The Gardens in Winter

« Next Winter comes slowly,

pale, meagre and old,

First trembling with age

and then quivering with cold;

Benumbed with hard frosts

and with snow covered o'er,

Prays the sun to restore him. »

"Now Winter comes Slowly" The fairy Queen, Purcell (1692)

The gardeners also prune all the plants that bloom in the summer as well as the ash trees, willows and all the shrubs.

They also take care of the plants and fruit trees, such as lemon trees, kumquats and potted flowers, which are weakened by the harsh temperatures of the Vendée winter.