P.S.

Predictably I found the relevant issue of 'Mon Jardin; ma maison" almost immediately I posted the blog. It is the current (Janvier) issue. The garden I referred to with the oaks is the Arboretum des Pouyouleix. It can be visited sur rendez vous (05 53 62 13 53). The visit will cost you 10€ but for this you get a guided tour of between 2 to 3 hours, which seems very reasonable. Looking again at this issue I am reminded that I must try to acquire Euodia danleillii, which looks an ideal smallish tree for region, and that I ought to look again at the Zanthoxylum - pronunciation? - family.