A wild boar, a hedgehog, a dog… lion… chicken. I can't find a photo of a porpoise to illustrate today's word–thankfully these furry and feathery volunteers behind a shop window are happy to pose as one. (And the handwritten ads were taped to the window by students looking for work).
le marsouin (mar-swehn)
: porpoise
In old French le marsouin was pourpois (poisson-cochon, or fish-pig)
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce the following sentence Download MP3 or Wav file
Le marsouin est aussi appelé le cochon de mer.
The porpoise is also called the sea pig.
Porpoises are related to dolphins and whales. Do you have any other trivia or something to add for this marsouin entry? Do you collect marsouins or have you ever seen one? Where? Thanks for sharing here in the comments box.
Smokey says Come along on a garden tour with me…
And see poppies, roquette, and zucchini!
Inside the stone beds there are cucumbers, kale, and lots of fèves!
There are stairs leading up to an ancient rock wall… once hidden behind masses of thorny brambles.
That's me, says Smokey, humble King of the Hill.
And these are tomatoes, peppers, and poppies from the field.
Here's how bees and hummingbirds pollinate. Help save these creatures–allez make haste!
Raspberries and soucis, or marigolds… does the latter really work or is that an old wives' tale?
Some of the materials have been reporpoised. (Sorry to interrupt your story, Smokey, but the word you are looking for is "repurposed".)
Smokey: This re- re-puh… re-puh… reporpoised wood comes from the French railroad tracks below our house.
Hope you enjoyed my garden tour. Be kind to bees, purposes, and the earth.
(Smokey, I think you meant "porpoises" this time.)
Back in February, Jean-Marc and I planned out the garden. But we didn't always see eye to eye…
This old panier has had many reincarnations: once used in a produce shop, it has since held bath towels, dried herbs, fresh pots of lavender, bottles of shampoo and bath supplies. Currently it holds a tie from a bale of straw, the string could now be used to tie up the tomatoes… or mend a broken corner of the basket….
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Love this! Smokey’s tour photos, the garden, the insight from Jules. Magnificent!
Love this! Smokey’s tour photos, the garden, the insight from Jules. Magnificent!
Bonjour Kristin,
I love your garden. It is so neat & beautiful. But, bien sur, Smokey is the star of this post. He looks so content and peaceful.
I can’t wait to read more adventures with Jules & Smokey.
Stay well!
Bonjour Kristin,
I love your garden. It is so neat & beautiful. But, bien sur, Smokey is the star of this post. He looks so content and peaceful.
I can’t wait to read more adventures with Jules & Smokey.
Stay well!
What a beautiful garden! How fortunate you are to have all those stones to create raised beds. I can see there’s been a lot of work put into this project. Nicely done.
What a beautiful garden! How fortunate you are to have all those stones to create raised beds. I can see there’s been a lot of work put into this project. Nicely done.
Kristin:
Merci for the lovely garden tour!
When I worked at a university aquarium hereon the Georgia coast we had a visit from a diverse group of environmentalists including Flipper’s trainer. They were trying to save a sick pregnant dolphin who had beached herself on one of the nearby islands. She was put in a sling in a pool on the University property and a concerted effort was made by many to save her. The group was ready to helicopter her to a wild life preserve. Unfortunately she didn’t survive which was a shame, but by the time she was found she was too ill.
Sometimes when these animals get infections they become disoriented and beach themselves. We also worked with wounded sea turtles and a number of them survived and were released back into the wind.
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
Merci for the lovely garden tour!
When I worked at a university aquarium hereon the Georgia coast we had a visit from a diverse group of environmentalists including Flipper’s trainer. They were trying to save a sick pregnant dolphin who had beached herself on one of the nearby islands. She was put in a sling in a pool on the University property and a concerted effort was made by many to save her. The group was ready to helicopter her to a wild life preserve. Unfortunately she didn’t survive which was a shame, but by the time she was found she was too ill.
Sometimes when these animals get infections they become disoriented and beach themselves. We also worked with wounded sea turtles and a number of them survived and were released back into the wind.
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
See post above which should have read “back into the wild”. The marine biologist that I worked with were also part of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network here on the coast of the Southeastern US. They were on call to help when there were sightings of stranded animals. Don’t know if there’s an organization like that in France?
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
See post above which should have read “back into the wild”. The marine biologist that I worked with were also part of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network here on the coast of the Southeastern US. They were on call to help when there were sightings of stranded animals. Don’t know if there’s an organization like that in France?
Edie from Savannah
Like Françoise when I saw the word “marsouin” I immediately thought of the French Marines. They and the Foreign Legion formed the bulk of the professional Army troups in the days of conscription, which only ended officially in 2001.
Although it started life as a nickname, Marsouin is actually the official title of a Private Soldier in the Marines.
Unlike the British Royal Marines which are part of the Royal Navy, or the US Marines, which are a separate Corps, the French Marines are part of the Army.
Like Françoise when I saw the word “marsouin” I immediately thought of the French Marines. They and the Foreign Legion formed the bulk of the professional Army troups in the days of conscription, which only ended officially in 2001.
