Year 2019 was not enough... 2020 sounds better

Christmas and New-years Eve of 2019 were quite cold in the Cevennes, but still mild and even sunny on the top of the Causses. We had some hard time to heat the place as we could not make any wood fire in the fireplace, as the cheminee was not checked for many years... At least, the view from our venue was simply unbeatable and despite the harsh winter winds, rebuilding dry walls, sifting soils, and planting trees was a most enjoyable venture.

Mirjam and myself did plant some apple, peer, peach and prune trees in zone 1 of the house as well as berries and wine grapes on the front yard. Digging the soil was easier as we had thought, having some difficulties at the beginning with the topsoil and a large amount of stones to be sifted, but the deeper we went, the easier it got.

We could dig up the necessary 60cm hole to put our young trees and covered the top with a mixture of potting soil and mature earth dirt, and some mulch we produced back in October to cover the edges. Tutors were added to support the young trees in their growth. we used natural fiber from a climbing plant to attach both.

Dry walls are beautiful but hard to realise when stones are so heavy. There are of course lifting techniques with counterweight help and shifting of the stones, but you still need to be careful. I think the final stone was about 200 kg or more, It took me 20 minutes to put it at the right place! Considerably important is also the base of the wall, wide enough to support the entire weight, but not too deep in order to sustain the wall overall aspect. The top of the wall will receive a little cubicle made of stone plates which will host some herbs and flowers in the spring.