Fernand, an 84 -year -old retiree, likes to pick thrush. Not for commercial purposes but simply for the happiness of giving them. It was followed in the Bruyères forest near Villefargeau.
A dynamic walk, a yellow bucket and a gray cushion, no doubt, you have just met Fernand. If he is on his knees in the forest, it is that he is undoubtedly collecting lily of the valley. And not for any reason: “It is for the pleasure of offering. Today, it’s for Paulette, she is 80 years old and is currently in a hospital bed, for a few years now. “ He is a man with a big heart, a value he shares with his wife, who usually accompanies him in his flowery escapades. But this time, she was not available because she made a cake “To also bring it to this lady “. The generosity of the couple seems limitless: “On May 3, we are going to a retirement home to bring lily of the valley to a lady who is 103 years old.”
A tradition that is shared
For Fernand, picking lily of the valley is more than a simple activity. It’s a tradition: “When I was 12 years old, I was going to the forests near my home and I sold the flowers to make a little pocket money. I transmitted this to my children who also sold the bouquets in front of the bakery. “
With a big smile, he says that it is really nice to pick and meet people who share the same pleasure as him. Fernand also knows several very interesting lily of the valley corners. “”Look, here there is a green carpet thanks to the leaves and we also see a few white buttons. There is even a yellow butterfly. I find it really beautiful “, He said with a smile. A few minutes later: “Here Auxerre” had the nice surprise to discover a bit of thrush on the car is the car area. He’s like that Fernand.
A framed picking
When we pick the valley, there are a few restrictions. For example, it is forbidden to pick the roots. And if you decide to sell them, you can, but only on May 1 and it is forbidden to do so near a florist.
