Lou Capitani: making a dry garden in Provence
by Kate Marcelin-Rice
photographs by Louis & Sebastien Marcelin-Rice
Kate Marcelin-Rice writes:
“When Lou Capitani came into our hands late in 2003 it thus seemed sensible to remake the garden in such a way that it would require no irrigation whatsoever. Not only would this, we felt, be in accordance with the local microclimate, but it would also enable us to face with equanimity potentially longer periods of drought brought about by climate change.”
“I should add that we live in Italy and are only able to visit Lou Capitani and work on its garden for two brief periods each year, in late spring and mid-autumn. The house is let for holiday rentals in summer. In November 2004 we took a deep breath and started work.”
The natural vegetation
Aphyllanthes monspeliensis, with clumps of glaucous
grass-like
leaves and
exquisite small blue starry flowers.
Wild rosemary with Clematis flammula.
“Armed with long sleeves and thick gloves, I have been progressively reducing the height of the Pyracantha hedge in order for us to sit at a table by the hedge and look out westwards over the valley to the mediaeval walled town of Le Castellet and enjoy the sunsets over the Sainte-Baume in the distance.”
View looking west towards Le Castellet beneath the
fig tree and the
Broussonetia papyrifera
Our successes
Santolina neapolitana 'Edward Bowles'
and Santolina chamaecyparissus
Teucrium cossonii
Lavender above retaining wall with Salvia microphylla
Centaurea pulcherrima
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