James Renzi

Here in my part of Italy I must say that guacamole, peanut butter, marshmallow fluff and maple syrup are things that people have heard of but never ventured to try.

Other items are also sushi and most Asian cuisine. Also corn on the cob.

I’m James.
I have been to my best ability a permaculture  practitioner for over 10 years now ever since I took Geoff Lawton’s PDC when I was thirty three years old.
I’m 185cm and 95kg. I stay active, eat healthy, eternally optimistic, love to laugh and try to live simply.
I like reading, cooking, being outside, gardening and the occasional trip into some of wonderful cities of Tuscany.

I’m a single father of two teenagers, who are with me full time.

I’d like to meet a woman who would be open to the idea of living on an olive farm. It isn’t a commercial operation but more of keeping the traditional alive.
I’m not far from Siena and the sea is an hour away.

The villa sits on 16 hectares of land with 750 olives, some other fruiting trees, pool, tennis court, garden area, greenhouse and a large forested area.
The home could easily be used as a BnB set up. Besides the main living area, there is a self contain apartment and two smaller rooms with baths and kitchenettes.
Some potential possible if we wanted to turn it into some type of commercial project.

I would love to add bees to the mix and expand on other plantings and livestock.

If you find any of this interesting I’d love to chat!

I'll give him a call later this evening. After we talk, I'll send you a PM with contact info.

James,

What days are you looking at in Rome?
I know of a place a bit to the North (Sant'Oreste) that I visited 3-4 years ago now. Off the beaten track. I could ring them if you'd like to see if they would be willing to host someone for a tour of their place.

James

Hi,

I help tend an olive orchard in Noto during part of the year and lived next to it for a few years.
I managed to do well with a hectare and a half. There was already citrus, nuts, stone fruits and carob when I arrived covering half the land.
Meat aside, it provided me with close to 75% of the fruit and vegetables for the year. This fed 5 people.
I tried avocado but didn't have success as the winter temps went to low.

James

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Here in Italy, most bars (cafés in America) have Orzo. A barley based drink as a substitute for coffee.
Many older people seem to drink it as it was a staple during and after World War II as coffee was rationed then.

Another drink found in bars is Ginsing. It is too sweet for my taste. It is made from a powder but I have no idea of the ingredients.

So far no safety concerns.
I only use the raised beds during the cold months. Salads, broccoletti, fave, cold weather crops.
I use sunken beds during warmer, drier months to help with water retention. In the summer, I don't have to worry about the boars as they go to the mountains for the season.

Ciao Fabio,

I made 10 raised beds last year. 1m by 10m
I used rock sourced from a local marble quarry for the sides which are about 30cm high.

As far as success, they are not so different than the plantings on level ground except they seemed to keep the cinghiale away. Maybe because of the height.

James

Travis,

With a heavy heart I write this message to you.
You have guided me and many others on this site with your insightful knowledge and practicality.

As a newer sheep farmer, you are my encouragement and stimulus to tackle all the hurdles and mishaps.
Thanks for taking your time to post your ideas and thoughts here at permies.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.