People told Alvaro Scarsellone that it couldn't be done in Canada — let alone in Sudbury — but the 89-year-old was determined to grow tasty artichokes in the backyard of his home in Sudbury's West End.
"We've never attempted to grow them before," his granddaughter Amanda Scarsellone said.
Alvaro has been tending the garden for more than 50 years — which usually boasts corn, tomatoes, onions and spaghetti squash.
It's a skill he learned from his father and now he's is passing it down to his granddaughter, Amanda.
Together, they worked hard enriching the soil for the 17 artichoke plants, which Alvaro started inside from seeds that were purchased online. The plants have produced more than 30 artichokes this season and are still thriving.
"I enjoy it," Amanda said. "You go in the garden after work and it's peaceful."
Sadly, Alvaro's health has taken a turn for the worse. An infection in his right leg and doctors fear without amputation, the infection will spread through his body.
"(The garden) has given him the strength to keep going and gave us some light in a time that has been very dark." Amanda said. "This accomplishment is something he is extremely proud of."
Artichokes are known to have an acquired taste, but the Scarsellone family enjoys eating them on top of salad, pizza or pickled.
"You have to peel back the leaves and use just the artichoke because if you don't clean them properly they don't taste very good."
The gardening tips Amanda says she's learned from her grandfather will not only ensure she can plant more artichokes next year, but also gives her a lifelong connection to the soil, her Italian heritage and to the grandfather who taught her the skills to grow some impossible artichokes.
