The Cordeliers botanical garden represents a moment of study for those fond of wild and medicinal plants. The visitor is gratified by the precise reconstructions of the typical habitats of the biotypes that are grown here; surprised by the rarity and quality of the species. The first legumes were planted by the monks at the time the convent was built, and the garden has been called Ordre des Cordeliers in homage to this religious past ever since it was opened to the public in 1986.
In 1996, the garden was restored much like a painting. A balance of volumes and a harmony of colour crown its botanical calling. A beautiful garden is, first of all, a place for relaxation, but also an instrument of science, education, culture and tourism. The idea was to create a “jardin de paysages" in the centre of the city by exploiting the vegetal biodiversity and the fact that aesthetics and reconstructed biotypes are complementary. From the wild plant to the one that is sown, it intends to offer the visitor a representative sampling of “portraits” on the subject of plants and their uses.
The trees were planted and sized according to the shade they provide. All along the brick-lined paths one breathes in profuse and characteristic scents, and the “English-style” flowerbeds border the sun-drenched spaces where grasshoppers sing.
The whole is crowned by the geometry of hedges that are typical of “French-style” gardens.
The entrance to the garden is embellished by countless ornamental plants, and at the foot of the old boxwood hedges an assortment of grasses sways amid the stones where Himalayan plants bloom.
Species of scented plants like pelargoniums, lavenders, roses, irises and sages are grouped together in the aromatic garden, while the vegetable garden has a collection of antique legumes from America and Europe.
An experimental garden is being prepared for teaching purposes: in this sense the garden becomes an educational medium through the observation of animal life as well. All of the species are labeled with the scientific data.
Recapiti: tel. 0492315959 Office de tourisme : tel. 0492366262
Proprietà: Ville de Digne-les-Bains.
Gestione : Service Parcs et Jardins
Orari di apertura al pubblico: entrata libera dal lunedì al venerdì dalle ore 9 alle 12 e dalle ore 14 alle 18 (dal 15 marzo al 15 novembre). Dalle ore 9 alle 12 e dalle ore 15 alle 19 (mesi di luglio e agosto). Visite guidate su appuntamento. Accesso ai portatori di handicap.
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