Food growing, creativity and community experience near Florence, Italy

Details

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  Description

  Welcome!
  
  The name of our project comes from Irina, the lovely dog who lives in the garden and has become its unofficial guardian. She is a friendly and curious companion, always happy to greet visitors and remind us to enjoy the simple rhythm of nature.
  
  We are two friends (Michele and Lalo) developing an evolving project that combines regenerative gardening, food growing, creativity and community. We don't see this place as just a vegetable garden, but as an open space where people can meet, learn, experiment and create together.
  
  Depending on the season, we grow vegetables using natural and regenerative practices, experiment with mushroom cultivation, preserve food, build small structures, create artistic installations and work on a sound garden. We also enjoy organising cultural and musical events, so there is often something new happening.
  
  Our project is still growing, and that's exactly what makes it exciting. We appreciate people who enjoy contributing ideas, learning new skills and taking part in a collaborative environment. Whether you already have experience or you're simply curious and willing to help, you'll be welcome here.
  
  Although we're surrounded by greenery, we're not in a remote rural area. It is on the outskirts of Pontassieve, just outside Florence, so it's easy to enjoy both nature and the local towns. Volunteers can experience a slower rhythm while still having access to public transport, cafés, shops and the cultural life of the area.
  
  We value flexibility, respect, open communication and the pleasure of sharing meals, conversations and ideas. We hope that everyone who spends time here leaves having learned something new and feeling that they have helped shape a project that is constantly evolving.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Farmstay help

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Events & social

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Culture

  

  Farming

  

  Gardening

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Music

  

  Plant care

  

  Performing arts

  

  Languages

  

  Hitchhiking

  

  Cooking & food

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Astronomy

  

  Animals

  

  Art & design

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Dancing

  

  Adventure sports
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  For us, Workaway is first and foremost about meeting people and sharing experiences. We've also used Workaway ourselves while travelling, so we know how meaningful these exchanges can be. Some of our favourite travel memories come from living with local people, learning new skills and becoming part of everyday life for a while. That's exactly the kind of experience we hope to offer in return.
  
  We enjoy spending time together, exchanging ideas, cooking, listening to music, exploring new perspectives and learning from different ways of living.
  
  We're happy to share what we're learning about regenerative gardening, growing food naturally, mushroom cultivation, food preservation and the creative side of the project, including sound, music, artistic installations and the organisation of cultural events. If you have your own skills or passions, we'd love for you to bring them too—some of the best ideas come from collaboration.
  
  We also hope to learn from every person who visits. Different cultures, traditions, recipes, languages, artistic practices and ways of thinking enrich the project and help it evolve in unexpected directions.
  
  Our location offers a nice balance between nature and accessibility. You'll experience everyday life in a green environment while still being close to Pontassieve and within easy reach of Florence, making it possible to discover local villages, food, culture and the beautiful Tuscan landscape during your free time.
  
  We hope that your stay will feel less like volunteering and more like becoming part of a small community, where everyone contributes, learns and leaves with new friendships, new ideas and inspiring memories. We don't see Workaway just as a way to find extra hands, but as an opportunity to build genuine connections and create something meaningful together.

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  Help

  The activities change throughout the months, so there is no fixed routine. We usually do tasks together and adapt our plans to the season, the weather and the projects that are happening at the time.
  
  Depending on when you visit, you might help with:
  
  Sowing, planting, harvesting and caring for the vegetable garden using natural and regenerative practices.
  Composting, mulching, seed saving and other seasonal gardening tasks.
  Processing vegetables for our own consumption (preserves, drying, fermentation, etc.).
  Mushroom cultivation and related experiments.
  General maintenance of the garden and outdoor spaces.
  Creating simple structures, artistic installations and elements for our evolving sound garden.
  Helping us prepare occasional community gatherings, creative workshops or non-profit cultural events.
  
  You don't need to be an expert. If you already have experience in gardening, permaculture, carpentry, art, music, event organisation or other practical skills, we'd love to learn from each other. If you're a beginner but genuinely curious and motivated, we're equally happy to teach what we know and learn together.
  
