HEERA ALAYA

Per Tesoro Pepe, Nina and Viola.

Dear Cinzia and Adelmo,

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

These soul-caressing moments were acting as a prelude for what was to follow. 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 your entire 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 gift keeps giving—gentle crisp breeze accompanying our every step fanned me with a profusion of fragrances—blossoms, fruits and plants. Wandering through your garden and orchards, this intriguing concoction of changing blends made me wonder: 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 speak to your journeys—art historian and landscape architect—coming to a wholesome amalgamation.

My full heart insisted on dancing each time I came across cascading wildflowers and seasonal blooms. And then, my heart melted—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 reign, strolling through flower beds, chasing butterflies and staring into the horizon—is instrumental in adding aesthetic and soulful value to your sustainable paradise.

It’s not just the feline but also details like the hollow trunks in old trees that enhance your spatial setting. I felt as though, Adelmo, your technicalities are matched by nature—where your conservatory makes for a favourable home for citrus plants, nature’s tree holes, in keeping with your creations, provide perfect residences for nature’s creatures.

Over an al fresco meal with Andrea and his affectionate-informed friends, we launched into a conversation on your Tuscan estate. I expressed how your garden reminds me of a synthesis of gardens—tended-unkempt English and ordered-geometric Gothic. Later, learning my observation was accurate, I was thrilled—the decades of seeking and experiencing have enriched the mind. In addition to my nature and genuine interest, had I had no exposure to gardens, chances are I wouldn’t be appreciative of your collective efforts. The truth is also that today—with access to libraries and the Internet—most children (including the underprivileged)—if they so seek—have access to valuable information to manure their minds with nutritive thoughts, ideas and visuals. Children must understand that the locus of their mind’s garden is thinking, feeling and learning, culminating in investing and becoming.

On my return to Rome, in tranquil spaces aligned with the visual poetry of gardens and architecture that I am fortunate to have experienced over time, I contemplated life. Serene moments, flanked by sunlight-bathed towering trees and the cadence of flowing water from old-world fountains, aided reflection while rioting rose-ringed parakeets provided me with welcome distraction. In processing unseen thoughts, I questioned: How does one begin to trace the specialness of your integrated minds—a couple who adopt and breathe life into decades of neglected land? Where does one begin to comprehend the fusion of botany and business? In the manner you credit your centenary olive trees—anchored to the soil with robust roots—as the principal character of your garden, I believe staying anchored to your character [Greek kharakter]—distinguishing qualities—encourages you to create a meaningful legacy.

Understanding and appreciating others’ legacies—aligned with our values—aids in contentment and gratitude, which are essential for our soul. I continue to ponder, Adelmo, your dilemmas in forming the landscape, dealing with the soil, and tackling the weather elements while blending nature and architecture. On the other hand, I attempt to understand, Cinzia, your investment of resources, exhaustion through extensive overhaul and moments of self-doubt. And then, I think of the lives who, under your direction, in your words, “impose leadership” on plants—groom, maintain and train the plants and trees from going wild. Each facet 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 rains, employing an arrangement of drains, ducts and cisterns, waters 400 species of plants on your Tuscan estate.

Thanks to thinking and appreciating individuals like you both—who reimagine a world for future generations—I value the privilege of being in 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 truly evolve and question life and living.

I circle back to your loving son, Andrea; his sentiments—shared during our private conversations, which I hold sacrosanct—speak to his deep 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—fortunate nature’s creatures collaborate 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.”

As for me, I think 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 keep time of slipping time, we must express our gratitude on time to individuals 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 Goddess Minerva.

Con molto rispetto e affetta,

Heera Alaya

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