Storm CIARAN hit the west of France on November 2, and like many other storms, it caused a lot of damage here in the garden. A lot of collection plants fell and were lost, and a first assessment has been made: so far,we’ve lost 39 trees or shrubs, 12 Eucalyptus, 3 Banksia and 3 Acacia, 3 Corokia, 4 Pittosporum, 2 Hakea and 3 Grevillea .
We have 17 dry losses, i.e. species that we only had in a single specimen. We’ve also lost Wriddingtonia cedarbergensis, but he’s left us plenty of fruit. We’re looking for Banksia cunninghamii and Grevillea olivacea. These are Proteaceae we’d like to get back for our collection.
This initial assessment is by no means exhaustive, as the damage will continue to be felt over the coming months, with trees and shrubs weakened, plants dried out by the wind, or weakened by the fall of other fallen trees. Since November 3, the garden team has been engaged in a titanic task of cutting, cleaning, shredding and saving the plants that can be saved. It’s a task that’s going to take time, and one that needs to be carried out surgically to avoid making matters worse. It’s also a job of rethinking the garden. Added to this is the destruction of 3 of the 4 production greenhouses, and the plants they contained. This loss is complicated and will be very costly for the association. We remain optimistic and are keeping our spirits high, and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have shown their support! We hope to see you when the garden reopens next March, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed! Happy New Year to all, and good luck to those who are still in a difficult situation.
