In early September, a convivial gathering was organized at the Family Gardens of Vic-en-Bigorre. This event, attended by Amandine Troyano, vice-president of the CCAS, allowed gardeners to meet, exchange, and share their experiences.
During the discussions, participants recalled the creation of the Family Gardens, which dates back to the 1990s, under the tenure of Claude Miqueu, the former mayor. They shared how these spaces have evolved over the years.
Maryse, one of the gardeners, recounted how a simple conversation with Claude Miqueu initiated the project: “My house was missing a small garden patch to grow trees and flowers and have a place where I would feel good. So I went to see Mr. Miqueu, the former mayor, and asked him if he could sell me a piece of land. He replied, ‘But Maryse, you’re giving me an excellent idea! We’ll create family gardens.’”
The project quickly took shape. Plots were developed in the Saint-Aunis neighborhood, and Maryse received the very first one, located “at the very end.” She remembers Claude Miqueu’s remark: “He told me, ‘You can plant whatever you want.’ That’s why there are all sorts of trees and not just vegetables!” At the time, the plots were provided free of charge, and the town hall supplied sheds that the gardeners assembled themselves.
After all these years, Maryse continues to tend her garden with the same pleasure, cherishing many memories of this adventure that has lasted for three decades.
Through this meeting, the CCAS aims to highlight the know-how of the gardeners of Vic-en-Bigorre, their journeys, and the many stories they have to share. For behind each plot lies a story, a memory, a passion, and sometimes several decades of shared life around the garden.
