Our gardens: a True Ecosystem
A must-see when visiting Château de Pommard, our gardens enchant visitors all year round. From their vibrant colors to the murmur of insects and birdsong, each season reveals new wonders. Let’s delve into this verdant haven and discover how we maintain its biodiversity.
Between Flora and Fauna
Our gardens were originally designed in the French style, featuring symmetrical beds, topiary yews, and box hedges. We gradually opted for an English-style layout, giving the plants more room to grow.
Our gardeners, Louise and Lisa, meticulously select each plant, considering a range of criteria: the aesthetic appeal, durability, and ability to attract insects during flowering (known as melliferous plants). We also embrace spontaneous planting, resulting in our gardens flourishing with a diverse array of species, including lavender, Mexican orange, various fruit trees, and aromatic plants. Among the standout features are our century-old vine at the garden’s center and over 100 rose bushes that dazzle us each spring.
All this vegetation serves as a haven for many animals and insects. In spring, our lavender attracts bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, while various bird species find refuge and nest in our hedges. Our fountain is a favorite haunt for frogs, fish, and dragonflies. Squirrels and salamanders can often be spotted wandering along our paths.
A sustainable approach
Emphasizing our commitment to environmental stewardship, we uphold conscientious gardening practices. Our approach integrates principles from organic and biodynamic agriculture into every aspect of our gardens. Louise and Lisa meticulously apply biodynamic preparations to our fruit trees and Virginia creeper, ensuring their vitality. We prioritize manual weeding and have implemented composting across our operations. All plant waste undergoes composting, enriching our lawns, or serving as mulch to maintain moisture in our flower beds. As in the vineyard, Louise and Lisa carry out controlled pruning techniques to respect each plant’s sap path. Additionally, we adopt a thoughtful approach to lawn mowing to safeguard biodiversity.
In tune with the seasons
Throughout the year, Louise and Lisa work together with Nature to maintain our gardens. The year begins with equipment maintenance, weeding, and composting. We start pruning fruit trees and rose bushes at the end of winter. In spring, it’s time to plant new plants, mow our lawns, and spread our fertilizers. Early summer sees focused efforts on pruning topiaries and meticulous manual weeding. Transitioning into fall, we prioritize mulching and fertilizing to enhance the forthcoming flowering phase of our plants.
Our team devotes its passion and expertise to the upkeep of this green setting. More than just an ornamental feature, our garden plays an essential role in enriching the biodiversity of our estate. Through these efforts, we create a harmonious space where nature can flourish.
