"Perfumed" Garden

Yellow ans red poppies wave to me

Yesterday gave us spectacular weather.  I think there was not a cloud in the sky over all of France.  After the cold of the weekend and the wind of the past three days, it was like being handed a glimpse of Paradise.  The gardens that I had visited in the fall during Heritage Days have reopened for the season; my camera and my legs were clamoring for an outing, so off we went.

Very last of the fruit tree blossoms

Truly the icing on the weather cake of the day was the view of the Pyrenees.  I am consistently awed by them and yesterday their snow-draped peaks gleamed in the bright sunshine.  I never get tired of looking at them.

Part of the cactus garden--ouch!

The gardens open at 1:00 in the afternoon, and the train arrives at the Limoux-Flassian station at about 1, so I didn't waste any time. It's only a short walk; a pleasure on so nice a day.  I was the first and for some time, the only visitor to the gardens.  They are a little hidden away and not exactly on the beaten down by tourists' feet path.  I know people who've lived here in Carcassonne for decades who have never even heard of these gardens, much less visited them.

I could smell this wisteria at every spot in the garden

I missed the flowering of the fruit trees.  They've progressed beyond the blossom stage and are now leafed out.  I found some bearded iris:  white, yellow and purple, although they were past their prime.  The name, "Garden of Perfumed Plants" is well deserved, especially at this time of year.  The air was full of wisteria, lilac and some other flowers that are unfamiliar to me.  The peonies are just budding and should be flowering in about 2 weeks.  Some roses are already in bloom, others will follow in the weeks to come. 

A stand of yellow bearded iris

The last of the white iris

This garden is particularly interesting to me.  Not only do they have flowers, but also a vegetable garden, and a section of plants of the Middle Ages, some with recipes. (There was a recipe attributed to Hildegarde von Bingen.  I knew she composed music, but apparently she could cook as well.)

T

The Pear of the Middle Ages

Hildegarde's recipe--who knew she could cook,too?

They have a section of conifers and another of grasses, a tropical garden, a desert garden.  There is a small "pond" complete with water lilies, carp and dozens of frogs.  Shaggy little donkeys graze and two sturdy looking geese act as watchdogs.   I didn't remember the scarecrow, but when I saw him, it came back to me....of course, being French, he wears a suit and tie.  But I think he got a new head?  Blockhead?

As good as watchdogs

Even the fish are colorful

I spent some time by the water garden, which was teeming with carp and frogs.  I managed to get a photo of one very brave guy who did not make an escape as I approached. 

Can you spot him?  Very powerful legs

I thought of Monet and his fascination with water lilies.  Even though these weren't in bloom quite yet, they were still mesmerizing.

But by far, my favorite spot is by the aviary.  The couple who owns this garden rescues birds that for whatever reasons people have abandoned.  Parrots, cockatoos, cockatiels, chickens, ducks....all co-exist seemingly peacefully in domed, screened enclosures with room to fly. perch, and nest. 

Green parrots were best building

A glimpse through the chicken wire fence

Some of the smaller birds had been hand fed as youngsters and will come to the mesh looking for a hand out.  They look happy and healthy, chattering and singing, visiting and being thoroughly social.  The guidebook says to allow an hour for the visit; I spent an hour just at the bird dome.  

Looking up (or down as the case may be)

Birds as colorful as the flowers

There are benches everywhere for sitting and reflecting.  Picnic tables invite families (and the occasional single writer), either to full sun or quiet shade.  Guided tours with the owner can be arranged, but I prefer to come alone, with just my camera, some cheese and an apple, my notebook and plenty of time to commune with the plants, the frogs and the birds.   

Who called this meeting?

Mr. French Scarecrow wears a suit

Early roses are blooming

Later in the afternoon, a busload of German senior citizens arrived and I took that as my cue to head back to the train station.  Somehow I think I will be spending lots of time in this little bit of garden.  

Last year's pod on a lily pad

I took so many photos and some actually turned out well.  But I lack the skills to weave them into the narrative, so I simply posted them.  Maybe they can convey in some small way, the beauty and diversity of this jewel of a spot near Limoux.

Spiky leaves contrast with round lily pads

Long-needled conifer