Ep. 28 Back to Work! January at my French Mansion
Now that it's the first week of the year, it's time for us to get back to work after the festivities of Christmas and New Year.
One of the largest jobs I have mentioned to you before, but given it was such a big job, I thought it was worth showing it to you in more detail. In order for a newly planted hedge to stand the best chance of survival, we needed to plant the small young hedglings, during the dormant months, when they would then have as much time as possible to be able to establish their roots. Only then, will they be able to gather themselves enough water to survive the warm and dry months. Since we are planting Acer Campestre plants, also known as field maples which are native to this region, we are hoping that they will be happy in this soil and will need minimal maintenance to stay healthy.
We did not film much while we were actually planting, as it was a 3 person job, 2 of whom do not want to appear on camera, but I can introduce you to Mr Bertry. Mr Berty is the local diggerman. He is truly an artiste, at one with his machine. After calling him for help, he usually turns up at 8am the following morning, with his digger on the back of his truck, ready to start. He is quick, precise and tidy, and made short work of digging the trench for the hedge in the rocky limestone soil.
It is a job that we had wanted to do as soon as possible after we bought the property, as the young plants will need 2 or 3 years of growth at least to actually start to resemble a hege, but with the restrictions over the past two winters, it just wasn't possible. So it's immensely satisfying to now have this job finally behind us, as hopefully we'll only need to do it once, and I'm greatly looking forward to the privacy they will provide to the garden, as well as protection from the predominantly westerly winds, coming from the atlantic coast, only an hour away.
Whilst we had a trench dug, we also made use of it to bury a dead pheasant that we found on the terrace one night. He was a beauty. We're not sure why, but it seems that he either fell off the roof while roosting, or flew into the house, in any case, he had hit his head and his neck was brocken. In some cultures, finding a dead bird may represent the end of a difficult period. Let's hope so.
After all that work in the garden, I was in a lot of pain the next day! So I took it easy whilst painting the doors in the attic, and was very glad of jason's help moving the doors for me on the day my shoulder had seized up!
In between all that work however, I also spent time with our friends and neighbours, who kindly took me out for lunch in nearby Cognac, and took me on a whistle stop tour of some of their favourite sights, including ancient pedestrian shopping streets, a 15th century tavern, a 16th Century Hôtel Particulaire with an image of a salamander, the symbol of King Francois the first above it's grand entrance, and the tourist office at the Musée des Artes.
After that we enjoyed lunch by the charente river, opposite the Chateau that is the HQ and distillery of Hennesy. Being the off season, renovations were being done outside, but the restaurant was still full of locals.
I greatly enjoyed the treat of a meal out, which included an 'amuse bouche' of asian style leek for starters, followed by a simple yet delicious white fish filet with lentils, and the Café Gourmand, with a trio of mini desserts, including: shortbread, a mini black forest gâteau and a tiny chocolate brownie.
In amongst all the activity this week, I also managed to find the time to enjoy some Charente sunshine and blue skies - yes, even now in the first week of the year, I can feel the days getting longer, and on days like this, there is even the promise of spring in the air!
Do you love DIY and Chateau KZread Channels as much as I do?
Here are just a few of the ones I follow:
@TheChateauDiaries
@GrandTourofEurope
@HowToRenovateAChateau
@DoingItOurselvesOfficial
@ThePethericks
@TheBeauChateau
@ladyofthechateau
@chateauchronicles
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@BordeauxLife
@ChateaudelaFerte
@AuPetitChateau1780
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@OurFrenchChateau
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@SoChateauxTV
@FrenchFarmhouseDiaries
@ChateaudeBruges
@ChateaudeGudanes
@MagicalModernistMansion
@Chroniclesofrosieres
@ManorandMaker
@JourneytotheChateau
Other epic DIY and Garden Channels:
@carlroge
@MartijnDoolaard
@ErikGrankvist
@HomeRenoVisionDIY
@CharlesDowding1nodig
@theflowerfarmer
Some favourite travel vlogs:
@SailingLaVagabonde
@ameinavan
@NickiPositano
Пікірлер: 61
Another beautiful video. I love that you show us so many different activities. Especially love seeing the old towns. That's going to be a wonderful hedge. Thanks for sharing.
