The experimental vegetable garden of the Royaumont Abbey applies a common sense ecological management. The plants that grow in the squares are composed of perennials, biennial and annuals plants that interact with each other and regenerate themselves without the head gardener Romain Van de Walle (photo) having to intervene. The interaction between the vegetable plants and the flowerbeds is part of an innovative approach, favoured by a “zero phyto” management applied throughout the vegetable garden. As a result, watering is practically unnecessary once the plants have become acclimatised!