Return to Pippo

Today the sky is a deep, clear blue, there is a slight breeze, and the temperature is is the 70's. It is a perfect day for working out in the yard, at least for those who enjoy it like I do. On our way to Sigonella yesterday, we found Pippo again, displaying what he had remaining of his plant offerings. Two more magenta bougainvilleas made there way inside the car, with a promise of work to do. There they are, waiting to be planted.

Ok, so after I trimmed the vines off the fence, cut back a century plant, and used the new Toro leaf blower to blow the volcanic ash from the tiled patio, I planted those beauties, now totalling 4. I love these plants! In Sicily they grow en masse by the sides of the road and in people's yards; yellow, magenta, purple, white, and orange. Here is a closeup just so you can see how much I REALLY like this plant!

The century plant is a mean guy, who pokes you like a dagger every time you walk by it, so off went the bottom leaves with a saw, only to reveal bambini, baby plants just waiting to become menacing big guys. I might as well show you the basil, which we have already used in shrimp pasta and a Greek-style salad.

The island is both a semi-arid and tropical ecosystem, with palm trees, cacti, succulents, and an array of fruit and nut trees, some of which the economy depends on for income. The soil is enriched by the presence of lava ash, making it easy to dig and fertile for growing. Just like Georgia clay. NOT!