Désinvolte: Mom's new pet (and a message from Smokey?)
The Vas-y Effect. You know this secret to happiness and success...

Hommage: Adieu Mr. Farjon "The Plant Whisperer"

Robert Farjon peugeot bike
Robert Farjon leaving Domaine Rouge-Bleu, where my family once lived. The hollyhocks seem to be hugging his vintage Peugeot bicycle. Find out why plants love this dearly departed Frenchman in the following tribute. 

TODAY'S WORD: amour-en-cage

    : love in a cage

Amour-en-cage is a synonym for Chinese lantern, or physalis. I loved the term the moment Robert Farjon shared it, and today it is especially meaningful.  

ADIEU, ROBERT
France has lost a national treasure. Plant & Provence historian Robert Farjon has passed away. I learned of Monsieur Farjon's passing from Caroline, winemaker/owner, with Thomas, at Domaine Rouge-Bleu vineyard and B&B in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes. The following story, written years ago, is in hommage to Mr. Farjon. Thank you for reading and for sharing today's remembrance far and wide. 

A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE... by Kristin Espinasse

August 14, 2012 - I had an unexpected visit from Mr Farjon the other day. It was such a coincidence, as I had been thinking of him recently—nostalgically remembering all the visits he paid me a several years back.

Just like old times, Mr Farjon parked his ancient Peugeot (a bicycle) outside our portail, leaning it against a giant wine barrel, one of two that flank the entrance to our courtyard. Running up to the gate to greet him, I noticed how stiff his legs were as he walked, slightly hunched over. Instead of leading him to the picnic table, beneath the old mulberry tree, I offered him a seat on the steps beside it.

I was eager to point out our new friends in the garden.... Four years ago, there wouldn't have been any mirabilis jalapa, or marvel of Peru, growing here—and forget about the lily of Spain, or valerian, which now shot up throughout the courtyard, in splashes of raspberry red! Today our garden is home to many a drought-tolerant flower, thanks to those who have sown the love of plants in my heart.

Despite the drought (read: we did not water our grass this year, and parts of the garden suffered the pinch), there were a few plants I wanted to show Mr Farjon, now that the plant whisperer had re-appeared after a 4-year absence.  

But it was difficult to concentrate on my guest, what with Smokey hovering between us. Like a gawky, attention-vying sibling who wants to join in, Smokey wagged his entire body, inching between my friend and me. His full body wag said I'm so happy to see you!, never mind the two had never met before. Indeed, it had been that long—my dog's lifetime—since Mr Farjon last came to visit.

Despite the giant four-pawed fly buzzing between us, I managed to speak to Mr Farjon.

"What have you got there?" I asked Monsieur. Waiting for the answer, I casually pushed Smokey aside, but my dog just wiggled right back in again, so I gave in.  

Smokey and I watched as Mr Farjon selected a long and thorny stem from the pile of just-picked weeds beside him.
"It's a chardon. We call it chausse-trappe," Farjon explained. With that, my venerable visitor told the story of how the plant got its name: the roman army dug ditches and filled them with this needle-sharp weed. And the poor stacked it on rooftops....

"To keep away thieves?" I guessed. 

Mr Farjon shook his head, repeating, simply, that the dried plant was piled on housetops. (I guessed again: for insulation?) As I tried to picture the thorny rooftops, Monsieur Farjon presented the next specimen, aigre-moine .

"Sour-monk" I mumbled, trying to translate the term.

As with each plant he brings, Monsieur took pains to point out where he had uprooted it. "Next to the telephone line. Beside the ditch—just up the street, after the fork in the road."

If I made the mistake of showing a blank look, Monsieur repeated himself, in addition to his usual stuttering, until I nodded convincingly: "Yes, beside the telephone line, up the street--just after the fork in the road!" It seemed important to Monsieur that the plant's location was understood, and he insisted certain plants were very rare these days. When new vineyards are planted, many of these rare plants are torn out. "You can find this plant by the telephone pole," Monsieur repeated, sending an unmistakable order that I should pull over and observe the weed the next time I drove by.

"It contains tanin..." Monsieur spoke a bit about the aigre-moine. "It was used to color wine." Just as I began to wonder whether or not to run and get Jean-Marc from the wine-cellar (wouldn't he love to know about this one?!), Mr Farjon set down yet another specimen.

"Epine du Christ."

"I remember that one," I said, softly. Mr Farjon had once showed me the thorny weed, otherwise known as "Christ's crown". It was this weed—found here in our neighborhood, that was used to torture Jesus.

We paused in time to move to the picnic table, where I asked Mr Farjon if he would note the names of the plants in today's lesson.

  DSC_0338

As he wrote, I noticed his hands--the hands of a plant man! Long nails, perfect for pinching or cutting weed samples, and dirt beneath the tips--evidence of the morning's plant harvest!

DSC_0333

To some people, long soil-stained nails equal unkempt.  Others might notice the beauty of these nails, with their hard, smooth surface and elegant curve--perfect for scooping out a plant's delicate racine. As I stared at Mr Farjon's nails, I was unexpectedly envious. I wished my own nails were as healthy looking (though, admittedly, I couldn't own up to the caked dirt part--but that is only because I have not earned the right to wear dirt on my person--or under my nails. But a plant genius may sport soil wherever he pleases and the world would do well to respect him for it!)

