I learnt through the grapevine that Maurice Mizzi was writing a book about gardening some time ago. I am surprised this has not happened before considering his great interest and contribution to the world of horticulture and his enormous knowledge which he has shared with us through his articles in newspapers. There is also the magnificent garden at his residence in Bidnija the use of which he has always so generously allowed for charitable fund-raising events.

But there you go. The book has happened. His Pleasures of Gardening in the Maltese Islands was appropriately launched at San Anton Palace a couple of weeks ago, in one of those magnificent rooms and in the presence of the President of Malta and a roomful of dignitaries.

 

Maurice's smart young niece Taryn Mizzi introduced us to the first speaker, Dr Joseph Buhagiar Lecturer, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Director, Argotti Botanic Gardens. He said that although this was not the first book written on gardening on these islands however it is the most comprehensive to date. The book reflects the author's love and passion for nature's miracles and is very much in line with  Chev. Mizzi's series of articles 'A Greener Shade of Green' which were published in The Sunday Times. There are descriptions of plants, gardening tips and the occasional reprimand for more respect for the countryside. Dr Buhagiar noted that it was not encumbered by technicalities so it is for everyman and not only for the specialist. "It is superbly illustrated with stunning photos of Villa Ras Rihana,  plants, close-ups of flowers which are especially sharp and show that a great deal of time and passion was invested in getting them right." As we know, Chev Mizzi is a perfectionist and he must have spent time and money on this book. Dr Buhagiar made the observation that exactly the same climate as Malta is enjoyed in the Cape region and South Africa, Western and South Western Australia, Central Chile and California;  that most plants from South Africa thrive in our gardens "with little extra attention", since they originate from a similar climate. A good many retain their biological clock with respect to flowering so that South Hemisphere plants from Australia, the Cape Region and Central Chile are flowering during our wet season which is equivalent to their spring. "This is a very good prospect for Mediterranean gardening because it practically ensures all year round flowering in our gardens", he told his audience.

Propagation of plants is a constant feature in this book whether by seeds, division or cuttings, Dr Buhagiar observed. "They say that most gardeners are happy people and I cannot agree more," he concluded while thanking and congratulating Mr Mizzi for 'a job well done'.  

 

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Chev. Mizzi, looking dapper as always, thanked the President and spoke of the Spiro Mizzi Foundation, named after his father,  which he set up some years ago. Its aim is to encourage the educational aspirations of some of the children in the Cottonera area. "The Board of Trustees of this foundation are targeting this area as the one which needs most help, particularly since out of 12,000 youngsters attending courses in our University there are only 160 students hailing from the Three Cities", he explained. He emphasized that all the proceeds from the sale of his book will go to the fund of the Foundation in which he has personally invested Euros 150,000 in stocks and shares so that dividends and interest earned are donated to the Foundation. Mr Mizzi said that what spurred him on to complete his book 'a labour of love'  is the thought that it will help a few more students from the Three Cities to graduate and be employed in some of Malta's foremost companies. Going back to a computer after a day at the office has not been an easy task he assured his audience.  However, he concedes that, with the encouragement of Shirley Turner who was there as elegant as always, writing the book has been fun. It is not merely based on the observations of plants and trees at his home, Dar Rihana. The author has, for thirty-six years followed the behaviour of plants not only in his garden but also in other areas of these islands so as to have a true picture as possible of their performance over the different seasons.

 

The American Agricultural Department has divided the world into 12 zones according to their temperatures both speakers told us and Malta is placed in zone 10.  He agrees with Dr Buhagiar that this zone is the best area of the lot for horticulture since it is a temperate zone. "Moreover plants from zone 8 and 9 such as the viburnums and zone 11 such as the flamboyant thrive in our islands. But these have to be well placed in order to survive what for them are unusual conditions.... "Frost during the winter months has disappeared due to global warming, which is a blessing. There is therefore every reason for the Maltese to develop their gardens into green havens", he encouraged.

Mr Mizzi has introduced various trees and shrubs in his own garden which are unique in our islands, some of them in danger of extinction. "Most of these plants have been grown from seed which I have collected during my travels abroad." He hoped that through The Pleasures of Gardening in the Maltese Islands he will transmit his horticultural knowledge to his many readers and to youngsters "who will follow when I am gone."

After thanking Shirley Turner, his muse, who not only encouraged and supported him but also compiled the index, an essential part of any book, he went on to thank Lorie Scicluna "for her meticulous proofreading which she has done superbly without any compensation." His thanks also went to Joe and Philip Sant who helped to create and nurture the garden at Dar Rihana and who were patient with his experiments and shared his happiness when they succeeded. Guttenburg Press were thanked for their excellent printing and last but not least his fellow trustees of the Spiro Mizzi Foundation - Dr John C. Grech, Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, Mr Victor Micallef and Ms Taryn Mizzi.

Our President was not sitting on the panel but in the front row and Chev. Mizzi said a final few words to indicate that it was time for drinks and canapés. He then realized that Dr Coleiro Preca had stood up and was ready to say a few words. He quickly apologized, wrote out a cheque and presented it to her for the Community Chest Fund, a spontaneous and gracious gesture indeed.

 

I was discussing with a friend the advantages and disadvantages of getting older. Well, for a start, one can plead irresponsibility as once you did in extreme youth she told me. People will excuse you for deafness or missing an appointment as long as it was not very important. Also, envy of other people's characters and attainments is replaced by admiration, for there is no longer time to catch up unless, like Maurice, you have enough drive to do so. Another friend told me that he has plenty of ideas but really, after due consideration he says to himself why bother, 'it is time for me to rest'. Thank goodness not all of us take this attitude. We are all so different. There are many who have achieved much after retirement. So it is with Maurice Mizzi.

(The Pleasures of Gardening in the Maltese Islands is available at all Agenda bookshops for Euros 50)