Seasons?

[Pauline]

Hi, could anyone give me a rough idea of the seasons in SW france, I am about to move and would like to plan the garden but only used to gardening in the uk and need to plan what and when. Thanks, a rough guide would help.

[Gardian]

Where precisely in the SW?  + one person's idea of where the SW may well be different to another's.

There's mountains, plains & coast!! 

OK, just seen that you're the soon-to-be-arrived Pauline in the Gers. Just put your location in your profile eh, and it would stop people like me asking the same question every time.

Anyway ................. don't know. All that I'd say is that it'll take about 3 yrs to find out what 'works' in your particular area, but you have to make the odd mistake. Ask the locals - they know.   

[Iceni]

Here in the N Lot I study what my neighbours are doing. Also if the plantlets are for sale in the local market that is a hint that now is the hour.

BUT this site may say that we are in the SW despite living just 25 mins from the Correze and lots of you are much further S and much further W than we are.

John

[JayJay]

Have a look at this site, it should be of some use to you http://www.plantes-et-jardins.com/magazine/calendrier/index.asp?id_week=3&id_zone=2&id_location=1&long_day=40401 Just look to see what colour the area of the SW you want & click on corresponding region.  

[Patf]

The main things I found that influence planting here is the really dramatic boost to the growing season in late March/early April. This usually continues well into May .The garden centres are full of seasonal plants at this time, both veg. flowers, shrubs etc.

 Also the soil which is almost pure clay and needs much hard work and organic matter - as a result many people just plant in containers.

There's a special time to plant trees, October to early Nov.

You can seed a new lawn either late summer or spring.

Winters are short (Dec. to Feb) but can be very cold so people put protective covering over plants that aren't frost-hardy.

Summers vary - this year has been hot and dry.

I would think it's best not to be too fixed in your plans, but wait until you're here, and play it by ear. I've found gardening here much harder work than in the UK, but much more rewarding as things grow faster and with more variety.

[Swissie]

Personally, I really think it is not a good idea to plan a garden before living there for a while, looking around, getting a real feel for the place. Bonne chance.

[Pauline]

Hi, would you mind telling me how to add to my profile, I dont seem to be able to work it out. We are moving to about 10minutes drive from Marciac, a little place called Auriebat

[Gardian]

On the very top line of this page, there should be "Welcome back Pauline".  Click on that and the page to plug in your location, upload an avatar, etc, should be displayed. 

[Moulin]

There are four main seasons in France, just as in the UK.

They are spring summer autumn and winter. Although they have different names in France...I suppose if you google them, you will find this info out. I do know that winter is Hinver, if thats of any use. The best time I have found to plant seeds is in spring.

Bonnes Chances with your hortyculcheral adventure

[Framboise]

Frankly I'd like to know where summer has disappeared to cos it sure is not here!

[mint]

But, Framboise, it's been a fabulous summer here.  The last few days have been a bit stormy looking but not a great deal of rain even.

We've had a lot of outdoors time, so much so that my house is definitely looking grubby.