As for Mr Farjon, he was oblivious to all the thoughts bubbling up in my head, thoughts about how and how not to appear to society. Thankfully, Monsieur's attention was focused on the task before him.
Farjon handwriting
Watching him write, I had a hunch that the moment was something to capture. It may not have been history in the making, and this may not have been an historical figure, but the moment and the person were just as fascinating. I ran to get my camara.

It occured to me to try and capture a shot of the two of us, by using the automatic timer.... 

DSC_0340
Notice Mr Farjon's concentration. He would eventually look up, to question what all my running back and forth was about.

  DSC_0342

"Now look into the lens," I said, coaching my subject.

 "I'm not photogenic," Mr Farjon demured.

"You are beautiful!" I assured him.

"My birthday is tomorrow," he confided. 

(He was turning 83.)


Farjon bike market

The trusty Peugeot... I took a photo of the two when I first moved to Sainte Cécile. I didn't know Monsieur at the time, but thought I'd spotted an unforgettable character, and wrote about it here.

I sent Mr Farjon off with some samples from my own garden (see photo at the top of this post, and the mysterious package in his hand). He very much wanted the two kinds of chamomile growing there, gifts from the Dirt Divas. I tucked several dates inside the bag, for a sweet surprise--nourishment a plant genius needs while burning the midnight oil, poring over plantasauruses or thesauruses or dictionaries, rather. 

Then I watched as he rode off into the endless blue and green horizon.

     *    *    * 

DSC_0349
Mr Farjon departing on his Peugeot. What a chance it was to spend time with you, Monsieur Farjon. Adieu, merci, and please say hello to Smokey who passed away one day after you. He was the very same age, too (in dog years): 92

Here is darling Smokey, as a young lad, when he first met Mr Farjon. In this picture he is showing his respect for the plant man the only way he knew how: getting tangled up in some leafy subject matter:

Smokey loves gardening

 
Farjon book cover
Mr Farjon and his Peugeot bike on the cover of First French "Essais". The last chapter, about meeting Farjon, is online (scroll down the page until you see the title "The Plant Man". 
Finally, do not miss Mireille Besnardeau's (Robert Farjon's niece) excellent hommage in FrenchView the printed article .

Robert Farjon portrait
Reposez en paix, Robert Farjon (August 9, 1929-July 15, 2022)

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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety

Comments

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Eileen

Hi Kristi,
I remember this story about Mr. Farjon. How wonderful that you got a chance to know him! I love the last photo of him in the blue shirt! The photo of him riding away on his vintage Peugeot off to meet the Lord!

John H Abeles MD

M Farjon won’t be Far Gone in our memories after this ineffable essay…

Merci bien, Chere Kristin

Warmth

JHA

Patricia Sands

A lovely tribute for a special man. What fun to know he and his bike are featured on your wonderful book. I have always admired that cover. Adieu M. Farjon

Muriel

So wonderful to have had such a great mentor of plants.

Nancy

Such a lovely remembrance - you know how to touch the heart. I miss Smokey too. A vision of him trotting along M Farjon and his bicycle comes into my mind. Warmest regards.

Muriel

Here’s something from a blog post today to encourage you….
“I believe a garden gives you life. It sustains you when you need to be sustained, and you sustain the garden when it neeeds to be sustained.”
—Rucy, a Mercer Island, WA gardener
From GreenPrints for “Gardeners who cannot garden” on 2022-11-10

Carolyn Rider Chase

So difficult to lose these venerable folks, gentle, persistent, knowledgeable, giving more than taking, living the simple values, close to nature and to God. Carrying the history of their world, and sharing it with those wise and receptive enough to appreciate and use what they can.

Cerelle Bolon

What a lovely story about a very special man. You were honored by him as he knew you were truly interested in what he knew and was sharing with you. This story really struck me, not only because I am now 85 and see time passing so quickly, but because I too, love plants and the wonderful stories about them and what they can do. We have here in Arizona many plants that are marvelous but are neglected by our newer residents. One special one if the ironwood tree which is beloved by birds and bees and other animals. Someday I will tell you of the huge on in my yard which I planted from a seed at least 50 years ago! Smokey, too, understood what a fine friend this man was. Dogs have a great sense of people, don't they? Happy thought, those two together! Love to you, dear Kristi.

Kristin Espinasse


Thank you, Carolyn. A wonderful summary of why this was such a great loss. 

Joanne

Quelle bonne histoire, Kristi ! The way you describe this gentleman is very touching. You have given him the respect and honor he deserves in a very graceful way. This is definitely one of your best pieces of writing and would be my choice for an entry in your collection of « My Readers’ Favorites « .

Leslie NYC

M.Farjon was indeed beautiful. He looked on the outside as he must have been on the inside. What struck me was how, as a writer, photographer, neighbor, and kindred spirit, you instantly knew this was a fascinating man. That says so much about you. His choice of plants at the end, with his reasons and symbols, is lovely and timeless.
Un grand merci pour ton portrait émouvant.

