Dearest garden-lovers....
This mano di buddha lemon deserves a whole post to itself.
It is the largest of the 10 or so large fruits that are currently maturing on a tree in the garden I work, in the medieval quarter of Guardia Sanframondi, BN, Italy.
I promised one to a nice older man who often sits on a marble step near the general store I shop at... he'd spotted the tree in the garden which I work, and had requested one out of curiosity...
He wasn't around immediately when I popped up ...and I was stoppped by multiple folks who were fascinated, as I did a wee bit of shopping: they were astounded especially at the perfume, which is the most glorious aromatuc citrus.
I spent at least 20 minutes chatting with local folk, and them picking up the two lemons and studying them in detail from every angle.
This is such a perfect way of sharing, kearning, growing together; I love this interweaving of facts, experience, natural things.
Filippo finally turned up, and was gruffly grateful for the lemon! It's the least I can do, as he regularly gifts me beat wee bags of tomatoes, plums, figs, and other wonderful goodies from his orto - which is down outside of the medieval quarter: he tootles down in his ape daily.
The tree itself is not fantastically planted, so it's squished into a corner between a large caper plant and oranges. As I was pruning, I took some clippings of twigs, and will try to grow them in pots into other trees which can be better planted.
I hope you enjoy this spectacular and thrilling fruit!
Blessings on your garden, Clare.
