The kitchen garden, Villandry

Until 2009, the gardens at Villandry used conventional methods to fight weeds, pests and diseases, with synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers. However, in the space of a few years, the lime mite, the most common pest found at Villandry, was brought under control by introducing natural predators which replaced chemical methods very effectively.

Felix in the kitchen garden

This success led to a generalisation of organic methods over the last few years with the aim of protecting the gardeners and members of the public, which in turn has resulted in greater biodiversity and better quality soils.

This organic method consists in using organic fertilisers, natural predators in the form of insects, products that are authorised in organic farming, alternative weeding methods and plant varieties that are more disease resistant, which allows more freedom for natural balance resulting from increased biodiversity.

Photo credits Association La Cambrousse

These changes have led to a considerable decrease in chemical pesticide residues in the soil and a definite increase in the number of insects and birds, without sacrificing the quality of the garden and at lesser cost.

The exhibition will show the methods and techniques used to make Villandry a 100% organic garden.

Photo credits Innophyt