About a third of the wall running under my garden, which is right under my terrace, collapsed a few years before I came to Motovun. Having no interest in gardening whatsoever, it took me a while to notice that anything was amiss. In fact, the wall is communal property. It runs along an old public path that went parallel to Borgo. Long ago, it was used by donkeys, mules, and cattle, which were not allowed to tread on the main streets. Back then, Motovun was a pernickety town.

By and by, gardening became interesting to me. The interest has grown over the years. There are many reasons for this change, but the main one is an ever-stronger wish to be as independent from the world around me as possible. After a few years of learning my new trade, I could feed myself with my own produce. Besides, I would know exactly what I am eating, which is gradually turning into a real concern. The crap sold in stores around me is less and less palatable.

A month or so ago I started talking with Jozo Brandić about the collapsed wall. He came over on several occasions to see what was to be done, and how he would go about it, because the place is not easily accessible from Borgo. When he found himself high and dry between more lucrative jobs, he finally agreed to repair my wall. He gave me his price a couple of days ago, and I agreed without much ado. He is not cheap, but he knows what he is doing.

Jozo started today. He engaged Dario Jerman, with whom he works quite often. This morning they spent the first few hours cleaning the area and the access to it. It was overgrown with stubborn weeds, but they were relentless. After a couple of hours the whole garden was revealed. And so was the gap left after the collapse of the wall. Their job finished, the earth will need to be replenished from further down the hill. And the gardening can begin in earnest. This very spring. To my amazement, I can hardly wait.