Italian Reflections (Cont.): The Platypus Travels Part XVIII

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Gifts of the Mediterranean.

Another picture from the villa.  In Italy, we saw many rose bushes growing side by side with grape vines.  Since the roses are such sensitive plants, they serve as "canaries" warning the viticulturist of impending threats to the grapes.  Since there are laws strictly regulating the number of vines that may be planted on a given plot of land, many vineyards are surrounded by olive groves that allow the farmers to produce another crop.  The overall effect is quite beautiful.

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