Asparago Selvatico

In southern Italy the end of March is the moment to gather the shoots of this prickly-spined climbing plant which springs out of dry walls in deserted places and ramps about the limestone maquis.

Since ‘1 love all wastes and solitary places,’ I am wandering about picking asparagus in the wide landscape, when I should be hoeing. There is snow in the wind, the wild pear trees are crowned with white flowers, the asphodels stand out like candelabra lit with stars, the bee orchid is unde