As organic gardeners, we go beyond the formal garden concept, feeding the soil with homemade compost, which is environmentally friendly and creates habitats for insects, birds and wildlife. We use natural resources such as bamboo and wood and ensure that all organic matter is composted without chemicals and returned to the soil. No chemicals or pesticides are used and we make our own fertiliser from nettles and weeds. Our main source of water is well and rainwater. Biodiversity creates gardens that are respectful of wildlife and flora.
Save wildlife, flora and our planet
Discover our hotel with garden near Narbonne
At Château du Puits es Pratx, we are committed to growing flowers, herbs and vegetables that have not been subjected to any chemical or synthetic fertilizers or herbicides. We only use natural methods to combat insects and natural and organic means to fertilize the soil. Our belief is simple: that organic food products are safer and healthier for our diet and that wildlife and insects are an integral part of our life on this planet, which we share together.
Growing for health and helping to preserve nature Plants, insects, birds and bees
We grow our own herbs and aromatic plants for our restaurant in our 'secret garden' and 'nursery'. Bees and insects love to gorge themselves on the nectar, as do we with the wonderful flavours and aromas that the plants grown here provide.
The biodiversity makes our gardens welcoming to wildlife. We grow lavender, eucalyptus, sage, tarragon, rosemary, aloe vera, mint, nasturtiums and many other plants, legumes, fruits and herbs.
Support the future of organic gardening Our organic gardens
We have created a 'Garden Discovery Route Map for guests staying with us, so they can explore the gardens for themselves and learn how we continue to establish organic gardening and maintenance, which is essential for a healthy world. We use methods such as companion planting, crop rotation, soil management, composting, pest and disease management. But above all, we have tried to create an environment where you can relax, knowing that we have taken care to protect and support our little part of our precious planet.
Birdwatching at the castle Birds and a discovery trail
In spring, the swallows swoop back to the same nesting site, under the eaves of the open barn. They nest happily, the cats doze below, oblivious to their feathered friends. Spring is also heralded by the magnificent hoopoe, with its distinctive flight and call, and by the swifts that roam the sky, where bee-eaters fight over the vines and owls socialize in a pine tree by our pool. There are reed warblers, rollers and birds of prey soaring above, looking for their next meal. We have a birdwatching point in the middle of our bamboo hedge where you will find peace and quiet.
Cut flower gardens Flowering possibilities
Not only are cut flowers expensive, but the carbon footprint is staggering. Cut flowers often come from Kenya, the Netherlands, Israel, Colombia and Ecuador. The environmental impact of this industry is growing. Emissions are not the only problem, the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers abound, polluting groundwater and poisoning pollinators. At Chateau du Puits es Pratx we understand that at your wedding you will want beautiful flowers, so we try to encourage the use of live plants that we can grow in advance. We also grow cut flowers, foliage, ivy, ferns and flower varieties that are local to the region.