Around My Garden in Provence
"Jardin Extraordinaire".........
.....that's the name of the song, sung by Charles Trenet that plays on the Home Page of SabletHome.com
It will come as no surprise then, that our courtyard garden at Maison des Pelerins is a place that we spend a lot of very happy hours. From breakfast on a cool crisp morning by the fountain to lunch under the cool shade of the large umbrella on a hot summer's day - let's not forget an early evening aperitif as the sun sets and then dinner in the light of the old church steeple until the last bells chime at 10pm. 
I just love "pottering" around the garden, trimming here and there, cutting the dead flowers, tying back the wisteria vines, trianing the bright orange Bower Vine on the wall around the fountain and making sure the herbs are "happy".
Here is a little pictorial "Sablet - Provence garden tour" that I hope you will enjoy.
The back wall of our courtyard is also the back wall of the old Church of St. Nazaire ......... Wisteria and Roses climb - on the wall and around the windows. On warm days, when a window is open, we can sometimes hear the sweet sound of the children singing at their Catechism class.
From late Spring to late Summer, Hollyhocks pop up in different spaces all around the garden ..... wherever the wind has blown the seeds .... they happily stand up, their faces smiling to welcome visitors .....
What is this creature???? No it is not the escaped Monster from the Ouveze River!! During Winter 2009/2010 we had a heavy snowfall and were very sad to lose the old, old Rosemary bush that had grown near the front door of Maison des Pelerins for a long time. Our thoughtful gardener saved the root and the large ball at the base of the trunk, which now decorates the base of the Olive tree!
Monsuieur Lyon (the old cast iron fontain)...... roses climbing agianst the old stone wall 
Anyone for Dinner?
Potted Geraniums - a must in any French Garden ....... Spring blooming Lilac ..... Wisteria vines....Oleander ....... Lavender ...... Herbs - Bay Laurel - Sage - Thyme - Mint - Rosemary - Tarragon - Basil (of course!) - Chives - Parsley (in season) ......
a welcoming Cypress Tree ..............
C'est, Mon Jardin ....... Extraordinaire ......
Categories: Village, Sablet Home, Provence, Sablet, Vacation, Travel, Vacation Rentals in Provence, Provencal Villages, Sablet Village, Travel Journal, village house, Sablet Village Provence Travel, Rentals, France, Garden in Provence
Tags: Garden In Provence Provence Garden Un Jardin Extraordinaire
Why is it I have never taken the time to ask you about that beautiful and happy song that opens your Home Page? Whenever I go on to your Website and dream of Sablet.....I listen to "the song" over and over again and, sometimes I minimize it before moving on and keep playing it while surfing!! Quite some time ago now, when I first discovered your Site, Trenet's vocals, very reminiscent of Maurice Chevalier, je pense,coupled with this 'flirty' melody became our spokesong and/or musical symbol of Provence and Sablet in particular.... Thank you for that! Your Jardin Extraordinaire est tres magnifique!! How often I have walked through it in my mind, eyes gently closed, seeking refuge from everything else if only for a little while. I've imagined it from one season to the next knowing, always knowing, that the world, the life, the people, the warmth and happiness of living in Sablet was a mere window view, gentle winding cobblestone walk and a single breath beyond the garden...... Can you tell how much I miss being there? How could you not once you've been?
I would like to thank you for all of your recipes, too, Marianne, which I did create over the Holidays with appreciative success. It was fun having my daughters beside me as sous chefs....unfortunately, that doesn't happen that often these days. I have pictures to send to you, as well. Our oldest daughter, Alexandria, gave birth to our first Grandson just after Christmas, Gavin Riley. What a little 'charmer' he is!
I will listen to Monsieur Trenet for a moment and be off. May your life be beautiful and full of passion,
Always, Jackie
Reply to this
Bonjour Jackie,
Thanks for your always beautifully written comments. I was thinking about you and your family during the very cold weather we've heard about in the Mid-West and the East Coast. Hopefully, the worst of it is over now and you can look forward to your garden also bursting into bloom soon.
It's funny that you mention the song being your theme song for Provence, as we were th same - even before we first bought Maison. It fit so well into our feelings about Provence and the village. In the first week after we had closed on Maison, there was a pot luck "inside the walls' dinner for all the neighbors. Of course, after dinner there was much talking and singing, as often happens. At one point Gerard (my husband) started on "Jardin Extraordinaire" and the whole group took off on it - complete with all the words! It was great fun and I'm soooooo looking forward to being back soon.
Take care of yourself and all your family,
Amicalement,
Marianne
Reply to this
I get dizzy thinking of walking through your herb garden. Allow me to mention once again that I'm adoptable and like to travel. You made me feel as if I'd been a guest in your lovely garden. The pictures are a delight, as well. I can feel the sun on my arms.
Reply to this