Out of the House: My Soon-To-Be French Garden

As I sit in my 170-year-old French home, I find myself increasingly drawn to the world beyond its weathered stone walls. The allure of creating a garden that connects me to the rich history of this land has become irresistible. In my quest for inspiration, I stumbled upon an unexpected guide: Charlemagne’s Capitulare de Villis, a document from the early 9th century that stands as one of history’s first comprehensive gardening manuals.

This 1200-year-old text has unexpectedly become my blueprint for sustainable French country living. Its wisdom, though ancient, resonates deeply with modern principles of self-sufficiency and harmony with nature. As I prepare to transform my out of the house space, I find myself bridging centuries, connecting with the land in ways that would be familiar to those who tended these soils over a millennium ago.

The Historical Foundation

The Capitulare de Villis, enacted by Charlemagne around the year 800 AD, was more than just a gardening guide. It was a standardized set of agricultural practices designed to ensure productivity and self-sufficiency across his vast empire. The document’s list of 90 recommended plants wasn’t arbitrary; it represented a carefully curated selection of species that could provide food, medicine, and other essential resources for medieval communities.

What’s truly remarkable is how relevant Charlemagne’s gardening wisdom remains today. As we grapple with issues of food security and sustainable living, the principles outlined in this ancient text offer a roadmap to a more self-reliant and ecologically sound way of life.

Out of the House: Garden Zones Inspired by Medieval Organization

Taking cues from medieval garden organization, I’ve divided my outdoor space into distinct zones, each serving a specific purpose:

The Kitchen Garden (Potager)
At the heart of my garden will lie the potager, a concept with deep roots in French gardening tradition. Here, I’ll grow the essential vegetables and herbs for daily cooking, arranged in a way that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Medicine Garden (Herbularius)
Inspired by Monastic gardens of old, this section will be dedicated to healing plants and herbs for traditional remedies.

The Orchard
A selection of fruit and nut trees will provide seasonal harvests, just as they did in Charlemagne’s time.

The Vineyard Corner
While I can’t match the extensive vineyards of my neighbors, a modest grape arbor will pay homage to France’s viticultural heritage.

The Wildflower Meadow
These areas [odd corners and bits and pieces here and there] will support pollinators, recognizing the importance of biodiversity, a concept understood even in medieval times.

Charlemagne’s Plants That Will Thrive in My French Garden

Herbs That Connect Me to Medieval France

The Capitulare de Villis lists an impressive array of herbs, many of which will find a home in my garden. Rosemary, sage, and thyme are not just kitchen workhorses but also connect me to centuries of French culinary tradition. Medicinal herbs like fennel and mint, valued by Charlemagne, will serve double duty in my kitchen and home apothecary.

Vegetables With Medieval Roots

I’m excited to grow leeks, garlic, and onions, staples in both the Capitulare and modern French cuisine. Root vegetables that store well through winter, such as carrots and parsnips, will ensure a year-round food supply, just as they did in Charlemagne’s time. Leafy greens like lettuce and chicory, mentioned in the historical document, will be regular features on my table.

Fruits and Nuts: The Perennial Providers

Apple and pear varieties that have grown in France since Charlemagne’s era will form the backbone of my orchard. A walnut tree will provide both shade and nutrition, while berry patches offer sweet rewards with minimal effort, embodying the sustainable spirit of medieval gardening.

Living Outdoors Like It’s 812 AD (But Comfortably)

My garden design goes beyond plant selection to create outdoor “rooms” for different activities. An outdoor kitchen centered around fire cooking will harken back to medieval culinary practices. A dining area will allow me to enjoy meals made from garden harvests in the open air. Restful spots under trees listed in the Capitulare will provide perfect afternoon reading nooks.

Sustainable Practices That Bridge Thirteen Centuries

Implementing no-till gardening methods and companion planting techniques, I’m embracing wisdom that has stood the test of time. Seed saving will ensure the preservation of heritage varieties, while water conservation approaches make sense in any century. These practices not only honor historical gardening traditions but also align with modern sustainability goals.

Seasonal Rhythms: Living by Nature’s Calendar

My garden life will follow the rhythm of the seasons:

Spring Awakening
As the earth thaws, I will begin first harvests and prepare beds for new plantings, much as medieval gardeners would have done.

Summer Abundance
Peak production time will see me harvesting daily and preserving excess for leaner months.

Autumn Transition
I will focus on harvesting late crops, storing produce, and preparing the garden for its winter rest.

Winter Rest
While the garden sleeps, I will plan next year’s layout and enjoy the preserved bounty of warmer months.

Conclusion: The Timeless Wisdom of Getting “Out of the House”

Charlemagne’s plant list has deepened my connection to French history in ways I never anticipated. Living in harmony with seasonal cycles will bring a profound sense of connection to the land and its rhythms. My “out of the house” lifestyle will transform my French country experience, rooting me firmly in both the past and present of this remarkable place.

As I continue this journey, I invite you to explore historical gardening texts for your own inspiration. The wisdom of our ancestors, as I’ve discovered, often holds the keys to a more sustainable and fulfilling future.

What medieval gardening traditions do you practice? Have you explored the full Capitulare de Villis plant list? I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer questions about specific plants or practices mentioned here. Let’s continue this conversation and grow together, bridging centuries through our shared love of gardening.