conditions

This past summer, I had the pleasure of traveling to Europe - specifically Northern Italy and Southern France.  Along the way, I was lucky enough to see the lavender fields of Provence in peak bloom and many unusual and beautiful gardens.  My travels were particularly rewarding in the region around Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy, well known for having some of Europe's most beautiful gardens. We started off by visiting the islands on the lake and their villas, complete with their classic-style gardens.  The climate of the area allows for growing many of the plants I'm familiar with in Southern California, but the