Although it started life as a nickname, Marsouin is actually the official title of a Private Soldier in the Marines.
Unlike the British Royal Marines which are part of the Royal Navy, or the US Marines, which are a separate Corps, the French Marines are part of the Army.
I loved Smokey’s garden tour! How could anyone resist following that face?? ( :
Your garden is as beguiling as Smokey – just beautiful.
I loved Smokey’s garden tour! How could anyone resist following that face?? ( :
Your garden is as beguiling as Smokey – just beautiful.
I am very concerned about Braise! They are usually together but not today! Have missed some of your postings. I hope she was napping in the shade!
I am very concerned about Braise! They are usually together but not today! Have missed some of your postings. I hope she was napping in the shade!
Great photos of your garden, but I think Smokey is sayinng in the first photo: “Would ya quit followin’ me!” Then in the last photo I think he’s saying: “Are you leaving soon? I want to be alone.” Still waiting for Spring in St. Paul.
Great photos of your garden, but I think Smokey is sayinng in the first photo: “Would ya quit followin’ me!” Then in the last photo I think he’s saying: “Are you leaving soon? I want to be alone.” Still waiting for Spring in St. Paul.
Oh my gosh, i’m not sure if i was more blown away by the rock work or the TOMATOES!!! they hang like grapes on that plant! I just planted mine last week! i am tomato-green with envy.
and rock work like that has always been such a marvel to me. i guess it’s a life lesson in many ways–make all the little pieces and parts fit together organically to build something solid and strong and connected. that rocks. (no pun intended–well, maybe it was.)
Oh my gosh, i’m not sure if i was more blown away by the rock work or the TOMATOES!!! they hang like grapes on that plant! I just planted mine last week! i am tomato-green with envy.
and rock work like that has always been such a marvel to me. i guess it’s a life lesson in many ways–make all the little pieces and parts fit together organically to build something solid and strong and connected. that rocks. (no pun intended–well, maybe it was.)
BEAUTIFUL!
BEAUTIFUL!
Well done!! That took lots of labor from the body and soul. So true, what you and Smokie say about our bees. We must all be vigilant in an effort to repopulate.
Did you raise your beds to save your back, for formal order, or for another reason? They are just lovely!
Well done!! That took lots of labor from the body and soul. So true, what you and Smokie say about our bees. We must all be vigilant in an effort to repopulate.
Did you raise your beds to save your back, for formal order, or for another reason? They are just lovely!
Thanks for explaining the rock wall discovery, Jules. I’d love to know it’s history or original poirpose – uh… purpose.
Thanks for explaining the rock wall discovery, Jules. I’d love to know it’s history or original poirpose – uh… purpose.
Absolutely Beautiful!
Le jardin est tout à fait beau!
Absolutely Beautiful!
Le jardin est tout à fait beau!
DARLING FRIENDS,
WELL !!! IT LOOKS like Kristi has disappeared out into the waves of the Mediterranean as Jean-Marc must be crusin into the various Calanques along the coastline showing Papa Kip & Beautiful Marsha (Kip’s lovely & brilliant trophy-wife, and a well deserved asset to his life…) ha-ha, just teasing…around the neighborhood.
Smokey and Braise are attempting to fire up Kristi’s computer to share their secrets.
I thought by now Kristi would have called me…maybe Marsha will after she reads this. Hello Marsha – I grant you full-use of my beautiful yellow canoe along with my snorkel mask that JM swiped before I left. I should be there right now – Kip’s hair would turn snow white with the two of us shaking up his life.
XOXO
JULES
DARLING FRIENDS,
WELL !!! IT LOOKS like Kristi has disappeared out into the waves of the Mediterranean as Jean-Marc must be crusin into the various Calanques along the coastline showing Papa Kip & Beautiful Marsha (Kip’s lovely & brilliant trophy-wife, and a well deserved asset to his life…) ha-ha, just teasing…around the neighborhood.
Smokey and Braise are attempting to fire up Kristi’s computer to share their secrets.
I thought by now Kristi would have called me…maybe Marsha will after she reads this. Hello Marsha – I grant you full-use of my beautiful yellow canoe along with my snorkel mask that JM swiped before I left. I should be there right now – Kip’s hair would turn snow white with the two of us shaking up his life.
XOXO
JULES
Love that garden – you laid it out beautifully so it’s practical & most attractive. More of Smokey Dokey please.
Love that garden – you laid it out beautifully so it’s practical & most attractive. More of Smokey Dokey please.
Smokey, thank you for the tour of your beautiful garden. Kristin, you have accomplished so much in such a short time!
The old stone wall along with the stonework around the beds give it all a nice natural look. About the marigolds: they really are supposed to repel insects…. maybe due to the pungent odor they themselves have.
Porpoises are commonly seen here (Ocean City MD) during the Summer swimming offshore in the Atlantic. They are always a joy to watch. Thanks again for the lovely tour and photos.
Smokey, thank you for the tour of your beautiful garden. Kristin, you have accomplished so much in such a short time!
