It is iris time here in Normandy, and as well as enjoying them in the garden, we are also happy to admire the purple spires growing on thatched walls and rooftops.
This is a tradition peculiar to our part of Normandy, where there are still craftsmen to thatch, and where we like to add a few succulents and irises to the peak of a thatch covering, so the roots help anchor the reed thatching.
The lifespan of a good thatched roof can attain about 45 years; it is said to keep the house warm in winter and cool in the summer. When it rains (which it does a lot in Normandy!) only the top layer is humid, the rest remaining dry as the water runs away.
Personally, it works for me. I love the country charm it adds and the soft palette of colours.
What do you think? Would you like a home with flowers growing on the rooftop?!
What is sure is that I loved the outline of this thatched wall, early one sunny morning this weekend.
Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into traditional normandy. Thank you for your comments over the past days, so sorry I've been too busy to answer all my mails, or comments. Next week I should do better .....
Posts