Marti Hinman

Dear Kristi,

Your stories are always very touching and meaningful. Thank you for sharing the story of M. Farjon, very special friendship with a sage man.

When I looked at his hand and fingers, it reminded me of my mom, she would have said in Spanish, "son manos trabajadoras" ❤️

Kitty Wilson-Pote

Such a warm embrace, this tribute to M. Farjon, Kristi! It's a deep, bittersweet joy to meet him again here, and to share in your appreciation and fellowship with a special elder. I love how the warmth of your portrait of him includes so much time and change in your words' soul-hug. Thank you.

Judi

What a beautiful homage to a wonderful person of the Earth. You were both fortunate to have spent time together. He is someone never to be forgotten!

Stacy Lund

I remember this story well! It reminded me, and still does, of my salt-of-the-earth former neighbor, Tuffy. True treasures that hold so much knowledge and wisdom that passes with them. Tuffy worked with dirt, too. I have no doubt, they will both rest peacefully buried in the soil which they understood and lived close to in this life. Thank you for sharing this news with us, Kristi.

David Holzman

What a lovely story, and what a beautiful man. I've long thought that people with good souls age well.

Barbara Stephano

Cet homme , le murmure des plantes et tes souvenirs de lui sont si touchants ! Merci chère Kristi.

Kristin Espinasse


Hi Stacy, thanks for sharing Tuffy and love the phrase salt-of-the-earth to describe these two. 

Suzanne Dunaway

Oh, to have met this wonder. And to have that knowledge and history of so many unknown plants. For a gardener like me, it would have been heaven. Perhaps I am lucky, however, to have Jean RIere and his wife, Christine, in their garden under mine, who come each day and enlightened my brain with garden lore. A garden is so like a heart, you keep it beating and healthy and it pays off with so much love.

Carol McFarland

M. Farjon’s plant is the same one in my garden here in No. California. My Italian grandmother prized this vegetable highly, and i love it too. Cardoons grow easily and produce stalks that benefit by paring the strings and then steaming smaller pieces in water with lemon. Drain and arrange in oven proof pan, bathe in a mornay sauce with shallots and aromatics of choice, and bake in oven until bubbly and browned. Miam miam!

K. J. Laramie

Beautiful! Deep. Unforgettable. Old souls recognize each other. Incuding Smokey.

Suzanne in NJ

I remember this story well and the photo of M. Farjon and his Peugout on the cover of your first book. What a touching tribute to him and his mission to share his knowledge of plants. And what a wonderful face he had. Looking at him you just know he was filled with knowledge and stories. Merci, Kristi for bringing him back to us.

Suzanne in NJ

I also enjoyed reading Mirelle's homage and learning which plants that had been buried with him.

mshtly

A Touching Tribute to "The Plant Whisperer": A Farewell to Robert Farjon

This beautifully written piece paints a vivid picture of Robert Farjon, a man deeply connected to the natural world. Here's a reworked comment that captures the essence of the article and adds a touch of personalization:

Adieu, Monsieur Farjon, the Plant Whisperer

France, and the world of plant enthusiasts, has lost a treasure. The passing of Robert Farjon, a renowned historian of Provence and its flora, leaves a void. The story shared here, penned years ago by Kristin Espinasse, serves as a heartfelt homage to this remarkable man.

An Unexpected Visit and a Lifetime of Lessons

The chance encounter with Mr. Farjon, his trusty Peugeot bicycle leaning against the wine barrel, is a delightful snapshot in time. We see a man dedicated to his passion, returning after years to share his knowledge. The details - the drought-tolerant garden, the playful dog Smokey, even the calloused hands with dirt under the nails - paint a picture of a life lived in harmony with nature.

Sharing the Language of Plants

Espinasse's descriptions of Farjon meticulously sharing the names and locations of each plant resonate deeply. It wasn't just about identification; it was about understanding the intricate web of life. Every weed, every "sour-monk" and "Christ's crown," held a story, a connection to the land, and a disappearing past.

A Captured Moment and a Lasting Memory

The impulsive decision to capture Farjon in the act of note-taking, his concentration etched on his face, is a testament to the significance of the moment. The photo isn't just a record, it's a window into the soul of a man passionate about preserving knowledge.

A Legacy Beyond the Garden

The exchange of gifts - chamomile from the garden and dates for a "plant genius" - is a beautiful symbol of their connection. Farjon's departure on his bicycle, disappearing into the horizon, leaves a poignant image of a life well-lived, a legacy woven into the very fabric of the Provençal landscape.

A Final Farewell

The ending, with Smokey, the dog who mirrored Farjon's lifespan, passing just a day later, adds a touching layer of finality.

Thank you, Kristin Espinasse, for sharing this poignant story. Robert Farjon, the plant whisperer, will be remembered for his dedication to the natural world and his ability to share its secrets with others.

Rest in peace, Monsieur Farjon.

P.S. This comment can be further enhanced by adding a personal touch. Perhaps you have a memory of your own encounter with Farjon, or maybe a specific plant holds special meaning due to his lessons. Sharing these personal connections would make the tribute even more heartfelt.

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