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LIVING EDITOR’S LETTER | 3
S
to our Summer 2020 edition
o much has happened since I last wrote the editor’s letter that it feels an age ago. We were just going into lockdown, so it was a race against time to print the magazines and get them delivered to our warehouse. We wondered how wise we were to print the issue but no-one could have foretold the speed at which the borders closed and the barriers came down, so print we did. And we were the last magazine to print, the only spring edition that made it from the computer screens into the real world. Our subscriber copies were quickly dispatched but only a small number of LIVING were able to be delivered locally with the remainder locked down until the deconfinement began. The majority of the businesses who support the magazine could not trade during lockdown, or only in a very limited way, and you, our lovely readers, could not go out. And so, our April May edition, with its timeless features, became a May/June edition and it was almost as if the world stood still in the meantime. Against this backdrop, our advertisers supported our decision to delay the following issue – this one – to allow everyone breathing space to re-open businesses and work out what the summer ahead looks like. So, a huge welcome to our bumper summer edition and, we very much hope, normal service will be resumed from October. In some ways, this has been a challenging issue to prepare - normally our summer editions are packed with festivals and spectacular events but, this year, the calendar is sadly less crowded. So, instead, our features show you where you can go and explore, away from the crowds, even how to holiday from the comfort of your own sofa! We’ve also added 8 extra pages to give you more ideas and inspiration for the coming months. We haven’t forgotten that, for the British nationals among us, we’re waiting to enter a new phase although the promised online portal was, at the last minute, delayed until October. I’ve continued to work hard with the British in Europe team to ensure that this is as straightforward as can be and that your rights are protected as far as possible. Every one of us with only UK nationality who lives in France MUST register for residency, even if you already have a Carte de Séjour (which greatly simplifies the process) or you are married to an EU resident. Over at FranceRights.org we will be explaining everything once the full details are revealed. With everything that is going on, there has never been a better time to subscribe to receive LIVING to your door. This way, not only do you support the magazine through turbulent times but, for the next year, you will receive LIVING without having to leave the security of your own home. We have carried over the special subscription offer from the last edition - just pop the form in the post or visit our website to find out more. Keep safe and à bientôt! EDITOR
Read online at www.livingmagazine.fr
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4 | living contents
S u m m er 2 0 2 0
26
58
19
46 5
35
46
7
Peace and tranquillity are priceless commodities – and they’re still to be found in sacred sites around the region
Sometimes we just need our favourite foods, so we rediscover some of Nikki’s most popular recipes
40
50
We speak to local businesses about what the recent lockdown meant for them
Our wine expert, Caro Feely, takes us through the red wine regions
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Cloistered Calm
Snippets News from around the region
Practical Advice
19
Out There Roger Moss shares some of the region’s best get-away-from-it-all spots for the summer months
42
26
Le Grand Tour Coming to the region for 5 days in September, it’s time to celebrate the Tour de France
See the World (without leaving home) If you’re missing the freedom to visit far-away places this summer, Jessica Knipe shows us how, with a little bit of homework, you can get away after all!
