I love taking quiet walks around the village. There are always those unexpected delightful places that really catch your attention and imagination.  I have christened this one, "le petit coin verdure,"  .......... It is one of those places!

       
                           
    
     It's a space in the village houses on Grande Rue that is partially vacant ............
Over the centuries, the front part of the house fell into ruin, until all that was left, appears to be the back wall (resting against the hill), with an old door leading to what was probably the "Cave" (cellar).

    This space might go unattended in many other places, even becoming an eyesore - but not when our neighbor is nearby!  Each morning we would hear him - usually with a song to greet the new day, working away in this garden.  Before long, the vacant space in ruins ...... had colorful vines climbing the side walls of our tall village house.  The Ivy on the back wall was trimmed to expose the stones in the ancient walls of the ruin, and we could see the old wooden door.  Typical of a Provencal garden courtyard - the ground is covered with crushed rock.  The borders are planted with pretty pink and red Oleander, annuals like brilliant yellow Marigolds, and a small collection of vegetables and herbs.  A rustic garden bench style seat provides a charming platfrom to display tubs of various seasonal herbs, with the feature being a large pot of multicolored Portucalas!

                              

    A little further down Grande Rue is another keen gardener.  Madame's narrow garden bed is beside the front steps of her village home.  Although small and narrow, it is well and lovingly tended.  This petite garden is lush with herbs - Rosemary, Mint, Basil, and is bright blue in the summer with Campanula (miniature Canterbuy Bells), spilling into the street.  Always friendly and ready to share her garden, she never fails to offer us herbs or cuttings as we walk past and stop for a moment to say, "Bonjour Madame."

                              
  
    It is very clear that our neighbors get a great deal of pleasure each day, from the care that they give their gardens and the results of their work.  I hope they also know how much the rest of us enjoy and appreciate the fruits of their labor, which presents such a surprise as you walk down Grande Rue ...... rounding the corner.... to find these little verdant spots amongst the tall village houses.


Please feel free to share thoughts or pictures of your time in Sablet or Provence by leaving a comment.
Any questions about the village or Provence are welcome.
Pictures can be emailed to me at info@SabletHome.com  Don't forget the descriptions!