We had a trip to France earlier this month and visited a couple of favourite gardens, both had inspiring Potagers. I love the idea of a vegetable garden looking great as well as being practical and productive.
Prieure Notre-Dame d’Orsan, originally established as a monastery in 1107, was made into a garden and the buildings converted into a small hotel by two architects Sonia Lesot and Patrice Taravella.
There have been a few changes at Orsan Priory since our last visit four years ago, most notably a new potager.
Roof tiles strapped together make a great container for carrots, they get a deep root-run so they’ll grow long and straight.
Supporting poles have been carved into a pretty shape, the rounded shape will shed water too so it’ll last longer.
There’s an irrigation system in all the raised beds, so this watering can probably doesn’t get used much, but it looks good. I like the supporting grid over the trough.
The benches are well placed in the shade of trees, I’d certainly want to spend a lot of time sitting here admiring the view.
I’ve always wanted my allotment to look good and now I’m even more inspired, I hope you are too.
Jill
all images: Jill Anderson
