Thursday 9 February 2012

Wildflower and Foraging at Potentino



It is hard to imagine, given that it is snowing outside here at Potentino, that in 4 months time, we will be sorrounded in a green paradise of orchids and wildflowers and that we will be foraging for some of the wild plants to eat.

One of the most extraordinary things about our valley, owing to its lack of modern agricultural practices, is that we have an amazing variety of flora here- along with wonderful insect life and birds. The orchids are so prolific that at times you have to tiptoe through the fields. We even have the very rare lizard orchid.


Rose and the huge rare lizard orchid

May is a great moment to come and visit - picnics in the olive groves, walks along the valley and trips to some of the local sites will be organised.  We will have a wildflower  and foraging expert on hand to help you find and identify plants and to give you guidance on what to pick to eat. Charlotte and I will then cook foraged ingredients for your dinner. One of our favourite dishes in May is the first feathery sprouts of wild fennel: lightly cooked with anchovies and a little garlic and olive oil they make a delicious pasta sauce. For the foodies, I am sure there will be even more treats in store.

Other highlights include:
A visit to the wonderful gardens at La Foce,  the renaissance jewel of Pienza and to the local monastery at Sant' Antimo.


The Details
The course will run from 16th-22nd May and costs £1,100.
The cost will include your stay and all food and wine at Potentino for 6 nights. It does not include flights or any meals outside of Potentino (during the day trip away).


Booking
Please book by sending me an e-mail at alexander.greene@potentino.com

Getting to PotentinoFlights to Pisa Airport are easiest, although one can fly to Rome or Florence and hire a car. We will be collecting people from Pisa prices to be confirmed depending on numbers.

We have written directions for those who wish to hire a car.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hello Alexander
I would like to visit Castello di Potentino in September. Are there any work programs this year?
Luna