Sicily

[Carlo]

I'm planning a trip to Sicily next year and am beginning my research. I have a wonderful book "Pianti e fiori dell'Etna" but am wondering if other authorities/field guides exist (besides the italian flora). I'm also interested in suggestions for places to visit. The season hasn't been chosen yet so I realize that ideas may have to be tempered by when I take the trip. I'm also interested in nurseries and garden centers as I realize there are at least a few that export lots of material to the mainland.

[Carlo]

Actually, I'd even be interested in suggestions about when to visit...

[David Nicholson]

If this is your first visit Carlo you will love it, it's a very different and beautiful (the Sicilians will love me for calling it a.......) country.

I can't help you at all with nurseries or garden centres, but I did find a reference on the Net that might provide some sources, and I see there is at least one New York based name included


http://www.bspp.org.uk/bsppnews/bsppnews38/bsppnews38-12.htm

Were your ancestors from Sicily?

You have to see Palermo-it's beautiful, it's horrendous, it's pretty, it's plain, it's crowded, it's lonely. You also have to see Catania, Taormina-if you go to Taormina you must see Castell Mola it's walkable (you must see the bar with all the-how can I put it??-male appendages   Steer clear of Giordino Naxos. You must go up Etna. You must go to Agrigento. You must go to Syracuse. You must go to Enna right in the middle of the Island. You must....... oh, cover every inch it's the most exciting place I have ever been to.

I think, if I were going to Sicily plant hunting I would go February/March

[ranunculus]

A national news report this evening suggested that Etna had erupted for the first time in six or seven years....they DID insist that it wasn't dangerous though!!!   

[Lesley Cox]

Were your ancestors from Sicily?

You have to see Palermo-it's beautiful, it's horrendous, it's pretty, it's plain, it's crowded, it's lonely. You also have to see Catania, Taormina-if you go to Taormina you must see Castell Mola it's walkable (you must see the bar with all the-how can I put it??-male appendages   Steer clear of Giordino Naxos. You must go up Etna. You must go to Agrigento. You must go to Syracuse. You must go to Enna right in the middle of the Island. You must....... oh, cover every inch it's the most exciting place I have ever been to.

But avoid the men in black, Carlo!

[Carlo]

You should have seen  the video they showed here of Etna's activity...

(can't wait!)

[Carlo]

My ancestors are from Sicily and their are relatives (distant) still there...

I'll be trying to connect ahead of time but am not sure what will happen there.