52
Living Property Pages A profile of Magné in Deux-Sèvres
Kathryn Dobson explains the latest information for British citizens here in France
58
44
A trip to stylish Les Jardins Sothys offers soothing calm and harmony important commodities in the world today
Earthly Escapes
Enjoying life’s simple pleasures is the order of day this summer in the Hays household
73
45
When things get tough, we look at how music finds new ways to keep our spirits up
Puzzle Break Our unique crossword by Mike Morris
For all editorial & subscription enquiries: editorial@livingmagazine.fr or phone + 33 (0)5 49 87 29 71
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contact@ammfrance.com or phone Jon on +33 (0)5 49 87 29 71
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Seeing and Tasting Red
Citizens’ Rights
Midsummer Activities
30
Nikki Legon’s Cuisine
Not Fade Away
74
Pardon! More French language fun with expert Emma-Jane Lee
62-71
Business Directory The best local services & suppliers
72 Places To Go around the region
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20
Near l’Ecluse | de Vibrac
living in the garden
Vibrac (16)
There are few more relaxing pastimes than gazing idly into the gently flowing currents of one of our rural waterways. They make great walking or cycling companions, and the antics of those messing about on the river can be high on entertainment value, particularly when negotiating locks. Vibrac, between Angoulême and Jarnac, offers just this kind of escape, as the River Charente divides briefly into three courses – and there’s a lock. More: www.vibrac16.net
A stretch of the Vélodyssée trail, Côte Sauvage
This near endless succession of fine sandy beaches between Ronce-les-Bains and La Palmyre offers lots of opportunities for anyone in search of some plage-style open space (with more beaches almost to Royan). Along the way lie some interesting landscape features, including WWII defences and the incredible Phare de la Coubre lighthouse overlooking the Gironde Estuary. There are lots of cycling opportunities too, including a section of the 1,200km Vélodyssée long-distance route. More: www.royanatlantique.fr
English-speaking micro-brewery producing 8 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BEER, now including a stout and an IPA - all organic Enjoy and buy our beers at many local stockists - see website for details COMING SOON: Delicious Lemonade with no added sugar
Brasserie La Bergère
Visits by appointment (groups welcome): Bel-Air R.N. 147, 87300 Saint-Bonnet-de-Bellac WANTED! Local bars to serve beer on draught (30l barrels)
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PHOTO BOTTOM right: © La Vélodyssée J.DAMASE
Côte Sauvage (17)
living places to visit | 21
Vallée du Thouet (79)
Here’s a little-known area whose leafy lanes take very little traffic, even in summer. Add the fact that there are few hills but some great unspoilt scenery and you have fantastic cycling country. It’s now part of the Vélo Francette, in fact, which links Caen Ouistreham (14) with La Rochelle (17). A good starting point is historic Parthenay, from which you can ride to Gourgé for a lunch stop, or continue to the chateau town of Thouars (37km). More: www.lavelofrancette.com
The 11th century Pont-Vieux spans the River Thouet near Gourgé
Lac de la Vassivière (23/87)
A glance at the map reveals the vast scale of this outdoor playground straddling the Creuse/ Haute-Vienne border. With a surface area of 1,000 hectares and shoreline paths extending to around 30km, there’s plenty of potential for walking, cycling, fishing or waterborne activities – or simply finding your own secluded space away from the rest of the world. Here and there you might almost believe you’re in Canada, and there’s lots more landscape to explore on the surrounding Plateau de Millevaches (see separate entry). More: www.lelacdevassiviere.com
Pineau, Cognac Grande Champagne : 1st cru for cognac and wine
A F ss re is e ta nc e
Lac de la Vassivière, a haven for water sports
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26 | living event 2020’s unplanned re-schedule will miss our sunflowers
2007 Stage 18: Sandy Casar, Michael Boogerd, Laurent Lefevre and Axel Merckx sprint through Dignac (16)
The Grand Tour
In September our region will welcome one of the world’s greatest sporting events, so it’s time to celebrate the Tour de France Words: Roger Moss
P
erhaps more than any other nation, France has maintained an enduring love affair with the bicycle, so it’s entirely logical that for well over a century competitive cycling’s toughest challenges should have taken place on French soil. The testosterone-fuelled power struggles between various teams and their star riders would alone be enough to generate worldwide interest, but there’s another key factor which helps
Visit Blandine and Anne-Laure at their family’s domaine. Every day at 10am, 3pm and 5pm. Have a real immersion in the World of Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. Reserve your tour : tel : + 33 6 62 38 37 06 / + 33 6 80 41 87 34 contact@contefilles.com Chez Grimaud - 16480 Chillac www.contefilles.com
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keep millions of people across the globe glued to the their TV screens for hours each day, year after year, for the length of the tour: the French landscape. TV coverage follows the Tour’s progress through a seemingly endless succession of settings, revealing something which those of us who call it home already know, namely that France is more like a continent than a single country. The peloton might be seen beside a stretch of coastline, then riding for miles between
living event | 27 2019 Stage 20: Britain’s Geraint Thomas, congratulates Colombia’s Egan Bernal as they cross the finish line
left: © ROGER MOSS; ABOVE: © Pauline Ballet; RIGHT: ® A.BROADWAY
fields of sunflowers and cereal crops before slipping into another region, where the scenery undergoes dramatic changes. Anything is possible, and along the way we also see towns, villages and cities whose architectural styles reflect startling regional and cultural diversity. Add the drama of classic climbs in the Alps, Pyrenees and other mountain ranges and you have all the ingredients for compulsive viewing. Nothing quite compares to being right there in the thick of it, though, as we can see from the fever-pitch behaviour of the crowds who line the route, or the growing numbers who follow the Tour each year in their camper vans. Happily, this year we’ll have an opportunity to stake out our own place at the roadside with no need to set off on a long drive – we’ve outlined the stages taking place in our region, to help you plan your own vantage point.
