To sunny Collodi and the land of flowers ...

On Tuesday, we drove over to the town of Collodi (the "birthplace of Pinocchio") to do a walk we've done before and which is remarkable for its flowers.  We knew the weather was to be good, so the meadows and the olive groves would be at their best ...

The valley leading down to Collodi has many old papermills from days of yore, some of which are now modern concerns.  Recycling was satisfyingly in evidence - we hear that when they make paper from scratch, the natural pulp comes all the way from South America!

Bales of paper of all sorts await recycling

Up among the blossom - but what tree is it?

Magnificent mimosa, with olive groves in the background

This farmer was diversifying by growing palms among the olives. The palm leaves are destined to be sold to florists for flower arrangements (large ones!)

They look like daisies, but in fact are a species of anemone

Elm flowers produce a spectacular show