Let it Snow

 As the snow falls, covering everything in a blanket of white, I often feel a certain restlessness and sense of anticipation.  I think about going outside to work in my garden, and gaze out of the window at a place that looks foreign and unfamiliar.  There is nothing to do now.  The garden is asleep, lying dormant beneath the frozen soil.

But as I look, I realize that the snow has a way of bringing out the quiet beauty of the sleeping garden, transforming it into something magical.  It is full of a different kind of life, as a variety of shapes, colors, and textures appear that are normally hidden behind foliage and overshadowed by the flashy colors and intoxicating aromas of spring and summer flowers.  It is a time to observe the structure, the bones of the garden.  The bright white of the snow creates a pure backdrop for such beautiful forms, enhancing what would otherwise go unnoticed. 

L'Orto Botanico di Padova

Continuing my search for plant life in and around Venice, I was told about L'Orto Botanico di Padova, and knew that this was a place that I needed to see.

The garden is located in the city of Padova, a ten minute train ride from Venice, and is a part of the University of Padova.  One of the oldest existing medicinal and botanical gardens, the Orto Botanico is quite different from any other garden that I have seen, and is by far the oldest.  I was interested to see that this garden appeared to be set up more for education, study, and use, rather than for visual beauty.  Though within this structure a natural beauty was present.  Each plant was carefully separated and labeled, with the Fennel occupying it's own little plot of land next to a Chinese Lantern.

I could have spent hours inspecting every single plant.  I visited the garden a bit late in the season, but there was still plenty to see.  Like the little guy below!

 

When I first arrived in Padova, a strong fragrance made it's way down the narrow streets from the balconies high above.  It was a smell that resembled peaches, perfume, and flowers.  When I arrived at the garden, the fragrance was stronger than ever, and just as I was about to leave, I was able to locate the source.  Olea Fragrans.....a relative of the olive!

The Colors of Burano!

Burano is just a short vaporetto trip away from Venice and is best known for their tradition of lace making.  While the lace beckons most tourists, I was most drawn to the quiet streets and the colorful surprises around every corner.  Everywhere I looked in Burano, seemed as if I was walking through a painting, full of carefully composed color, line, and texture.  The light was surreal, and at times incredibly intense on my eyes.  It emphasized shapes, and elongated shadows, making everything appear crisp and clear.  The striped curtains blowing in the wind and the sense of quiet and heightened clarity was dreamy, like something taken right out of a Fellini film. 

Of course one of my main objectives was to search for plant life on Burano....

 

 Oh.....Burano!