Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

Bella Toscana is finally operating. A warm welcome to all those interested in participating in the group.

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 10:40

Testing the group. Can you help by posting something to see whether it is working?

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 10:45

I just heard that the ½ûÂþÌìÌà MotoGP pilot Marco Simoncelli has died in a horrific accident at Sepang (Malaysia) during the Grand Prix.

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 08:32

This is "funghi porcini" time and you will find them sold fresh everywhere. A great time to enjoy them. There are many ways to prepare them: sauces, garnishes, omelettes, pasta....

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 14:31

Further to previous posts and threads, I did not get an answer from Admin regarding the current status for "Northern Tuscany" group... Consequently, I decided to do something different and I requested the creation of a new group...

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:08

Could anyone explain why it is not possible to access the Northern Tuscany Group? I am supposed to be its Administrator and I have not received any information regarding this.

Tue, 10/18/2011 - 04:54

Buon Ferragosto!

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 03:28

We are just back from a n enjoyable week in Rome and I must mention the great coffee we had at Piazza Sant'Eustachio, a sort of "sanctuary" for all coffee lovers.

Tue, 05/24/2011 - 03:52

We were driving around Lucca when I saw at a newsagent a headline from regional newspaper "Il Tirreno" stating that the Royal couple were coming to Lucca during their honeymoon.

Fri, 04/29/2011 - 12:25

I travel to San Francisco, California, quite frequently as my two daughters live there. I love the city and I have always noticed its strong ½ûÂþÌìÌà influence.

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 06:25

Comments posted

Answer to: Opticians
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 03:33

There seems to be quite a few offers on line. Go to google.it and search under "occhiali vista offerte". You can add the name of your town or region.

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 04:18

I found this address: and they have some interesting offers on bulbs and plants if you look under "introvabili" and then "giardinaggio". I would say that 15 € for 150 bulbs it's pretty good. They also have "maracuja" or passionfruit, which is a great creeper to have in any garden and it produces a delicious fruit. I have never used this online business and I would appreciate your comments as they have a large offer of products.

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 03:44

Just to clarfy,  Gardening group is an open group and this is the case with all the groups I have created. And I also click the public box to make contents available to all. On the other hand, I have also experienced problems whenever it happened that I was not signed in... and I do not know who signed me out.

Answer to: Metal Paint
Sat, 03/31/2012 - 03:25

I agree with Fillide, exposure to the sun is your major challenge here. I would also advise to use a light colour. A dark one will deteriorate very quickly.

Answer to: Metal Paint
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 03:51

You will also have to remove the old, flaky paint....

Sat, 03/24/2012 - 03:32

I agree with Belvedere, Unopiu is the best, although the most expensive and the design and quality are superb; however, I do not know whether it would be an appropriate choice for a house that is rented out. Also, Andiamo's remarks about cushions are very valid. 

Answer to: PoWs in Italy
Fri, 03/23/2012 - 16:21

Colognora was an excellent choice as a set for the film. It is a most interesting village and an "isola linguistica". They speak a dialect that originated in the Longobard language. Everything moves very slowly there! 

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 06:39

Leroy Merlin has a large variety of outdoor furniture in all types of materials. Have a look at I am afraid that all outdoor furniture requires maintenance. It is either that or to opt for a cheaper version that you do not mind replacing it every season. 

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 04:56

A difficult question. the first problem would be to identify native wild flowers for the region you mention. I would say that any Mediterranean plant would be a good bet. I am more familiar with the Tuscany region... but here are my thoughts... I have never seen native seed mixes  at any vivaio; however, try the largest in your area, particularly those selling "ingrosso". To name a few "native" plants that grow well in Central Italy, I would include most herbs (rosemary, all types of mints, thyme,basil...)  iris, ranunculus, anemones, geraniums and pelargoniums, jasmin, sunflower, oleander, belladona.. Now, many of these grow from bulbs, rhyzomes or cuttings and belladona is highly toxic... I do not know what you intend to do in your garden; however, my advice would be to talk to your "native" neighbours and follow their advice. Happy gardening!!!!  

Answer to: PoWs in Italy
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 08:42

Thank you very much, Anne. I am enjoying it.