Andalucia for years,similar climate,virtually no rain between those months and longer.
We had a watering system,which was on a timer and came from an underground deposito. There may be one there?
I had Hibiscos,Grapes,Honeysuckle and a few Bouganvilla,which I eventually had removed as the thorns were so lethal.Cacti always do well,the large rosette ones seem to be best,and of course Geraniums(pelargonium) Do you know if the water is hard or soft there? If you go for a watering system,the little rubber taps can get scaled up,so need to be checked occasionally.
I also had a Yucca,but it grew into a giant and it had to go,that never got watered!!!!!
Good luck,what a lovely inheritance for you to enjoy.😁

Jason-3 · May 2018

Hiya no underground system unfortunately

but their is an outside tap. Their would be a little local help. My main concern is that I have knowledge of of the gardnine infrastructure or the cost of things.
I know that lavender is very drought tolerant for example but does it tolerate 4-5 months of baking heat. The climate to the boot of Italy and southern France is different

Blue Onion · May 2018

Sounds like Utah. I recommend planting drought hardy flowering shrubs and perennials that require minimal upkeep. The cheapest option is a soaker hose and a water timer switch on your spigot. You'll need to water more frequently this year, until they are established, but next year you'll be able to cut back to a good soak once a week.

I really like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).. which the bees love, is pruned to the ground in fall, winter, or early spring, and otherwise requires little effort or water for the most amazing purple flowers.

This blog has a few suggestions, https://villasfor2.com/creating-and-maintaining-our-abruzzo-garden/five-foolproof-shrubs-for-an-italian-garden/

Fire · May 2018

I wouldn't rush it or buy anything. Take it gently, research, speak to people, get to know the land, the soil, the water provision. Then you will know the right questions to ask and who to go to for specific help. Enjoy the process where you can. x

JoeX · May 2018

Italy - Got to have an olive tree in their surely?

If it’s a courtyard you should get good shelter from the sun. Perhaps some kind of water feature to circulate water regularly?

If the property has internet access, it might be worth considering remote control devices so you can monitor and maintain the property from afar.
https://www.postscapes.com/wireless-plant-sensors/

Obelixx · May 2018

You need to go there, assess the soil and water availability - automatic watering etc, condition of tap and its supply - and then see what the neighbours are growing and what plants are available. Trying to do it from a distance and having preconceived plans is asking for bovver if you can't get the plants you fancied or the soil is all wrong.

Fire · May 2018

... you are also asking to waste a lot of money on nice ideas.

Jason-3 · May 2018

Thanks for all he advice...just curious if their is anyone else on the forum who has or still does own a garden in southern italy.

Thanks in advance

Inheriting a garden in apulia italy...advice needed

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