That was so kind of you all to bury such a beautiful bird. Spring is coming .
Jenny the preparation for the hedge is massive, thank God for you have Mr. Berty and his digger, the hedge is going to be beautiful when it reaches adulthood. Thank you for burring the Pheasant,
The hedges will really add to your property. The pheasant was so beautiful. Thank you for treating it will suck respect. You did such a great job painting the doors even with a bad shoulder! Rest up a bit to heal! Enjoy
Thank you Jenny. You certainly have been working very hard. It will be rewarding when you see your hedge come into its own.
Jenny, I love your hard work planting the baby hedge plants. I also love the color of the attic doors. I have a mobility problem and use a chair to sit on working in the gardens, painting as well as other projects. We also bury the dead animals we find on our property. Take care 🙂 💕.
I can't wait to see the hedging in full glory - it will be so wonderful. So nice to have a special helper to dig for you. So sad about the pheasant, but it was kind of you to give it a proper burial. Hoping it does indeed bring an end to a difficult period for you. I love the colour of the doors which you painted. Thanks for sharing today.
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Lisa. It's so lovely to have you joining me 🥰
The back garden will look absolutely Wonderful ! Great job with painting doors. And oh my the 15th century tavern and other sights! Thank you Jenny.
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Amina for joining me so consistently 💕🤗💕
Good afternoon Jenny, what a lovely video!! Hedges are great for wind breaks, I am sure you picked the better hedge for your area as well. We have had much windy days recently, another North Westerly wind which brings much dust in the meantime, hopefully this will also bring some early spring rains which we need desperately after our dry winter. Our actual rainy season starts in the month of October, hopefully a shower will pass in the meantime. The Mayor seems so kind and helpful. It is great having people helping and understanding the need for their contributions. The neighbours are just lovely, and so kind taking you to lunch and showing some of her favourite shopping avenues. Time is marching on for me, have to get things done. Kind regards, Elize
@jennyschateaufarm
10 ай бұрын
Hi Elize, Glad to hear you have spring days coming along soon! Spring is always my favourite time of the year 🤗
Thanks for another wonderful video, Jenny. I so enjoy the ambiance you create, it’s very inspiring.
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Claire! 💕🤗💕
Just amazing the history and sites you are surrounded by. Thank you for sharing and taking us with you. ❤
So sorry about the pheasant. Such a beautiful bird. Hopefully the hedge will take and loved the tour with your friends. Thanks for sharing 😍😘
Thanks Jenny, this was a real day brightener for me.
Another wonderful video. Glad to see you getting sun. It is so good for mood and health.
Thank you for sharing, nicely done.
Well done with the hedge planting Jenny & your door painting 👏 Oh poor pheasant .. you buried him with such tenderness & care ☺️ Cognac looks wonderful .. quaint streets & shops & a tasty treat 😋 Thank you for another lovely video 💕
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Helen! Thank you for joining me again! I hope 2023 is treating you well so far 🥰
Yet another beautifully narrated episode! Respect to the pheasant, so poignant!🙏 Rikki Biermann, Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦
Thank you for including sitting in the sunshine. I recognized your red slippers because I received and love my new navy blue ones and love them!
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
That’s great Mary! Yes I have two pairs of Charentaise slippers, one in pink felt, and my Luxe pair in glittered sheepskin! So glad you are loving yours too 🤗
Thank you Jenny. A very Happy New to you all. 👋🏻😊
Haven't you learned yet....that wasn't really sunshine and blue skies in France, angels trick the French with mirrors throughout winter, and you fell for it!!!!! There is only gray skies or rain in France in the winter!!!
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hmmm... France is a large country. I would agree, that much of is only gray in winter, but not always here in the South West. Where are you Kevin?
@kevinjewell233
Жыл бұрын
@@jennyschateaufarm Paris, but that's an old french saying...
wow, the feel of spring in the air already? winter must be short in the Charente. It feels so long here in Tasmania. I really miss the 8 week winters of Newcastle, New South Wales!!!
