We just got back from Sicily. We were struck by how many plants, trees and shrubs are the same as here… with the exception of one thing… NO lawns. Dirt or mulch between the trees and shrubs. Makes sense…we should copy this.[/quote]
Yes, good observation.
The lawn are a legacy of immigrants moving West and bringing their idea of the prairie house to California. Add to that the idea the tropical plants represent resorts and luxury.
I redid my dad’s backyard a few years back and took out the lawn. It takes more thought and design to create a nice yard using drought tolerant plants.
The Italians make great use of interior courtyards as living space. Behind a nondescript door facing the street could lie a beautiful interior courtyard and mansion.[/quote]
One of my husband’s cousins home was like this…Totally non-descript on the narrow street in the old part of town… inside beautiful marble, bright and airy -all opening to a central court. Full outdoor kitchen in the courtyard, too. I was impressed. It wasn’t a mansion but it was much bigger and nicer than you ever would have guessed from the street.
