Cultivated since the 7th century in the medieval gardens, these plants are used for their aroma, their perfume or their medicinal properties. In the Middle Ages, they were called “simples”. These are plants, used either in dried form or in the fresh state, and having medicinal properties depending on the selected part (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, roots).


The perfume plants are mainly cultivated for their use in perfumery (absolutes, concretes, essential oils, oral water, …), in cosmetics (essential oils and floral water) and in food (floral water). Their essence does not always diffuse naturally, and may require some preparations. The essences extracted come from leaves, stems, roots, flowers or even bulbs.

Sometimes called “herbs“, aromatic plants are edible plants with fragrant leaves that enhance the taste of dishes. Some of them are also used in beneficial herbal teas (lime, verbena, thyme, rosemary, …

Plants present at Le Grand Potager

Food use:
Absinthe, Artemisia wormwood, Arquebuse aurone wormwood, Armenian mugwort, Archangel angelica, Borage, Nasturtium, Chrysanthemum, Fennel & bronze, Hibiscus sabdarifa, Lemon balm, Bergamot mint, Mint cock, Mertensia, Fistula monard, Turkish oregano, Oregano carnation Crete, Purple Perilla ‘Shiso’, Sweet Pea, Licorice, Rhubarb, Common Rosemary, Santoline Grise, Green Santoline, Blackcurrant Sage, Tagetes of Mexico, Thyme.

Perfume plants:
Cornflower, Roman chamomile, Geranium rosat, Lavender fine, Lavandin.Medicinal use:
Yarrow, Aloe vera, Pink poppy, Common comfrey, Purple echinacea, Escholtzia, Marshmallow, Mallow, St. John’s wort, Nettle, Evening primrose, Wild pansy, Sage sage, Clary sage, Sage officinale, Marigold, Common tansy, Valerian officinale.

Other Plants:
Poppy Roheras, Russian comfrey, Wheat Nielle.

Tasting at the Grand Potager

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The exploration of the Grand Potager is not only one to see and to smell. The children were able to taste a couple of fruits and edible flowers, especially marigold and nasturtium. For those who feel unsure about the flowers, … Read More

Flower hunt for Lauris school children at the Grand Potager

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During a day at the Grand Potager, nursery classes from the Lauris school had the opportunity to be involved in a flower hunt. Near the bioclimatic green house and the aromatics spiral, a lot of flowers are present. The exercise … Read More

Building the herbal spiral

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It is a spiral wall of stones lined with lean soil and pebbles. Its sunny location, its structure and its components reduce temperature variations, thanks to the accumulation of heat in the stones. The elevated shape also prevents stagnation of … Read More

Discovery of aromatic herbs

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Discovery of aromatic herbs and edible flowers at the Grand Potager.

The garden of aromatic plants and edible flowers

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The garden of aromatic plants and edible flowers of the Grand Potager still offers color and flavors to the cuisine of Fontenille.

Association of aromatic plants

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The plants of the perfume, aromatic and medicinal plant garden, are associated in groups of 2 to 4 varieties. In the garden we can find castor, borage and sweet peas grown side by side.  

Messicole plants

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Literally, messicole means, who lives in the fields. Thus, these plants are biologically adapted to agricultural land, especially cereal crops. They are also called wildflowers, or meadow plants. Considered by modern agriculture as weeds, the development of chemical treatments and … Read More

Garden of fragrant, aromatic and medicinal plants

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A garden of fragrant, aromatic and medicinal plants was set up this spring at the Grand Potager. Drawn according to a geometric plan, it gathers plants generally used for their aromas, their perfume or their medicinal properties. Some plants are … Read More