Grower’s digest - June 2019

Stay fresh in the summer sun

A summer gift for the garden lover who has everything: 2019’s must-have to keep cool in a canicule is this terrace canopy with built-in mist spray.

This triangular shade sail with six spraying nozzles dispenses a fine mist of water as cool as -10°C. It comes in three colours – grey, blue and lime green – and each side measures 3.6m.

Voile d’ombrage brumisateur, €75 from www.jardideco.fr

Smart gardening

Like it or not, the machines are taking over your garden.

Among the hi-tech assistants to look out for – besides a slew of irrigation contraptions – are robotic mowers; the SmartPlant phone app with expert advice on command; and the Ollivan plant monitor that keeps an eye on temperature, sunlight, soil nutrients and moisture levels.

A high point for raised potagers

A raised potager (vegetable garden) has many benefits but not many are suitable for working on by those with limited mobility or in a wheelchair.

This 100% made in France oak version from JardiHand gives optimal position for seated gardening in safety, and is made from high quality, ultra-resistant and robust wood. Available in small (57x57cm) and medium (97x57cm) sizes.

From €229 from www.jardihand.com

Insta-jardins

Social media app Instagram is a brilliant way to enjoy other people’s gardens in France, with everyone from chateau visitors to chambre d’hôtes owners posting seasonal snaps and quirky updates from their gardens (users can search using the hashtag #jardins or #jardinage).

This month’s selection features a well-intentioned if rather unhelpful gardening colleague for lakene_de_libex