The Environment

Local farmers are keenly aware of the role they play in the environment and pesticides are kept to a minimum. As a result, the countryside teems with a vast array of flora and fauna. Deer have been seen on the drive up to the house.  It is a thrill to find wild boar hoof marks in the soil left from the night before. Foxes, of course known for their slyness, have become attuned to the rural Italian way of life. It can be argued that they have figured out that the farmers take a nap after lunch. Consequently, we have seen them out and about in the mid-afternoon, no doubt trying to steal chickens.  It is more common to see the foxes and most of the animals late in the evening.  Badgers, weasels, stoats and martens are prevalent in the area. Because of the lack of pollution, butterflies of numerous variety and colour abound. A pair of hawks nest in the wood behind and it is sheer joy watching these birds with wing spans of six feet hover and swoop.

It is never easy to predict what the farmers will plant in the surrounding fields because of crop rotation.  Every other season or so, the fields around the house are planted with sunflowers (harvested for their oil) and in July the countryside becomes a riot of yellow.  In fact, this is why the house has its name.   Il Girasole literally means "The Sunflower".  Wild broom, also yellow and known for its wonderful perfume, blooms in early summer.  The display of wild orchids is a rarified treat.  June is probably the best month to see the wild flowers.  Moreover a visit  two hours drive away to Casteluccio in Umbria provides a stunning display of  wild flowers and wild horses and is highly recommended.  In the earlier part of the year bluebells, snowdrops and narcissi all bloom near the house. 

Most of the fruits and vegetables served are home grown and great care is exercised by the owners when choosing such local produce as proscuitto (the provenance of the pig is vital!).  Black truffles are a local delicacy and have been dug up less than three feet from the front door of the house.  If you like mushrooms, you will find yourself in heaven after an early autumn rainfall - all the locals have their own secret patch where each individually swears they find the very best.  October is the month of the Vendemmia - the grape harvest.  Nearly every local farmer grows vines and calls on the help of friends to bring in the harvest when the weather is judged to be just right.  To be asked to help is considered a great honour.