THE GARDENS

“Let’s meet in the garden” has seen the opening to the public of many historic gardens in Italy and in Europe on June 2 and 3, 2018. Many enthusiastic gardeners have visited the gardens at Rocca d’Ajello. The roses were in full bloom everywhere and the display was really impressing! In the Castle Garden a huge specimen of Rosa Longicuspis swathed the ancient walls in a cloud of white blooms. Rambler roses cascading from the old oak trees in the Orchard Garden and millions of  roses of all colours in the cutting section.

VISITS TO THE CASTLE

Lots of people have also visited the castle, guided by the owners who have illustrated the history of the ancient fortress built in the XI century by the Dukes Varano, lords of Camerino. In every room the big displays of garden flowers by the Castle’s Florists were duly admired!

THE FLOWER LAB

The ladies were very much impressed by the Flower Lab, where the Castle florists create alle sort of flower arrangements for weddings and events. Here they were shown how to make a garland and a hand tied bouquet.

Elio Carboni, a master in basket weaving, demonstrated how to weave a wicker basket with handle. Furthermore, Roberto Cola, who runs a huge kennel for homeless dogs, had brought some puppies for adoption.

THE FOOD STANDS

Cantine PROVIMA from Matelica were showing and selling their excellent wines. Visitors could taste in particular their famous Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, a white wine produced in the area particularly recommended with fish courses.

Distillerie Varnelli, a very famous distillery located in Muccia, near Camerino,  sent lots of its celebrated liqueurs to be tasted neat, with espresso coffee or in cocktails. Their stand, presided by the family barman, was certainly the most popular!

Furthermore, on sale in the stands cheeses from Caseficio Amici, salamis, pasta sauces by Patrizia Fattori. Also Terra Bio and Monte Gemmo were selling their biologic health fooods: wholemeal pasta, special flours, seeds, cereals, beans and other legumes. Most noteworthy the home made biscuits, jam tarts and meringues baked by La cuoca giardiniera. They were very much appreciated by visitors and therefore sold out the first day!

Finally, picnic lunches were available at Alberto’s, the well known “porchettaro” from Castelraimondo.  Sandwiches filled with roast pork, grilled pork chops or sausages and vegetables were available at his food truck.