Restaurant Le Bonnieure “Hidden Gem” “Great little venue” Tel: 05 45 39 67 66 Open Wednesday - Sunday 12h-13h30 & 19h-21h 106 Avenue de la République 16260 Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure
Lunchtime menu for €13.50 (except weekends) Limousin beef & homemade chips Salads Childrens’ menu Vegetarian options Reservation recommended English spoken Show how much you Living at ko-fi.com/livinghq
30 | living STAYCATION Learning Arabic calligraphy in the markets of Marrakech
Every day started with a “flight” complete with baggage checks and passport control
A sushi feast in Japan is easier to prepare than you’d think!
See the world
If you’re missing the freedom to visit far-away places, Jessica Knipe might just have the answer.
W
Hot dogs and Bud beer at Wrigley Field, Chicago
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ho else was going to write that great novel during lockdown? Or reorganise the entire house? Perhaps you were going to make the most of the time at home to finally learn a new language? If you’re like me, you started the recent period of forced isolation full of good intentions, but the only thing you actually got accomplished was keeping the kids fed, washed and relatively up-to-date on their multiplication tables. But aside from those thwarted ideas of self-improvement (as I discovered, when I said “if only I had the time to tidy everything thoroughly”, it wasn’t actually time that I was lacking…), the
one major thing that we have all had to give up is any dream we had for a long, culturally-exotic holiday in a country far away. If the COVID-19 crisis has taught us anything, it’s that as well as those eye-opening, soul-boosting experiences, far-flung international trips also bring with them a fair number of problems. And anyway, even if I didn’t care about their impact on the planet, the borders are closed now, for who knows how long. As it turns out, though, the virus has also taught us to be resourceful, to make do with what we have lying around the house, and to see the positives in every situation. Let’s not forget that in the age of the internet we
living STAYCATION | 31
In Seville the kids made their own fans out of paper plates Making a ‘Statue of Liberty’ crown
(without leaving home) don’t actually need to go anywhere to get our culture fix, and thanks to a relatively large choice of ingredients available, we can even sample most foods from the comfort of our own home. That’s why, frustrated that I wouldn’t be able to take the “trip of a lifetime” that I had been promised for a significant birthday this year, I decided to make the most of the absolute explosion of creative outlets online to take the kids on a round-the-world holiday, from within the safety of our home. The premise was easy enough: each day, we would visit a city on the map, anywhere at all, with no consideration for jet-lag or the hours needed to travel there. YouTube has a surprisingly large selection of videos of flights taking off and landing, seen from the cockpit or from a passenger seat, so we even
“Each day, we would visit a city on the map, anywhere at all, with no consideration for jet-lag”
had an accurate experience of what it would actually be like to land there. We “flew” all over the place, and I sometimes thought the kids enjoyed making their own passports, packing their suitcases and climbing aboard Corona Airways (our two sofas reshuffled to sit one behind the other) more than the destinations themselves. The in-flight meals on tiny trays might have helped, of course. Upon arrival we made the most of the huge amount of virtual content
LA FERME de la Vallée des CerFs
