In the 18th century, Dom Alexandre Perraud, a monk with a keen love for gardens, kept a ledger on his purchases for the gardens at La Chartreuse. His records tell us about the choices made to design the Procurer’s Garden. He purchased tropical plants such as orange trees and jasmine plants; he trained young trees, made artificial flowers and sent gifts of flowers to thank benefactors and benefactresses… Today, this garden is planted with Mediterranean and tropical species and with delicate roses. Citrus trees, planted in large terra cotta pots, add to the beauty of this garden.
Orange trees: Were brought to Europe in the 14th century by merchants from the Middle East. The Carthusian monks used oranges to make their spice cake.
Fig trees: The fig leaf served to conceal Adam’s nudity. Figs are a symbol of the abundance of paradise.
Pomegranate: Pomegranates have been common to the Mediterranean area since ancient times. The pomegranate, celebrated in the Canticle of Canticles, symbolises the unity of the Church. It is the fruit of harmony.
Persimmons, Magnolias were planted in the 19th century by the villagers who took over La Chartreuse after the French Revolution.
