The book “Camelie” by Enrico Scianca tells the story of the loving care of these plants, considered living beings to be known and respected. Through detailed explanations on classification, cultivation, soil, pruning and reproduction, Scianca generously transmits his knowledge. A technical but exciting manual, also useful for other acidophilic plants. It includes practical advice, Italian varieties and the possibility of purchasing camellias directly from the author’s nursery.
Camellias: Taking Care of a Living Being
Those who grow a plant know it better than anyone else. Enrico Scianca, owner and manager of the Velletri Agricultural Company ‘Le Camelie del Generale’, represents this truth with passion.
The book “Camelie” is introduced to us by the Landscaper Maury Dattilo, who manages to draw with short but decisive strokes the sweet and reserved profile of this producer and grower. From this portrait and also from the following pages emerges a profound connoisseur of the soul of camellias. Through the pages, Scianca transmits the importance of attention to detail and the need to learn to know the plant as if it were a love to be conquered and then taken care of.
Plants are living beings that, entering our homes, become an integral part of our emotional world. Taking care of them is a commitment that requires attention and dedication.
What will we find in the book?
The book “Camelie” begins with a detailed classification of camellias, divided into natural species and hybrids, into varieties dividing them into simple, semi-double and double flowers and also into subcategories.
We never imagined there were so many ‘natural’ species of Camellias!
This introductory part is a valuable guide for those who want to learn more about their camellias, but also choose the ideal one for their garden to buy soon.
Cultivation of the soil
We then get to the heart of the matter by talking about soil, one of the fundamental aspects to know for the growth of camellias and which Mr. Scianca explains very well (a topic that you can also explore further with “THE TRUE GARDENER CULTIVATES THE SOIL”) planting, irrigation and fertilization, going into the specifics of what an acidophilic plant is and how to recognize (or obtain) acidic soil.
Camellias and Acidophilous Plants
Camellias are not the only acid-loving plants. The information provided can also be applied to other species such as azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, gardenias, magnolias, mimosas and plants such as maples, birches and liquidambars etc. etc.
Learning to correct and analyze a soil will allow you to grow a wide variety of plants, adapting the garden to your desires.
By learning to analyze and correct a soil, we will be able to plant and grow any type of plant.
Reproduction
We continue with pruning but also reproduction. Each step of how to make a cutting is explained. How many of you have plants that you would like to reproduce by cutting? Well with this book you will unexpectedly be able to try!
The way it was written is generous and has the power of all the greats: do not be afraid to pass on your knowledge to the world.
Diseases are described in detail, even in a few lines, nothing heavy, and how to fight them often in a natural way. There is protection of nature in all of this.
Camellias in pots
We also talk about potted camellias with valuable advice such as pruning the aerial part and the roots – keeping in mind that the camellia has a slow growth – which pot to choose and which camellias are suitable for the pot and which are not. Furthermore, these pruning tips are also useful for plants other than camellias and this increases our knowledge beyond the plant in question.
The book continues with a list – the selection was made by those who know how to do it – of the most beautiful Italian and non-Italian camellias with size at maturity, bearing, characteristics of flowers and leaves and behavior in a pot.
To buy it
The last great advantage of this book, which we are sure you have in mind, is that if you have fallen in love with a camellia in the book you can buy it right from him. Is it an advantage?
The book is precisely CAMELIE and you can find it HERE
The Mondo del Giardino Advice
There are ancient and wonderful scented varieties that we too have fallen in love with. The nursery has about 300 species and varieties and you can go there by appointment by contacting 3358368343.
Camelie: Conclusions
It is from these great growers and curators of history as well as plants that we can buy specimens to love and take care of to collect the magic they know how to give.
Now on horseback! The work awaits us! Our new wonderful outdoor space is about to be born!
GOOD WORK and… if you have any questions, write to info@mondodelgiardino.com
Image sources: thanks to Pixabay and in particular Zdeněk Krejčí for the cover, Vlad Aivazovsky for the social photo and following Lydia Wang, trang nguyen thi thu, darkness_s, Wälz, Steve Bidmead, 振鐸李, obsidia, Chesna, Annette Meyer, Michael Reichelt, LoggaWiggler, magdus, Terri Wang, Tina Nguyễn, Martin Mekatrig, englishcityceo, Kwangho Lee, Dennis Peterson, claire wuPatricio Hurtado, magdus , NoName_13 , Anna Armbrust and Deborah Jackson.
