The grounds around Le Chatel have number of mature trees...including apple, cherry, two large productive walnut trees and also a weeping willow and several firs. There are also several smaller orchard trees and ornamentals. The upper part of the meadow is planted with snowdrops and the bankside behind the house has wild primroses and cowslips.  

The land is bounded by farm land...mostly pasture and orchard, but also some arable land. Beyond that is woodland...lots of marked paths to explore. The result is we have lots of wildlife visit...including deer (we have had fawns hiding in our front terrace area) wild boar, pine marten, red squirrel (never grey in France), European tree frogs which change colour as they jump, lizards, garden dormice, bats, weasels,edible dormice....and just plain mice and voles. Birds regularly spotted include heron, buzzard and a whole range of birds of prey,  green woodpeckers, cuckoos, jays, yellow hammers, and many more. Dragonflies and butterflies are constant visitors to the garden. And the meadow is full of the chirruping of crickets on fine summer evenings.

 The cottage is framed by a traditional 'cottage garden'. Unlike some arid areas of France, Normandy lends itself to successful English gardening styles and I have planted traditional favorites such as hollyhocks and lupins and foxgloves which grow in profusion.  And of course it provides a lovely setting for eating outdoors! One border captures a lot of sun and this lends itself to lavender and rock-roses.