08 Jan Taking care of the green in the valley
At Novanta, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Casentino Valley, rolling hills, ancient forests, and vibrant green spaces that inspire us every day. As the groundskeeper, I’m tasked with ensuring that this natural environment remains as vibrant and healthy as it’s always been, and one of my favorite projects here is working with the land to create and maintain our vegetable garden.
The Importance of Green Spaces
At Novanta, we believe that the land is not only a place for guests to relax. Taking care of the green spaces around our village is essential to creating a balanced ecosystem where both nature and our community can thrive. Our garden is more than just a source of fresh produce, it’s a space that helps connect us to the earth, to the seasons, and to the simple pleasure of watching something grow from seed to harvest.
The garden also serves as an educational space for our guests, encouraging them to experience firsthand where their food comes from and how it’s nurtured. It’s a chance to slow down, get your hands in the soil, and appreciate the hard work that goes into growing the food we eat.
Creating the Veggie Garden
Starting a veggie garden on a property like Novanta comes with its challenges and rewards. The first step was determining where to place the garden. We needed an area that would receive plenty of sunlight while being sheltered enough from the valley winds. After a bit of trial and error (and a lot of measuring), we found the perfect spot, and it was time to get planting.
I’ve spent countless hours preparing the earth, ensuring it’s rich with nutrients, and choosing plants that thrive in our specific climate. From tomatoes and zucchini to lettuces, potatoes, onions and herbs, we plant a wide variety of seasonal produce that we can share with our guests.
A Garden that Grows with You
One of the most rewarding aspects of the garden is watching it change with the seasons. In spring, the soil is fresh, and new shoots begin to emerge, while summer brings a bounty of colour and life to the garden. Fall is harvest time, and we’re able to enjoy the fruits of our labour—literally! Guests are welcome to help themselves to whatever’s in season, whether it’s picking fresh herbs for a meal or plucking ripe tomatoes for a delicious salad.
A Community Effort
The garden is more than just my work—it’s a community effort. Whether it’s our team who lend a hand with a little weeding or our guests who enjoys a freshly picked meal, the veggie garden becomes a place where everyone can contribute. There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that includes ingredients from our own garden, and it’s a reminder of the beauty and power of sustainable living.
Looking Ahead
As Novanta continues to grow, so will our garden. We plan to expand the variety of crops we grow and continue to create a space that benefits both our guests and the environment. Every year, we learn more about the land, and we’re always striving to improve our gardening practices. It’s a never-ending journey.
For me, taking care of the land and the garden is more than just a job—it’s a passion. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching something grow from the ground up and knowing that you’ve had a hand in nurturing it. Here at Novanta, we don’t just take care of the garden; we take care of the land, the community, and the future.
We’ve also come to realize that living in harmony with nature means sharing the space with all its inhabitants—sometimes whether we like it or not. And let’s just say, the horses have a particular fondness for our flowers… they might just think we’re growing salad for them!