Ever heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? You bet those lemons might have come from an Italian garden, plant friends! To celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, this episode brings us all about the history of Italian gardens and citrus cultivation with Helena Attlee, an expert on Italian gardens and author of the book The Land Where Lemons Grow. We will talk about Italy’s epic obsession with gardens and citrus fruits over the centuries.
In this episode, we learn:
[00:00] What is the deep-rooted connection between Italian culture and gardening?
[07:36] How Helena became passionate about Italian gardening
[11:48] Helena’s garden features and the cultural significance of citrus in Italian agriculture
[13:57] Why is it not advisable to grow citrus in Britain?
[15:00] Get your fall planting and feeding essentials from Espoma Organics!
[16:30] Gift the magic of soothing melodies this season with Wind River Wind Chimes
[18:23] What recurring cultural garden themes did Helena find in all her visits?
[22:05] Revival of Italian gardening
[28:05] What sustains edible gardening in Italian culture, especially in lower and middle-class communities?
[29:59] How volcanic ash from active volcanoes benefits plant growth, particularly in regions like Sicily and Naples
[31:11] What inspired Helena to write her book, The Land Where Lemons Grow?
[34:30] Importance of Italian citrus farming and its link to the mafia’s rise
[41:13] Health benefits of blood oranges and lemon juice, especially in preventing scurvy
[44:11] What are Helena’s top favorite gardens to visit in Italy?
[46:41] What would be one way to elevate your gardens in an Italian way?
[47:34] Where can you find Helena on social media?
Check out the full show notes and blog of ‘The History Of Italian Gardens And Italian Citrus With Helena Attlee’ here: https://growingjoywithmaria.com/italian/
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