HEERA ALAYA

MINERVA
in the spirit of olive trees

By Heera Alaya
March 8th, 2023

Per Tesoro Pepe, Nina and Viola.

Dear Cinzia and Adelmo,

Aesthetically imposing: this was my initial impression as the towering wrought-iron entrance gates parted slowly, leading to your immaculately groomed, tree-lined driveway and the undulating, flourishing expansiveness beyond. My gaze was drawn to the contorted trees dancing with shimmering platinum leaves, which, thanks to a fine young man, I learned were 400-year-old olive trees. So awestruck was I at the sight of these gnarly trees that I found myself wishing the young man, who had to take a call, would stay on the phone a tad longer—allowing me to feast to my soul’s content on the commanding presence of your dignified centenary olive trees.

These soul-caressing moments served as a prelude to what followed. Your son, Andrea, the young, energetic man, was quick to return (from his call), presenting your love story that speaks through a living archive of a pared-back aesthetic and layered lushness. With the entirety of your estate to ourselves, it was effortless to embrace the permeating goodness.

Every turn I took, in delight, surprised me—glistening lemons to jewel-like pomegranates embody your richness, and never-ending vineyards capture your fullness. Your gifts continue to unfold—gentle, crisp breeze accompanying our every step fanned me with a profusion of fragrances— from blossoms, fruit, and plants. As I wandered through your gardens and orchards, this intriguing blend of changing scents made me ponder: When do hints of lavender marry lemons, and when do lemons invite roses to blend in, only for apples to unite seamlessly? These mysterious layers reflect your journeys—an art historian and landscape architect—leading to a wholesome amalgamation.

My full heart insisted on dancing each time I encountered cascading wildflowers and seasonal blooms. And then, my heart melted as the glowing sunshine turned the spotlight on a bed of pink flowers, introducing a unique whiskered blossom. This pawsome feline, lord of your Tuscan estate—with a free rein, strolling through flower beds, chasing butterflies and gazing into the horizon—is instrumental in adding aesthetic and soulful value to your sustainable paradise.

It’s not just the feline that enhances this setting; the intricate details, like the hollow trunks of ancient trees, contribute to its charm. I sense that, Adelmo, your technical expertise is harmoniously complemented by nature—while your conservatory serves as an ideal home for citrus plants, the natural tree holes, seamlessly aligning with your creative vision, provide perfect residences for nature’s creatures.

Over a delightful al fresco meal with Andrea and his affectionate-informed friends, we engaged in a conversation about your Tuscan estate. I expressed how your garden evokes a blend of styles—an enchanting mix of tended, yet unkempt English gardens and the well-ordered, geometric Gothic ones. Later, when I discovered that my observation was spot on, I was thrilled; decades of exploration and experience had enriched my perspective. Beyond my innate appreciation for nature, I realised that without prior exposure to gardens, I might not have fully grasped the depth of your collective efforts.

It’s also worth noting that in today’s world—where access to libraries and the Internet is widespread—most children, including those from underprivileged backgrounds, can find valuable resources to nourish their minds with enriching thoughts, ideas, and visuals. It is essential for children to understand that their mental garden flourishes through thinking, feeling, and learning, all of which contribute to their personal growth and development.

Upon my return to Rome, I found myself in tranquil spaces aligned with the visual poetry of gardens and architecture I have had the privilege to experience over the years. In these serene moments, framed by sunlight-drenched, towering trees and the soothing cadence of flowing water from old-world fountains, I engaged in profound reflection. The rioting rose-ringed parakeets provided a delightful distraction. In the process of sorting through my thoughts, I pondered:  How does one begin to trace the unique essence of your intertwined minds—a couple who adopt and breathe life into decades of neglected land? Where does one start to grasp the confluence of botany and business? Just as you regard your centenary olive trees—firmly rooted in the soil with robust roots—as the principal character of your garden, I believe remaining anchored in your character [Greek kharakter]—your distinguishing qualities—encourages you to forge a meaningful legacy.

Understanding and appreciating others’ legacies—aligned with our values—fosters a sense of contentment and gratitude, which are essential for our souls. I continue to contemplate, Adelmo, your dilemmas in shaping the landscape, tending to the soil, and navigating the whims of the weather while blending nature and architecture. Conversely, I strive to understand, Cinzia, the investment of your resources, the exhaustion from extensive renovations, and moments of self-doubt. I also reflect on the lives that, under your direction, in your words, “impose leadership” on plants—groom, maintain and train the plants and trees from going wild. Each aspect of your thoughtful creations comes with a steep cost of emotional involvement and economic burden. 

Comprehending your efforts schools me: trees with similar microclimates can adapt to the climate. And water collected during rainfall, facilitated through a network of drains, ducts and cisterns, waters 400 species of plants on your Tuscan estate.

Thanks to individuals like you both—who reimagine a world for future generations—I value the privilege of enjoying moments of silent contemplation in serene public spaces. Where contemporary societies need to protect and build functioning ecosystems—inclusive of abodes for bees, bugs, butterflies and birds—the human race needs to evolve and question life and living truly.

I circle back to your loving son, Andrea;  his sentiments, shared during our private conversations—which I hold sacrosanct—speak to his profound admiration for you both. Like olive trees “thriving through seasons, strengthening the wisdom they embody,” your son, Andrea—gracious and generous—will guard your seeds of love and prosperity, growing them multifold with his deep sense of commitment and gratitude, carrying forth your legacy in alignment with your hopes and dreams.

Andrea is in good company—nature’s creatures collaborate and contribute in different ways, inserting their unique chapters, bringing your soul’s creations to life. What would your garden be without guardians—permanent residents and visiting guests—gingerly grasshoppers bouncing on the lush satiny grass, gliding dragonflies shaving the water, boisterous birds playing peek-a-boo from tree holes, shy snails sniffing their way around rocks, slimy toads leaping into the lake and perhaps, distant donkeys boomingly braying, insisting on your attention: “Cinzia and Adelmo, we are enriching your loving legacy.”

I am certain that those who seek soul’s solitude and nature’s plentiful will immerse in your Tuscan estate and leave enchanted by iridescent fruits and invigorated by overflowing blooms—some cosseted and others wild. Setting aside enough time to take in your trees—olive, myrtles, poplar, cypress and walnut—will be a good idea. If your visitors get lucky, somewhere along their stroll from blushing blooms to blush terracotta, as they make their way to the field walls, they might be accompanied by your whiskered, radiating resident lord.

As for me, how lovely it will be to stroll through your well-preserved, tranquil spaces in scented, dewy mornings and soothing, moonlit nights, conversing with you, Cinzia and Adelmo, on life, loving and living, and seeking and preserving. And how welcome it will be to experience the pit-a-patter of rain wash the flora and smell the earth come alive! Since we can’t halt the passage of time, it’s essential to express our gratitude promptly to those who positively impact our lives. Grazie mille, Cinzia e Adelmo.

Here’s to peace and health in the spirit of olive trees—cultivated as temples dedicated to the Goddess Minerva.

Con molto rispetto e affetta,

Heera Alaya

Learn about art historian Cinzia Sorlini and landscape architect Adelmo Barlesi, Tuscany, Italy.

Documentary Filmmaker, USA