Kerusten Gardens is one of the most exciting projects I know !

There are so many projects running at the same time, you feel you'll always find a way of fitting in: the tending to the gardens is quite a job, just keeping walking and service alleys in order, than although Kerusten Gardens has turned to BRF for solving part of the weeding problem and improving the soil, there is still is a lot to do, specially as no chemical treatment are ever used at Kerusten ! (except coffee, tea, beer and other beverages for helpers, gardeners, visitors...)

Joining Kerusten Gardens can mean

Tending the garden • using the tractor • mowing the grass lanes •   keeping the path down to the river in shape •  freeing the river from invasive species • protecting special flora  • Taking part in the butterfly survey • Building shelters for birds (LPO project),• keeping tracks of nesting birds  • counting swallows  • weeding out the rediscovered  fountain  • weeding the shrubs, roses, perennials pots in the nursery • tending all baby plants in the conservatory  • digging out potatoes  • collecting your own salad from the garden • planting of all sorts  • taking part in the "Lovers' feast (june) and other special happenings • welcoming visitors  • holding the fort while Philippe and Noelle are on the move to sell their rose shrubs in garden events  • talking to your wheelbarrow about eff... brambles... • tasting Noelle and Philippe cooking (georgeous)  • building some nice and handsome woodfences • disentangling clematis from its neighbour • and also : masonry •  helping with the barn project (lots to do see below) • painting doors or windows • maintaining the helpers blog (wifi high speed connexion on the grounds)

KERUSTEN  VEGETAL COLLECTIONS

Kerusten Gardens wish to extend as much as possible their plant collections.

Ancient roses...

Noelle has now collected more than 500 species, a respectable number. In order to extend this collection, Kerusten has started a exchange programm with other gardens or passionnate amateurs... which means dealing with cuttings, soil and pots, (and going to the post office to send out our own !)

Other collections are : pelargoniums (even more cuttings !), paeonias, hydrangeas which are in a ideal spot to reveal and are a real treat in summer.

Lately, a Lemoine Collection has been started.

Victor Lemoine from Nancy, has been one of the most successful obtentor of plants of the last century. Well-known for his lilacs (syringa), he is indeed father to a host of plants... shrubs, perennials, annuals.. : peonies, roses, pelargoniums, clematis, fuchsias...

So Kerusten Gardens has just engaged in a very exciting chase, and expects to dramatically increase its  collection in the coming years, which means planning new extensions to the Gardens !

Nursery and Conservatory

Part of the activity is also to grow some of the cuttings of the ancient roses varieties which Noelle and Philippe sell out on "foire aux plantes" or at other gardens events. When visitors come to visit Kerusten Gardens they also usually like to have a look at what is in store in the nursery and conservatory, and buy one or more very healthy "souvenirs" from their visit ! All Kerusten Gardens roses are grown on their own roots, none are grafted. Of course, there usually is also quite a large offer of perennials (not many of each, but a nice assortment)

For unfortunate people unable to come and visit, it is always possible to arrange something by mail through ebay.

Kerusten Barn architectural  and refitting project

Meanwhile the housing needs tending to : after some important work and with the greatest care to the local style, one barn called "longère" is out of danger, the roof has been redone, the windows reffited. But there is still a lot of work such as : insulation under the roof, turning the inside wolume in two nice snug accomodations with open fire and an indisputed view on the Gardens. What a wonderful helpers - wwoofers accomodation this will be !

At the moment, Kerusten helpers are lodged in the former farmer house, which is normally rented during holidays to families up to six people. I must say it is quite comfortable ! It is though a bit of a shame to have to choose between having help OR money through the renting, both being very useful  !

So finishing the "longère" barn architectural project has a great importance for Kerusten Gardens as it means providing shelter for helpers and funds for the project.

You'd like to know more about accommodation, organisation, and so on...
please contact us by mail or phone