December's Little Guide is out, and after much thought with Diana from Casa nel Castello, we chose winter floral wonders as our topic.
This is indeed a time of wonder.
The magic of Christmas approaching, nature changing and transforming, the territory of Val di Cornia – these have been our sources of inspiration for this month's Little Guide, dedicated to the gifts that Nature gives us every winter, if only we stop to observe it. Consumerism has made us all more compulsive in our purchases, and our feeds are full of beautiful gift ideas for Christmas... but let's not forget that nature also works in winter, more slowly but perhaps for this reason even more fascinatingly. Here are some blooms you can find in Val di Cornia in winter.
Did you know these plants?
- BUTCHER'S BROOM – Ruscus Aculeatus
An evergreen shrub with typical red berries used as decoration, belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Its collection is prohibited in many regions. - EUROPEAN SPINDLE – Euonymus Europaeus L.
The common name "fusaggine" (spindlewood) comes from the use of the wood from the stem of this shrub to make spindles for spinning wool. In autumn, it is unmistakable for its fruits, which are orange-red, intense coral-red, with the characteristic four-lobed shape, making them resemble the old priests' hats. - SPIGONARDO – Lavender has been known since ancient times for its antiseptic, analgesic, bactericidal, vasodilating, antirheumatic properties, for muscle pain, and is considered a mild sedative.
- WINTERBERRY – Arbutus Unedo L.
It is interesting to note that the fruits ripen between October and December of the year following the flowering that produced them, and that ripening occurs concurrently with the new flowering. This is the reason why it is possible to observe both fruits and flowers on the plant at the same time. - ROSE – Have you ever noticed that many species of roses re-bloom in autumn? This particular one is the Iceberg rose, famous for having few thorns and for its abundant flowering.
- MUHLENBERGIA – Muhlenbergia Capillaris
Also called royal mist for its feathery, airy, light flowering like clouds. The flower is pink-purple with cream hues, and when the seeds ripen, turning white-cream, they remain beautiful all winter.
The Little Guides are conceived, created, and curated by Diana Castelfranco and myself, Bruna Carvalho. To stay updated, follow our Instagram profiles @lacasanelcastello and @lagualdavecchia.