available to visit museums and monuments, used music streaming services to hear playlists of local sounds, and cooked typical local meals with whatever ingredients we had available to us. We explored the fantastic virtual collections of London’s British Museum and New York’s MOMA, took a rickshaw ride through the streets of Tokyo and watched a flamenco performance by Sara Baras. We saw a performance of Treasure Island at the National Theatre, an improv show at Second City and had a Studio Ghibli marathon in Tokyo. It wasn’t all virtual though – as much as possible, we scavenged the house for items that would make us feel like we were there. For our trip to Marrakech, two runs on the sewing machines soon converted old bed sheets into kaftans,
Chocolaterie Letuffe Fabrique artisanale
Specialités régionales et Gourmandises Courses ~ Visits ~ Videos Gourmet Chocolate workshops and visits all year round
Pony & horse trekking ~ lessons from 1 hr up to 6 days - see website for information La Vallée des Cerfs • Chez Mairine • 86430 LUCHAPT Tel: 05 49 48 89 65 • 06 85 55 31 06 • cerfcheval@wanadoo.fr
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ANGOULEME, 10 place Francis Tel: 05 45 95 00 54 Our how Show much you Living at Louvel ko-fi.com/livinghq COGNAC, 84 rue Aristide Briand Tel: 05 45 82 72 22 Shops
LA RÉAU
36 | living places to visit
BASSAC
The former Augustinian abbey complex, founded during the 12th century near Saint-Martin-l’Ars
Romanesque meets Gothic in the ancient abbey church
Bassac (16)
This largely 11th-13th century Benedictine abbey was founded in 1002 by the first Lord of Jarnac and his wife, who were buried here, and consecrated around 1015 by the Bishops of Angoulême and Saintes. It was attacked by Anglo-Gascon troops in 1434 during the Hundred Years War, pillaged by Protestants in 1564, relegated to become a parish church during the Revolution and received Monument Historique listing in 1880. You can discover its harmonious blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles either unaccompanied or during a 1 hour guided tour. Details: www.infiniment-charentes.com
abbey and accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims bound for Santiago de Compostela. Today tourist office guided tours reveal the 15th century abbey-église interior (still with the precious relics brought by Charlemagne) and enables visitors to climb the oldest campanile in all France for overviews of the abbey, the town rooftops and beyond them the ancient forests of northern Dordogne. Details: www.perigord-dronne-belle.fr
Cadouin (24)
Behind the vast timeworn western façade lies a Romanesque/Gothic abbey church consecrated in 1154 before becoming a Cistercian monastery. The interior is relatively austere, apart from some vibrant stained glass and foliated capitals, but the adjoining cloisters are spectacular, with frescoes, flamboyant Gothic tracery and vaulting plus another curiosity. For centuries pilgrims came to view a shroud said
Brantôme (24)
Brantôme’s vast Benedictine abbey was founded on the banks of the River Dronne in AD769 and became a pilgrimage destination when Charlemagne donated relics of Saint Sicaire, one of the innocents massacred by Herod. Later Brantôme was attacked by Viking raiders, so the monks retreated to ancient caves behind the abbey. During the 11th century they provided limestone to enlarge the
CADOUIN
The sparsely-decorated exterior gives few hints of what lies within
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Join us, Melanie and Jean-Christophe, at our delightful Hotel de Charme on the banks of the Vienne. Relax in our outdoor, heated swimming pool and our on-site restaurant open to guests (and friends) for dinner Mon-Sat (7-9pm, reservation recommended). Daily Menu du Jour featuring regional specialities. Mon-Thu: 3-course meal 22€, Fri & Sat: 25€ 1 hour from Poitiers, close to Le Vigeant race track. Event venue hosting up to 44 people - weddings / meetings and more.
Subscribe today Welcome drink offered to all guests booking through LIVING! > see page 5 www.livingmagazine.frPort de Salles 86150 Le Vigeant | Tel: 05 49 48 27 27 contact@hotel-restaurant-valdevienne.com
Superb location on the bay of Saint Tropez! Quiet, shady site with easy beach access and new aquatic centre. Only 5 mins stroll to Port Grimaud with waterways and canals to explore. The ideal holiday for all the family.