The old stone wall along with the stonework around the beds give it all a nice natural look. About the marigolds: they really are supposed to repel insects…. maybe due to the pungent odor they themselves have.
Porpoises are commonly seen here (Ocean City MD) during the Summer swimming offshore in the Atlantic. They are always a joy to watch. Thanks again for the lovely tour and photos.
Hi Kristin,
Great garden! I love all the stone work. Don’t you wonder about the people who put up the ancient stone wall? Smokey looks like he enjoys checking things out!
Hi Kristin,
Great garden! I love all the stone work. Don’t you wonder about the people who put up the ancient stone wall? Smokey looks like he enjoys checking things out!
What a lovely garden! We now live in a house surrounded by woods and I so miss the big garden at our old house!!
What a lovely garden! We now live in a house surrounded by woods and I so miss the big garden at our old house!!
First, you have my DREAM garden! This is exactly what I’d imagined. I just love it! I chose to use rock as it was local and more convenient. I do love the tidiness of the bed design allowing for the free-flowing of the flowers and plants. Now, as mine is still a work-in-progress, what did you use for the groundcover around your raised beds? Great work, Kristi and Jean-Marc! How pleasing to have created a garden so beautiful and productive!
Secondly, and certainly not in order of importance, Mr. Smokey you have given us the most enjoyable tour today. Thank you for sharing your sweet loveliness with us.
First, you have my DREAM garden! This is exactly what I’d imagined. I just love it! I chose to use rock as it was local and more convenient. I do love the tidiness of the bed design allowing for the free-flowing of the flowers and plants. Now, as mine is still a work-in-progress, what did you use for the groundcover around your raised beds? Great work, Kristi and Jean-Marc! How pleasing to have created a garden so beautiful and productive!
Secondly, and certainly not in order of importance, Mr. Smokey you have given us the most enjoyable tour today. Thank you for sharing your sweet loveliness with us.
Hi Jules! So it was Smokey, a butterfly and you who found that amazing rock wall? Smokey’s Tails reads like something out of an enchanted forest/enlightened Indiana Jones adventure! Do tell us more!
Hi Jules! So it was Smokey, a butterfly and you who found that amazing rock wall? Smokey’s Tails reads like something out of an enchanted forest/enlightened Indiana Jones adventure! Do tell us more!
Kristin,
Funny that you bring up Porpoise today. We actually saw 3 on the drive home from work, circling around bait fish in Tampa Bay. It is one of the pleasures of having to take the bring from Tampa to St. Pete Florida twice a day. Pelicans flying along side the car and porpoise jumping in the water.
Kristin,
Funny that you bring up Porpoise today. We actually saw 3 on the drive home from work, circling around bait fish in Tampa Bay. It is one of the pleasures of having to take the bring from Tampa to St. Pete Florida twice a day. Pelicans flying along side the car and porpoise jumping in the water.
A garden to grow and a Puppy to pet as the sun softly sinks on a perfect summer afternoon … life is good. Enjoy Famille Espinasse Enjoy!
A garden to grow and a Puppy to pet as the sun softly sinks on a perfect summer afternoon … life is good. Enjoy Famille Espinasse Enjoy!
Your garden looks fantastic.
I assumed you used raised beds to get good drainage and the best soil for the edible plants. Plus you added the good straw mulch. Jealous, I am.
Was all that gravel present already? Did you have to cart it in to make the pathways?
The old stone wall is magnificent. I recall mentions of before but did not imagine it as lovely and strong as it is.
Marigolds benefit beneath the soil. A tried and true method with scientific verification. This article from the University of Rhode Island has many ways to use interplanting and companion planting for the home garden with explanations of why it works. http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/compplant.html
Yes, my poor tomatoe plants have not even set flowers yet, boding ill once again for no fresh tomatoes here. Yours look fantastic.
Your garden looks fantastic.
I assumed you used raised beds to get good drainage and the best soil for the edible plants. Plus you added the good straw mulch. Jealous, I am.
Was all that gravel present already? Did you have to cart it in to make the pathways?
The old stone wall is magnificent. I recall mentions of before but did not imagine it as lovely and strong as it is.
Marigolds benefit beneath the soil. A tried and true method with scientific verification. This article from the University of Rhode Island has many ways to use interplanting and companion planting for the home garden with explanations of why it works. http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/compplant.html
Yes, my poor tomatoe plants have not even set flowers yet, boding ill once again for no fresh tomatoes here. Yours look fantastic.
Our Florida manatees are also known as” sea cows”. So slow moving and bulky large compared to a sleek marsouin. Smokey is a wonderful “tour guide”. I would follow him anywhere. Your garden! Such memories of ours “UP North”. Not beautifully landscaped as yours. Just a plain old garden. But, we grew flavorful tomatoes and corn which cannot be grown here in sand.
Our Florida manatees are also known as” sea cows”. So slow moving and bulky large compared to a sleek marsouin. Smokey is a wonderful “tour guide”. I would follow him anywhere. Your garden! Such memories of ours “UP North”. Not beautifully landscaped as yours. Just a plain old garden. But, we grew flavorful tomatoes and corn which cannot be grown here in sand.