Wednesday, March 31, 2010

El burro.

Le mini-motoculteur (rototiller) arrived. Dubbed "the donkey", our red, gently-used Honda F210 kicks up a fuss--that is, once cajoled... When the mechanic who delivered el burro took more than a few tries on the kickstart, we looked askance and had some serious misgivings. But, fear not... Once we were out into the patch, nature--and multiple extortions--took its course...

Clay continues to be a challenge. We needed to add proper amendments into the mix to prepare the vegetable bed for planting...









Shoveling ensued...

and the raking...

oh, the checking of soil consistency...










and yet amending again...












There will be more amending in our future.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

An ochre river runs through it ...

We ran a few errands today in Apt, a small Roman village. The calavon (river) running alongside was full of rich colors, (photos not doing justice) -- Even the buoyant duck was appreciating a little freestyle...











To round out a rainy afternoon, we snacked on a local specialty, Calissons (almond cookies), dating back to the 15th century, and fruit confits (of the candied orange peel variety)...


Sometimes it will rain in the house ...







... just sometimes though.


The rest is fine outside on the blue rain skyline...


Monday, March 29, 2010

The trouble with clay ...

Today, I spent much of the day digging, weeding, and transplanting. Let's not be mistaken -- the clay soil here rivals any of the hardpan I've worked with in Los Angeles. Once it's on your shoes, it's pretty well stuck -- so now I'm a few inches taller...









Meanwhile, we assessed the pruning situation, and got started on a few rose bushes. Mistress Margot pruned the huge bay laurel tree from which we made bundles. They are now drying and shall be made into bouquet garni or whatnot...







And then it was sunset time...




Sunday, March 28, 2010

Respite ...

So, we took the day off work and enjoyed a few sights. First, we drove (a long and winding road--perfect for a near motion-sick moment) to Carpentras, where there was a flea market...
















After wandering among antiques, I was feeling a bit hungry. Then I spied a kid with cotton candy, and it was all over...














After lunch, we went to neighboring Orange, to see the most well-preserved Roman theatre in Europe. I particularly liked the worn steps...














Here's the "New Castle of the Pope" (the Avignon one), located in a place very familiar to many...
... because of the wine. Yes, that one... Chateauneuf du Pape. We stumbled upon a little wine cellar and spent the afternoon with an actual vintner, Pegau. We learned about the famed grenache, the processing, and their wine varietals. Pegau's vines are 105 years old (approximately 75 acres of them), and cultivated by hand--impressive. And none of the reds are filtered, which makes for a healthier, 'vin de charactere'.


Such a lovely man with a zest for living and pride in his wine--it gave me a pang of disappointment that, at this time, we may not be able to get their wines in SoCal. (Please, someone, prove me wrong if we can locate it.) Naturally, we stumbled out with a bottle or two in hand...

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Hyacinth contest


These little daffs have just popped out of the ground, cheery little things. We're waiting with bated breath for a hyacinth that should bloom in a few days. Additionally, we're placing bets on said hyacinth's color.

Will it be ...
a) white
b) blue
c) purple
d) pink
e) other (please specify)

If you're the gambling type, ante up. Winner shall have this hyacinth named in his/her honor. And a photo. And a permanent place in the front swathe of Chateau Acorn's garden.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Digging in the earth ...

Our raised vegetable bed has broken ground. Clay soil, 3 x 3 meters for starters. The plan was to save as much of the sod from the field as possible and transplant to an area that was recently damaged by an 18-wheeler trailer.

The site of the first raised bed ...










The business of saving sod, and addressing the whole clay soil issue ...




So this is the rain ...

Woke up to rain, rain -- and more rain. However, nothing a toasted croissant and spot of tea couldn't make better... Then, the weather turned around, sun blasted out in the afternoon, just in time to errand to Brico Marche, where we picked up a few supplies for the garden. Some wood for the raised beds...











and miscellaneous and sundry tools...

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The hills are alive ...













...with the sight of ochres. And not just one shade -- many! These pigments are commonly used in paint and dyes, easily identifiable in and about Rousillon. This morning, we went for a hike in the Luberon ochre hills and then spent a lovely lunch overlooking the cliffs.

In the afternoon, we visited Appy, an amazing nursery (that makes one very happy), where we surveyed the situation. Fruit trees, herbs, olives, cypress -- among the plantings ahead. In the meantime, we picked out some jasmine, bouganvillea, and grape vines that will be installed tomorrow on the pergolas. A multiculteur, or cultivator, will arrive in the next few days so we'll begin with the heavier labor.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The place to be ...






Chateau Acorn is a force to be reckoned with. Nestled off a little path in Rousillon, the property boasts 3 acres of complete potential -- green fields bound by a few firs. The two-storeyed house, built in the 1700s, looks out onto the hills of the village, swathed in colors of native ochres found in the soil. There's plenty of room for orchards and serious gardens here. Can't wait to get started on the vision mapping with Mistress Margot -- who by the way, knows how to minister some fierce wine and lovely stinky cheese.

... the kindness of strangers ...



Oh, Blanche, you were right. They do come through, those strangers.

The flight from LA to Frankfurt was fine. A bit cramped, but nevermind. I was seated between two agreeable gentleman, who, upon learning that I've been known to succumb to bouts of random motion sickness, made certain that I had a neck pillow at all times and plied me with homeopathic jet lag tablets.

One man, a South African, was on business to his family's ranch and wildlife preserve. The other, an Iranian, was on his way to visit his family for their New Year's celebration which began on the first day of Spring. He commented on the unique nature of travel and how he felt a certain kinship with his fellow passengers, however short-lived it may be.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Traveling light


I always forget about the closeness of people until they're right up against me in an airport security line.The foul of the air; acquiescing to the guard's frantic instructions -- the bustle of disrobing coats and unlacing of boots, unpacking laptops, and herding oneself into the corral of metal detectors and wands. And the bumping. Sometimes a muffled apology, other times a grunt, and a cart at my heel.


But we still do it. Because of adventure, necessity, or perhaps the spending of something new.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Words, words, words...





... as the great Billy Wilder's Norma Desmond decried.

Well, here you are, and welcome to my first foray into the blogosphere.

My hope is to share a few experiences that may spark an interest in or help others. As a communicator, gardener, and simpleton, it's my strong belief that cultivation begins inside. Each of us has an innate ability to coax the green into our lives -- it's more of a matter of desire and elbow-grease that makes it happen. Not everyone may share these interests, and no bad intentions to them.

In the meantime, I pledge to help whip disparate patches of green into shape -- one weed at a time -- wherever they may be, and however I am able.