Hand of Fatima

Although it might seem strange that ‘Hand of Fatima’ door knockers are very popular here in south-west France there is an historical reason. The hand and the number five figure significantly in Arabic, and also in Jewish, tradition, and are particularly associated with warding off the evil eye.  In the 8th century Perigord together with the rest of the South of France was invaded by the Saracens, the Arab population from the North of Africa. Since that time the names of several towns like Sarrazis, Mauriac, Sarrasac and most notably the well of the castle of Baynac called the well of Saracens – “puits des Sarrasins”.

The Dordogne’s spectacular views!

With the bright sunny and mild autumn days here in the Dordogne it is wonderful to be able to walk around gardens such as Marqueyssac and enjoy both the garden and the spectacular views.

The Party Barn

We’ve been busy here since the summer season guests left putting the finishing touches to the new lawn and garden area adjacent to the party barn. The grass seed has taken and made good growth before the colder weather arrives and so it is ready to really grow in the spring.

Autumn mists

When the colour of spring and summer has passed there really is nothing more beautiful than the shapes of plants against the autumn mists. The French use of topiary and trees is fabulous.

The Dordogne autumn has arrived

Autumn has definitely arrived in the Dordogne. The days are still beautifully warm but the cooler nights bring dew and colourful leaves. It’s a lovely time especially in the orchards where the fruit is ready for harvesting.

Love the detail

It pays to wander at a snail’s pace in gardens as it can be so easy to miss the wonderful details to be found, not exactly hidden, but on things of practical use that can be screened out as we look at the broader picture. I love the detail on these gates.

                                                               

Wonderful Worm

On one of our visits to the beautiful gardens of ‘Jardin de Colombier’ we came across a gate that had been embellished by the artisan with a wonderful worm. Absolutely charming!

Exhibition at Latour-Marliac

Our visit  this week to the water gardens of Latour-Marliac  fortunately coincided with an exhibition of life-scale painted bronze sculptures by American artist Seward Johnson.The sculptures underline the essential connection between the impressionist painters and their environment.’Family Secret’ is inspired by Renoir’s ‘Two Sisters’, while ‘A Thought to Consider’ is inspired by Manet’s ‘In the Conservatory.

 

                  

 

Caterpillar

Wandering down from the house today I came a across a beautiful caterpillar. It was a Macroglossum stellatarum. Our Lavender is always covered in the humming moth so it’s good to know more are on the way!

Chateau de la Pommerie

Owned by descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte, this little known chateau in the Dordogne is really worth a visit. There are so many items on show and the building itself is a delight.

 

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