Le Jardin de Laure

Started in 1988 with the creation of a basic structure: planting trees from the local nursery spread over several years (protection of the trees by fencing for at least the first 15 years against deer damage).
This is followed by the introduction of small trees and shrubs that accept the resulting plant cover.

Creation of massifs based on the masses created during the 1st and 2nd stages.
The layout is informal, freely inspired, without any particular influence. The plant variety, which has expanded over time, is significant.

More recent introduction of perfume plants, winter blooms and special foliage.
2006 —> 1st body of water
2015 —> 2nd body of water
2018 experimental arboretum of trees likely to accept current climate change.
Over time, the naturalization of certain plants has allowed the garden to be expanded.

The interview
The vegetation has established itself well and has produced dense clumps where the growth of unwanted plants is clearly slowed, which significantly reduces maintenance. Some plants must of course be contained by pruning, which is carried out in the fall or spring depending on our availability. Of course, a few hours of weekly maintenance, carried out by Laure, are required and good vigilance remains essential.

In the early years, all the grass clippings were distributed at the foot of the trees and in the flowerbeds. Currently, they are composted with the plant waste from the house. The cuttings are shredded (BRF = Bois Raméal Fragmenté) and distributed in the garden.

All maintenance and improvements are done by ourselves and our children. No outside intervention because our motto is “Do with what you have and as you can”.

The few sculptures were found at garage sales in the area or offered by friends who are also passionate about gardens, or made by ourselves. Recently a dolmen and 2 sarcophagi were able to take their place in the arboretum.

This informal garden is above all a living space, just like a room in the house. It is also a place of expression and a refuge where the great richness of nature allows us to realize part of our dreams. It is also a great lesson because whatever we do there, the result is never completely what we had planned, nature constantly reminds us that if it allows us to write a small score, it is it that gives us the “la”.

Garden fauna: sedentary or passing through:
 number of birds (around 80) nesting or passing through there
 green frog
 red frog
 grass snake, green and yellow snake, Aesculapian snake and viperine snake, all harmless and fearful
 green lizard and common lizard
 various rodents
 hedgehog
 mole
 hare
 shrew (insectivore)
 marten
 deer
 quantity of arthropods of different classes.

Additional person: 5€/pers