The sun-kissed slopes of Provence, France, have long buzzed with the gentle hum of bees among fields of lavender. The cultivation of lavender in this region took root in Roman times. People back then valued the plant for its healing properties, its soothing qualities in baths, and its fragrant use in perfumes.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that lavender farming took off. In nearby Grasse — the perfume capital of the world — the perfume industry began to flourish. __1__ This boom led to the expansion of lavender cultivation across Provence, particularly in the Valensole Plateau. The region’s fertile soil, combined with its hot, dry summers and mild winters, creates ideal conditions for lavender to grow. Each year, from June to August, Provence is transformed into a vast sea of purple. __2__
This annual US$55-million industry is under threat from climate change, though. Hotter summers are increasing the insect population, including a destructive pest that feeds on the lavender plants. __3__
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片:AdobeStock
To combat challenges in their lavender fields, farmers in Provence have adopted a clever solution known as agroecology. By planting cover crops like tree nuts, legumes, and grains between the rows of lavender, they introduce noticeable yellow streaks among the purple fields. __4__ Though the presence of yellow may disrupt the once uniform purple landscape, this method is essential for the preservation and economic health of the lavender industry.
法國普羅旺斯陽光明媚的山坡上，薰衣草田裡一直縈繞著蜜蜂細微的嗡嗡聲。這個地區的薰衣草種植發展於羅馬時期。當時的人們看重這種植物的治療功效、用於沐浴時的舒緩特性以及用於香水的芳香用途。
直到十九世紀，薰衣草種植才開始興盛。在鄰近的格拉斯──世界香水之都──香水產業開始蓬勃發展。其快速成長激起了對薰衣草精油的巨大需求。這股熱潮造就了薰衣草種植拓展至普羅旺斯各地，特別是在瓦倫索勒高原。該地區土壤肥沃，加上夏季炎熱乾燥、冬季溫和，為薰衣草的生長創造了理想的環境。每年六月至八月，普羅旺斯都會變成一片遼闊的紫色海洋。如此壯觀的景象吸引了數百萬名遊客，渴望一睹令人驚歎的薰衣草花景。
然而，這個每年產值五千五百萬美元的產業正面臨氣候變遷的威脅。益發炎熱的夏季正使得昆蟲數量隨之增加，其中包括一種以薰衣草植物為食的破壞性害蟲。這種昆蟲會傳播一種疾病，其會損害該植物外觀，並讓通常能活十年的壽命縮短至僅僅三或四年。
為了對抗薰衣草田面臨的難關，普羅旺斯的農民採取了一種被稱為生態農業的巧妙解法。他們在一列列的薰衣草之間種植樹堅果、豆類和穀物等覆土作物，因而在紫色的田野中引入了明顯的黃色條紋。這種做法可形成防止有害病蟲的天然防禦，同時也能保護土壤免受風吹和侵蝕。儘管黃色的存在可能會破壞曾經整齊劃一的紫色景觀，但這種方法對於薰衣草產業的保護和經濟健康至關重要。
What Did You Learn?
A) Its rapid growth fueled a serious demand for lavender essential oil.
(B) However, the lavender industry was in crisis due to economic changes.
(C) Such a spectacular sight attracts millions of tourists eager to witness the breathtaking lavender blooms.
(D) The practice creates a natural defense against harmful pests while also protecting the soil from wind and erosion.
(E) This insect spreads a disease that damages the plants’ appearance and shortens their typical lifespans from 10 years to just three or four.
答案：
1. A
2. C
3. E
4. D
Word in Use
1. fragrant a. 芳香的
After the rain, the garden was even more fragrant with the scent of roses and wet earth.
雨後，那座花園因有玫瑰和溼土的香氣而更加芬芳。
2. flourish vi. 蓬勃發展，繁榮；茂盛
Justin’s career in technology flourished after he launched a popular app.
賈斯汀推出高人氣的應用程式後，他的科技職涯蒸蒸日上。
3. expansion n. 擴張
The expansion of the railway network made travel much more convenient.
鐵路網的擴建讓出行方便許多。
4. mild a. 溫和的
The weather was mild and perfect for a picnic in the park.
天氣宜人，非常適合在公園野餐。
5. vast a. 廣闊的
The vast desert stretched as far as the eye could see.
廣袤的沙漠一望無際。
Practical Phrases
1. take off 開始成功；開始走紅
The video took off on the Internet, gaining a million views in just one day.
該影片在網路上走紅，僅僅一天就達到百萬觀看次數。
2. be under threat 面臨威脅，處於威脅中
Coral reefs are under threat because of rising ocean temperatures.
由於海洋溫度升高，珊瑚礁正面臨威脅。
3. feed on. . . 以…為食
Many birds feed on insects and small fruits.
許多鳥類以昆蟲和小型水果為食。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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