Great to be back in Florence. We had lots of rain for a couple of weeks but the scents of Jasmine promised an early bloom of the irises and roses. The wisteria (glicine) canopy close to the Villa Bardini, in Giardino Bardini is the first sign of what soon will bloom: irises in April and roses in May.
While at the Giardino Bardini we visited the museum and enjoyed viewing Caravaggio’s Boy Bitten by a Lizard. The exhibit Caravaggio e il Novecento will be on at the Villa Bardini till July 20, 2025.
The Iris Garden, to the right of Piazzale Michelangelo, has been in full bloom and you still have time to see it till May 20. This garden is a tribute to Florence as the iris is the symbol of the city. To see violet irises growing wild on a hillside in Chianti and really all over the countryside underscores its importance in the area.
Also a quick bus ride and/or a lovely walk from the bustling Florence center, under the Piazzale Michelangelo is the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose). It was created in 1865 by Giuseppe Poggi. There are, at last count, 400 varieties of roses. Among the rose bushes are 12 bronze sculptures by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. Also a Japanese Shorai Oasis, a gift from Florence’s twin city, Kyoto, which is taken care of by gardeners form Kyoto. May and June are the perfect time to visit the gardens, Roses are in bloom, the scent in the air is intoxicating and the views of Florence are spectacular.
This time of year the crowds in the city center of Florence can be overwhelming. A ride to the countryside can cure Stendhal’s syndrome (also known as Florence syndrome), when one’s response to artistic beauty can cause dizziness, fainting and confusion. About 30 or so minutes from Greve in Chianti and near Panzano is the small village of Lamole, a vineyard and the restaurant Ristoro di Lamole. There as well as delicious food & wonderful wine you will be surrounded by stunning art and quilt like landscapes of the vineyards that will take your breath away. Most of all a relaxing atmosphere with exceptional staff that treats you like family.
Lamole village views. Terrace of Restauro di Lamole
So pace yourself while visiting Florence. Make time for museums, walks, shops, great restaurants and most of all smell the roses.
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