May is one of my favourite months because it brings hints of romance in the air....with my roses in the garden. They are so lovely with layers of petals and the sweet perfume is absolutely beyond any descriptions. A simple arrangement of roses freshly cut early in the morning could brighten up my days ahead.

Alluring Aquilegia

Aquilegia is one of the plants that enriched the corner of every garden. They love partly shaded area and not fussy about the soil.The name aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for an eagle as the spurs resemble the talons of an eagle). I have a few aquilegia with different colors like deep red, white, purple, dark purple ( the very popular 'Nora Barlow' named after the granddaughter of Charles Darwin). It has layers of deep dark purple petals like the ruffles on a Flamenco's skirt. As aquilegia comes later in spring, I mix them together with small petticoat daffodils and snowdrops that come earlier in the season so they could become the cover plant after all small bulbose plants fade.

Peas

It is quite pleasant to work in the garden nowadays eventhough, the weather can be very deceptive. The humming of the bumble and honey bees are constant companion while weeding and it is really a work of art of these 'insects' that we could have different fruits or vegetables in different season. The pollination that is done by this 'creative creature' is nothing but a genius symbiotic relation that we have to appreciate.

Peas are in season now, and this year I have planted my peas everywhere in the garden and even in my flower beds. I have planted the real climbing peas. This type of peas do not generate plenty of yields as compared to the 'low creeping' peas. I had the creeping peas in my kitchen garden until last two years. No doubt, they gave us crates of peas to shell but that also caused me 'huge back pain' when picking them from the vines. I am happy with less crops, as long as my back pain is at shore.

Iris

I should say that I am very proud of my irises especially the double colors. Iris does not need particular attention and it is really suitable for any type of soil and resistant to drought, cold and any kind of diseases. In my garden, I combine my iries with roses, daffodils and this year with climbing peas. In short, iris is such a lovely plant and I have them almost at every corner of my garden.

Spring is always an intermediate season for my kitchen garden, when I have only a few vegetables in my hand whereas my body needs a lot of 'freshness' and loads of vitamins. However, my peas are coming up and I have eaten it fresh from the pod yesterday. The sweetness of the peas eaten straight from the vine is absolutely every kitchen gardener would enjoy. This year, I planted the climbing peas together with my mixed borders and they look lovely with the bearded iris.

I also have some rocket plants and some spring onions. Rocket or arugula is best to be eaten now, as the leaves will be hardened later in the season.Yesterday, I had some rocket salad with carrots and spring onions together with shaved parmesan. The taste is really fresh.

Centro Botanico Moutan.

Going back every year during spring time to the Centro Botanico Moutan is like a pilgrimage that could not be missed.Situated in Vitorchiano (45 minutes drive from my house) and which the name moutan is derived from the Chinese word 'Mou Dan' which means tree peony. This 15 hectar area is covered with the herbaceous and tree peony that makes you gasping for air while walking through the plants because the beauty is extremely beyond words.

I fall in love again.....

I fall in love again with Italy... after quite a while of hate and love relationship. I had a chance to take a brief visit to Siena recently. Being in Tuscany region, Siena has a lot to offer. The view of the Tuscany region is very unique and it changes throughout the year. Now, the hills and valley are so 'velvety and silky' with different shades and tones of green. The simple patch of wild grass on the hills adds to its charming panorama. The stone house with lined cypress set a typical scenic view of this region.

From the gastronomical point of view, this region is rich with its specialty and uniqueness. Walking down the main road to the historical center of Siena, my sight and smell senses are at their best. I couldn't resist to walk into the historical pastry shop which is called 'Nannini'.

'Ricciarelli' or almond cookies are their best. You can find ricciarelli in almost every alimentary or pastry shops but at Nannini, they really suit my taste because they do not use any almond flavour ingredients, instead only good quality of almonds and white eggs. Every region in Italy has its own almond cookies but Sienese ricciarelli is one of the bests.

For the cheese lovers, Siena has more than a palate could taste in a day. I have bought 2 different types of goat cheese......eventhough their is smell rather strong, the taste is absolutely divine. For a non cheese lover (like me)... it is also worth a try.

I love paper products and I think you can find a vast selection of handmand beautiful and reasonably priced paper products in Siena. Love to walk into these type of shops which really has a tremendous courage to carry on the tradition despite the availiabilty of mass produced ones.

I think Siena has not been 'carried away' with so much 'mass consumerisim' unlike other cities in Italy. Siena has remain its authenticity as much as possible without falling behind or trapped in its past splendours.