living places to visit | 37
Saint-Savinsur-Gartempe
The slender 78m spire rises from a site founded on the riverbank in 800
to bear the impression of the head of Christ. The visits ceased in 1936, after the shroud was finally dated conclusively to around 1100. It has recently undergone restoration, but a facsimile is displayed instead. Details: abbaye-de-cadouin.com
Fontdouce (17)
recognised its historic importance, have restored the remaining largely-Gothic architecture and the idyllic landscapes (part of which is dedicated to a familyfriendly activity park) which surround it. Details: www.fontdouce.com
LA RÉAU (86)
Founded as a monastery in 1111, it extended both its territories and influence substantially with the patronage of Alienor d’Aquitaine. After suffering damage during the Wars of Religion it was sold during the Revolution and became a farming estate. Today the owners’ descendants, who
The former Abbaye-Royale Notre-Dame de La Réau stands in a remote, peaceful setting beside the River Clain in the ancient province of Haut-Poitou. Signs of hasty fortifications around the site survive to tell of attacks by English forces during the Hundred Years War in 1372. The largely 17th century monastic buildings have been
preserved and the atmospheric interiors reopened to visitors. Details: abbayeroyaledelareau.com
Ligugé (86)
The oldest-known abbey in Gaul was founded during the 4th century by Saint Martin and later became a priory, which did not emerge unscathed from the Hundred Years War. The 16th century abbey church was constructed by Geoffroi d’Estissac (a close friend of Rabelais) who became Bishop of Maillezais. Today 25 monks continue to celebrate mass with Gregorian chants. Visit details: www.tourisme-vienne.com
Domaine du Pompinaud Gîte, Rooms, Table d’Hôtes
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Le Jardin Carp Fishing Lake Looking for a great fishing experience in the Limousin? Look no further! Set in the heart of the Limousin countryside on our working farm, accommodation available https://lejardincarpfishinglake.com E: keith.richardson@wanadoo.fr T: 06 77 09 54 58 / 06 33 63 22 80
Siret: 33105363700053
Support our local businesses
Newly opened in great location where the Périgord, Limousin and Charente meet. 3 comfortable chambre d’hôtes rooms or rent the property as a gîte in low season. Adapted for reduced mobility, shared pool, independent access. Delicious regional meals a speciality - confit, magrets, rillettes. Animals welcome by prior agreement, stables & paddock available for horses.
Show howE:much you Living at ko-fi.com/livinghq pouyausylvie16@gmail.com T: 06 07 78 57 98
46 | living nikki legon’s cuisine Sometimes old and trusted favourites are what is needed. Nikki takes a look back at some of the recipes that have proved to be popular with LIVING readers...
Nikki Legon's
Favourite
Living
cuisine
recipes
Fig, Caramelised Onion and Goat's Cheese Tart
Fig, Caramelised Onion and Goat’s Cheese Tart Pastry case 250g plain flour 125g unsalted diced cold butter 2 egg yolks large pinch of salt very cold water if needed Filling 6 white onions, sliced finely 4 goat’s cheese logs 1 handful crushed walnuts 5 or 6 figs depending on size honey to drizzle
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METHOD Put the flour and butter into a large baking bowl, rub the butter and flour together until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Add the egg yolks and pinch of salt and, using a knife, stir together. Roll into a ball, if the pastry feels dry add a touch of water. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before rolling out. Line a 23cm flan dish with the pastry and place in the fridge for 30 minutes before blind baking for 20 minutes. Any additional pastry can be frozen for another time. Cook the onions in a little oil and butter for around 40 minutes until golden. Line the base of the tart with the onions. Cut each goat’s cheese into 4 and sit around
the tart facing upwards. Crumble the walnuts over and top with the halved figs, skin side down. Place a round of cooking parchment over the top of the tart and cook for10 minutes at 190°C. Removing the parchment, drizzle with a little runny honey and cook for a further 10 minutes.
Roasted Tomato & Ricotta Crostini serves 6
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp light brown sugar 2 large cloves of garlic, crushed 2 tsp thyme leaves salt and pepper to taste 30 small tomatoes
living nikki legon’s cuisine | 47 Cauliflower Steaks
Roasted Tomato & Ricotta Crostini 6 slices of pain de campagne 1 large clove of garlic for toasts 500g ricotta cress for decoration Method In a large bowl add the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and garlic, mix well. Add the thyme leaves, season with salt and pepper, and mix to combine. Add the tomatoes and turn well, then pour onto a lipped baking sheet and bake at 200°C for about 25 minutes. Toast the bread and, using a fork, pierce the clove of garlic and rub over the hot toasts. Spread the ricotta over the toasts and place 5 roasted tomatoes on each. Sprinkle with cress and the pan juices.
Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger, Turmeric & Cumin Roast a cauliflower with health boosting spices as a main meal or side dish. Serve with salad or place it on top of the spicy rice. 1 cauliflower a little oil for frying 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground turmeric
Sticky Chicken Wings 1kg chicken wings or thighs
Sticky Chicken Wings
For the marinade ½ tsp sesame oil 2 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp white wine 60ml soy sauce 2 tbsp honey 60ml tomato ketchup 2 tbsp hoisin sauce 2 tbsp oyster sauce 2 tbsp chilli paste 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced ginger ½ tsp five spice powder
Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem. Cutting from the top either side of the middle, cut out 2 thick steaks and season each steak with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil and a knob of butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Sear the cauliflower steaks for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Gently remove the steaks to a baking sheet. Whisk together 1 tbsp of olive oil with the ginger, cumin and turmeric and brush this onto the steaks. Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes until tender.
For the garnishes 1 tbsp sesame seeds finely chopped chives lemon quarters METHOD Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl or zip lock bag. Add the chicken and coat well, leave aside for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 180°C, line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Shake excess marinade off wings and place on baking tray, keeping the remaining marinade for basting. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, basting twice and pouring the remaining marinade over for the last 10 minutes. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and chives and serve with the lemon quarters.
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58 | living gardens Roses getting established in l’Escapade Roses
garden visit
Wetland area in l’Escapade Hydrante
Earthly Escapes WORDS: ROGER MOSS Lush vegetation in l’Escapade Velours
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Mists waft through l’Escapade Hydrante
PHOTOS: TOP MIDDLE & bottom right: ©PhilippePerdereau; TOP RIGHT & bottom left: © CJA Fotografia
We visit a group of stylish contemporary gardens created to offer soothing calm and harmony
living gardens | 59
Oriental touches in l’Escapade Japonaise
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We’ve mentioned in the past the notion that gardening lets us create a little piece of Heaven here on Earth. A similar philosophy underpins some very special gardens which flourish in deepest Limousin, with an interesting twist: Les Jardins Sothys draw their inspiration not from ‘the heavens’ but from their brightest star. We call it Sirius but in classical antiquity it was known as ‘Sothis’ – a Goddess symbolising fertility, a precious commodity for any gardener. Fast-forward to 2007, when Les Jardins Sothys were established in a 4 hectare setting already rich in plant diversity beside Auriac, an unspoilt Corrèze village nestled between the Monts d’Auvergne and the valley of the Dordogne (a UNESCO World
Biosphere Reserve). The commune possesses both Terre Saine and Territoire BIO Engagé labels for its commitments to organic farming practices and landscape conservation, and Auriac has been home to generations of the Mas family, whose Sothys natural cosmetic and well-being products enjoy a global reputation. It’s hardly surprising, then, that the gardens’ owner, Bernard Mas, decided to explore the relationship between nature and our own well-being as an art de vivre, a conviction which underpins his company’s own products. The resulting collection of intimate spaces has received the Ministère de la Culture’s prestigious ‘Jardin Remarquable’ label and offers visitors a succession of sensory escapes
HOMME VERT Garden design, hard landscape construction and planting service based in Montmoreau (16). Kew trained, RHS show garden contractor & designer, 30+ years’ experience. Full references available. Richard 07 88 29 54 37 richard@boisbourdeau.fr www.boisbourdeau.fr Siret: RCS Angoulême 851 973 198 00019
or ‘escapades’. L’Escapade Hydrante, for example, is an area devoted to moisture-loving vegetation, including Alchemelia, angelica, Camelia, Carolina silverbell tree (Halesia carolina), fern, maple, rhododendron and willow plus giant Brazilian rhubarb (Gunnera manicata). Surrounding them are pale limestone pebbles found on the bed of the nearby Dordogne, while the setting is given a touch of theatricality in the form of cooling, zen-like mists. By way of a total contrast, stepping into l’Escapade Egyptienne (dedicated, appropriately, to the goddess Sothis) evokes the spirit of a remote desert oasis, with billowing palms beside a shimmering water-filled bassin, while underfoot is a bed of fine sand. On hot, sunny days the palms provide welcome
TREE SURGEON ARBORIST
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All aspects of tree care from planting and pruning to reductions and removals. Hedge cutting, ground clearance and maintenance. Fully insured & registered. 27 years’ experience.
GARDEN SERVICES
05 45 30 61 41 / 06 45 90 30 67 | tree-fairy@hotmail.co.uk
05 45 25 05 37
DOMINIC LUNN
www.homme-vert.com Facebook: @hommeverttreesurgery
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