  We usually expect around 4 hours of help per day, but we're flexible and prefer to organise the week together depending on everyone's availability and on what needs to be done.
  
  More than anything, we're looking for people who enjoy working as a team, respect nature and shared spaces, communicate openly and are happy to contribute to a creative project that is always evolving.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  As our project is still evolving, the accommodation can vary depending on the season, the number of guests and what is available at the time.
  
  Depending on the period, you may stay in a private or shared room in the house, a tiny house, or a fully equipped tent in the garden. We always make sure you have a clean, safe and comfortable place to sleep, with bedding provided.
  
  Facilities also depend on the accommodation. If you're staying in the house, you'll have access to a shared bathroom and kitchen. If you're staying in the garden, you'll have access to our ecological compost toilet, and we'll explain together how the shared facilities work.
  
  Food is also flexible. We usually provide at least two meals a day, and depending on the period we may cook and eat together or you'll have the opportunity to prepare your own meals. We love sharing food whenever possible, but we'll always discuss the arrangements before your arrival so that everyone knows what to expect.
  
  Because the project is growing, there isn't one single accommodation setup that fits every stay—and we actually see that as part of its character. If you're interested in joining us, please don't hesitate to ask what options are available during the dates you'd like to come. We're always happy to explain the current situation and find the solution that works best for everyone.
  
  Open communication is very important to us, so if you have any questions before applying, just ask—we'll be happy to answer them!

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  What else ...

  We are located on the outskirts of Pontassieve, in a green area where you can enjoy nature while still being close to everyday services and cultural life.
  
  The train station of Pontassieve is about 20 minutes walking from the garden. From there, you can easily reach Florence and other towns in Tuscany by train. Supermarkets, shops and other useful services are also very close, making daily life easy even without a car.
  
  Our location offers a beautiful balance between nature and accessibility: it is a peaceful place to slow down and connect with the land, while also being a perfect base to explore Tuscany. From here you can discover Florence, the Florentine hills, small villages, historical and cultural places, local traditions and the beautiful landscapes of the region.
  
  During your free time, you can go hiking, walk through nature, explore the countryside, visit nearby towns, discover Tuscan food and traditions, swim in natural pools or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around the garden.
  
  Of course, Florence is one of the main attractions nearby, with its museums, architecture, markets, food, art and unique atmosphere. It is close enough to visit easily while still returning to a quieter place surrounded by greenery.
  
  Life here is simple and based on flexibility, communication and respect. We ask everyone to take care of the spaces, the plants, the animals and the people around them.
  
  We love when people bring their own interests, skills and creativity into the project. Music, art, cooking, languages, gardening and new ideas are always welcome.
  
  Because this is an evolving project, every stay can be a little different. If you have any questions about transport, activities, accommodation or the area, feel free to ask us before arriving. We are happy to share information and find the best way to create a good experience for everyone.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  At the moment, we do not have Wi-Fi/internet connection. However, mobile phone coverage is available and works well with the main telephone providers, so it is possible to use mobile data if needed. For digital nomads, this means that the experience is probably better suited to people who can be flexible with their online work or who enjoy taking some time away from constant connectivity. The project offers a chance to slow down, spend time outdoors and reconnect with nature while still staying reachable when necessary.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  If you are travelling with a camper or motorhome, there are camper areas available nearby. Feel free to ask us about the best options depending on your needs and the period of your stay.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

  Irina

  We have one very special animal living at Huerta di Irina: Irina, our friendly dog and the unofficial guardian of the garden.
  
  Irina is part of our daily life and will probably be one of the first to welcome you when you arrive. She loves being around people, exploring the garden and sharing the outdoor life with us.
  
  She is a very calm, respectful and independent dog. She enjoys company but she is not intrusive, and she is perfectly happy spending time on her own. She knows how to respect people's spaces and adapts easily to different situations.
  
  If you enjoy animals, you'll be happy to have her company during your time here. We only ask guests to treat her with kindness and respect, as she is an important part of our little community.

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