Borage: appetizing, attractive and curative

What to do with this native herb that is attractive in bloom, deliciously edible and -according to traditional folklore- has medicinal properties as well? That's the dilemma we face here at Gangivecchio when Borage appears in March and April.

Most often we enjoy it cooked like spinach, but small tender leaves can be added fresh to salads. The bright blue flowers are sometimes candied or used to color tea or vinegar.

Scientific name: Borago officinalis

Italian common name: Borragine

English common name: Borage

And now...the Anemones

Just a five- minute walk from Gangivecchio, along an old country lane, lies a sunny slope where this little perennial adds splashes of vibrant spring color, in shades of pink and lavender, to the awakening natural landscape. Several other anemone species and hybrids that vary in size and bloom time are popular garden plants.

Scientific name: Anemone hortensis

Italian common name: Fior-stella

English common name: Anemone

Narciso

Drifts of this delicate little narcissus are now making quite a show in nearby fields of young wheat and along roadsides. Waxy white petals, a short yellow cup and an intense fragrance make it easy to identify.

Scientific name: Narcissus tazetta
Italian common name: Narciso nostrale
English common name: Cream narcissus

Mimosa

The abbey courtyard is now ablaze with the exquisite beauty of this small acacia that produces masses of bright yellow puffball flowers in late winter.

Scientific name: Acacia dealbata

Italian common name: Mimosa
English common name: Silver Wattle

Terrestrial orchid

The first terestrial orchid of late winter to appear at Gangivecchio. This one is making an impressive display on the shady bank of the old road that leads down to the olive grove.

Scientific name: Himantoglossum robertianum

Italian common name: Barbone di Robert

English common name: unknown