Return from Jossigny – Heartfelt Experience at Atelier des Tufs

What a weekend! A huge thank you to everyone who came to meet me at Château de Jossigny.
My true favourite: Atelier des Tufs, an exceptional nursery presenting a rare and fascinating collection of citrus plants.

I couldn't resist:
– A Calabrian bergamot tree
– A Japanese yuzu

Two sunny companions that will be sheltered through winter before moving to my terrace in spring.
I'll share their progress on Instagram over the seasons.

Speaking of which, let's focus on citrus fruits. This October full moon is the perfect time to celebrate these bright fruits, extending the sun's warmth into our kitchens.

Hunter's Full Moon – Harnessing Energy

On 7 October 2025 at 5:48 AM, the Hunter's Full Moon illuminated the sky, in Aries at 14°.
Its name derives from an ancient tradition: hunting and gathering before winter's arrival.

It's a period of culmination, not sowing. A time to take stock, prepare your autumn remedies, boost immunity, and celebrate what has matured since September.

The Sun in Libra symbolizes harmony and gentleness; the Moon in Aries, drive and action. Between the two, a precious balance: that of measured movement, essential in autumn.

Two Essential Seasonal Citrus

Sweet Orange – The Happiness Vitamin

Oranges begin to ripen in European greenhouses. It's the ideal time to prepare our winter reserves.

Rich in vitamin C (around 50 mg/100 g), oranges help prevent colds. Their zest contains hesperidin, which supports circulation, and limonene, known for its liver-detoxifying properties.

A fresh orange each morning for three weeks: a simple gesture for a natural preventive cure.

Lemon – The Detox Ally

Ever-present, lemons reach their peak freshness in autumn.
Alkalizing despite their acidity, antibacterial and draining, they gently cleanse the body.

Half a lemon squeezed into warm water on an empty stomach, twenty minutes before breakfast: a morning ritual to awaken the digestive system and lighten the liver.

Citrus Peel Syrup – Zero Waste, Full of Flavour

Nothing goes to waste with citrus fruits. Even their peels can become a treasure.

Recipe: Honey, Thyme and Peel Syrup
– Peels from three lemons, two oranges, and one grapefruit (organic)
– 500 g of liquid honey
– Five sprigs of fresh thyme

Layer peels, honey, and thyme in a sterilized jar.
Let macerate for two weeks at room temperature before straining.
This syrup keeps for six months when refrigerated.

Use: a spoonful in herbal tea, a bit in hot water, or on toast for pleasure.

Dried zests can also be blended into aromatic powder, or used to scent a water carafe. The remainder ends up composted: a complete cycle, just as nature loves.

Yuzu – The Japanese Treasure

My new favourite, brought back from Atelier des Tufs. This small citrus from Japan is a botanical wonder: three times richer in vitamin C than lemon, cold-resistant, with a unique fragrance bridging lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit.

Each winter, at solstice, the Japanese enjoy a bath with a few whole fruits. This ancient ritual, called yuzuyu, soothes the body and boosts immunity.

Yuzu can be found in certain Japanese shops or online, but you can also adopt a plant. It grows well in pots, to be wintered indoors if the climate is cold. My little yuzu is already two years old — first fruits expected next spring.

Amsterdam Notebook – The Historic Orangery

In the heart of Amsterdam, hidden behind the canals, the Hortus Botanicus houses an orangery founded in 1682. It's the oldest living citrus collection in Europe.

Almost 90 varieties are cultivated there: Buddha's hand, finger limes, century-old yuzu, rare kumquats…
The air is filled with the scents of peels and orange blossoms.
A place to visit to understand how plants beautifully blend memory and light.

Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2A, Amsterdam – Open from 10 AM to 5 PM.

The History of Orangeries

In the 17th century, owning orange trees was a symbol of power. Sovereigns competed to build shelters for their delicate trees from the south.

These buildings, facing south and heated by wood, were true feats of plant architecture.
The most remarkable: Versailles with its 1,200 trees, Amsterdam with its veteran from 1682, and the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, free and open to all.

October remains the key month: it's when citrus is taken indoors for protection.
If you visit an orangery now, you might witness this precise dance of transfer.

Outings and Inspirations for October

The Botaniques of Varengeville – Normandy
An unmissable event for garden and rare plant enthusiasts.
Website: botaniquesvarengeville.fr

Orangeries to visit this month:
– Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris
– Château de Versailles
– Parc de Bagatelle, Bois de Boulogne

October is the ideal time to observe the wintering operations for citrus fruits.

My Upcoming Events

– Château de Chantilly – 10 October
– Well-Being Fair, Paris Porte de Champerret – 18 and 19 October

Lunar Calendar

– 7 October: Full Moon in Aries – harvest and vitality
– 14 October: Last Quarter – release
– 21 October: New Moon in Libra – intentions and balance
– 28 October: First Quarter – grounding and progression