Hi Jenny loved the 15th century building right up my street and on your hedge you have just planted you would do good for them by watering every individual plant with around 5 litres of rain water to give them a good head start so the roots get to touch the water to stimulate them hope your shoulder gets better soon thanks for sharing all the Best Budo & Tracy xx
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for that Budo & Tracy! No need to water the hedge thankfully as it rained the whole week since! Great for the plants, but it made the last day of planting very hard work as the soil was that much heavier to move! Hope you're getting some breaks from the rain to continue with your planting. 🥰
@FrenchFarmhouseDiaries
Жыл бұрын
@@jennyschateaufarm Hi Jenny yes we have been up the garden today and filmed for Wednesdays video back on the porch tomorrow building the low walls of the foundation
I am feeling so blessed to have found your channel🙌😍thank you so much for sharing all this beauty 😘greetings from Susanne, Denmark
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Susanne, no it is I who am blessed that you found me! Thank you for joining me from beautiful Denmark 💕🤗💕
The pheasant was beautiful and that was very moving!
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
I know! Wasn't he gorgeous?! He was as pretty as a peacock!
Happy New year Jenny. That’s tons of hard work. Wishing you the best in 2023!
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Rhonda! Best wishes to you too! 💕🤗💕
What a project planting your hedge! It will be lovely. I always find finite jobs so satisfying, mostly because, when they're done, they're done! Did you have time to see the Lalique exhibit at the Musee? Nice that you have some sun, we're in rain here, but it's finally above 40F, or 4.4C. I've been doing bulb pots, mostly daffodil because deer won't eat them. Do you have snowdrops? Mine are just peeking through the mulch. Happy 2023!
Great video. Thank you.
Such a pleasure watching your vlog. How is your shoulder? Thank you. And, many blessings from our Creator for a year of health, joy, productivity and beauty.
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Alicia, My shoulder is all better now thank you. Wishing you a wonderful 2023 too 💕🤗💕
Given the history of your new home I recommend you read "Dancing to the Precipice: The Life of Lucie de la Tour Du Pin" by Caroline Moorehead, I am sure you will enjoy it.
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the book tip. It looks very interesting! 🤗
thanks
9:38 very nice thank you
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Milagro! 🥰
Delightful. Hope your shoulder is ok?
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Leigh, Yes it’s all good now thanks! 💕🤗💕
Oh I loved your vlog about the different types of houses in France. But please could you draw a map of the lay-out of the chateau. I did follow the tour of the house but it is not easy to get a full idee of the chateau and the grounds. Thank you.
Wow Jenny thats alot of work u are doing, but well worth it as it will grow to look great. 1 Question are u doing this home all by ur self, just new to ur volg
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Valarie! Thank you. No I'm here with my husband and son, but they don't like to be on camera, so mostly it's just me on camera. So glad to have you join me. 🥰
Did you get a new drone from Santa? Hapoy new year Jenny.
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Rhonda! Yes indeed I did. This one with obstacle avoidance sensors! 💕🛸💕
@rhondadean5455
Жыл бұрын
@@jennyschateaufarm oh I'm so glad you did. I think I'd like a drone. I'm in conjested urban area. Maybe if Lord ever sees fit for me to live rural I could get one. I have two telescopes waiting to be used. Too much light trash here. 8"orion deep space and 6" nexstar go to. I will enjoy your new footage. Have fun dear.
Do the beautiful beams need to be sealed or oiled? The attic will be gorgeous.
@jennyschateaufarm
11 ай бұрын
Hi Susan, yes the beams have been treated before work began, and at some point I hope to find time to oil and wax them. 🤗
Wow, that’s a huge project! How many plants are needed to complete the hedge?
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Lynette, I lost count, but we must have planted about 100 plants 🤗
Why are your husband and son so camera shy? Are they wanted criminals? 😆 🤣 😂 I hope that hedge turns out well for you. It will give you some privacy screening. Is that just a pasture on the other side of your fence?
@jennyschateaufarm
Жыл бұрын
Hi Werner, yes they probably are wanted for something 🤣 The other side of the fence is our neighbours garden.