I’ve read this quote attributed to Goethe, and I think it is fine advice. “Everyday one ought to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.”

These are my reasonable words for today and my picture. And, I feel better for having both!

Florence’s Rose Garden is a beloved space. It is relatively small and quirky in form as you can see from the map below, but it is filled with wonders. Any time of year it is a sacred space to walk through, offering splendid views of Florence from its position perched on a hill opposite the city.

Below are photos showing the sculptures located in the garden.

As you can see, in February the tender plants are still wrapped up for winter protection. The little fountain area is filled with Japanese koi, who gather towards the bottom of the water, saving their energy for the spring that is sure to come. The small building with many windows is the orangeries, filled with the potted orange trees that will come out of hibernation for the spring, summer and fall. The large shrub that is neon yellow is mimosa, one of the first signs of advancement through the winter.

I love these pollarded trees.

Below, the mimosa.

And for the masterpiece plant that is in already in full bloom, I offer you this camilla with the red variegated blossoms. What a sight for sore eyes in mid-February!

And a white-blossomed camellia is nearby.

Birdsong! Such a welcome sound!

Below, the grassy areas of the garden are embellished with the tiny white blossoms of the Marguerite daisies. Always a harbinger of spring and a welcome sight!

And an orange tree in the wild. It’s location in this snug area of Florence must give it enough protection to survive outdoors through the winters.

Alla prossima!

I was lucky enough to see this exhibition in Florence last fall. It was a splendid show. It drew record crowds which was good for the enterprise but difficult for the spectators.

Not this year, buddy. Sorry.

The view from Piazzale Michelangelo, which is just south of Florence, is breathtaking. Everyone and her sister thinks so! It is wonderful in February because there is room to breathe up here.

Even this pigeon seems to be enjoying the view in relative peace!

Same pigeon below on David’s head?!

Today there was a battle in the skies. The rains of winter were being pushed out by the sunshine of spring. It was a pretty even match and neither side actually won the battle. I called it a tie.

As I left the Piazzale and was walking down to enter the Rose Garden, I happened to look back up and for the first time ever I noticed that the lookout has a special sign visible from the road below with a name I never knew even existed.

It turns out that this breathtaking view is dedicated to Franco Zefferelli. As you can see on the sign, it reads: Belvedere Franco Zeffirelli, Regista Scenografo and gives the dates of his life. In English it means “Lookout named for Franco Zeffirelli, Director and Sct Designer.” Huh. But, it’s a rare day that I don’t discover some new detail about this magnificent city!

I’m watching these buds advance almost daily!

And to my mother, whose birthday falls this week, I honor you every way I can every day!

I had a beautiful quote about Florence by Marcel Proust, but with my recent WordPress issues with images, I’ve lost that photo unfortunately.

Still, Proust’s observation about Florence is so intensely suggestive and in line with my own feelings about this incredible city that I will quote it now: And when I thought of Florence, it was like a miracle city embalmed and like a corolla, because it was called the city of lilies and its cathedral, Saint Mary of the Flowers.”