Despite a climate that is not always favorable, Cyril Chevrolet maintains a small jungle at home in Courrendlin, in the Delémont valley. Welcome to the Exotic Garden of Andains.
The plantation includes, among other things, a banana tree of the Himalayas, a Mahonia (a shrub), an Indies lilac, an Asimina Triloba (a fruit tree), a magnolia (a flower shrub), a yuzu (a citrus of Japan) and a eucalyptus. But also carnivorous plants, ferns or even cacti.
All continents are represented. The amateur gardener has been passionate about exotic plants since his young years.
“It started with a greenhouse with my parents in Ajoie when I was about 16 years old,” said Cyril Chevrolet. “Installing a greenhouse here was not too possible. So I turned to what I could do without a greenhouse, but which was still exotic. It is the travel side that interests me.”
Win winter
If some plants come from local brands, Cyril Chevrolet went to get the most exotic in other latitudes. The challenge is to keep them in shape.
“You have to have time in summer to water. Very dry summers, it takes a lot of time. And during the winter, you have to have time to protect the most fragile plants, which involves looking at the weather quai every day,” explains the gardener.
Exotic Courrendlin plants are not afraid of ever warmer summers experienced by Switzerland. But beware in winter, because temperatures can sometimes reach -18 degrees in this region.
“In summer, the plants will leave anyway, even with storm and hail. But in winter, if it is too cold, it is possible that they do not leave. They will freeze,” said the gardener.
Cyril Chevrolet likes to share his gardening techniques on social networks, but also in real life. The Exotic Garden of Andains is open to visits. Animal enthusiasts are also welcome, since it also welcomes a small menagerie.
TV Subject: Thierry Grünig
Adaptation web: Antoine Michel
