The hen and chicks ‘Hippie Chicks’ (Sempervivum hybridum) offers a mix of colours that holds a few surprises throughout the seasons. Like a crunchy and juicy vegetable kaleidoscope. Graphically, it is reminiscent of an artichoke with its pointed, red leaf tips decreasing in size as they converge towards its centre in an almost psychedelic whirlwind. It is called The Hen and Her Chicks, because this prolific layer gives birth to a brood of small rosettes that it broods all around. It is still commonly found on cottage roofs in Great Britain, where in folklore it protects against thunder and witchcraft. In Feng Shui, two small arrangements of sempervivums at the door of a house bring good luck and protection. In Sweden, it extended the life of thatched roofs. It is also found in Turkey, Iran, Morocco, even in the Sahara Desert and the Greek Islands since the beginning of time.

Its taste is as fresh as a cucumber, as if sprinkled with a few drops of lemon juice, which could inspire you to make a smoothie loaded with antioxidants. As for the texture, its slightly acidic crunch would almost revive an oily fish. Fresh or cooked, its frankly refreshing leaves make a good tea. In the Netherlands, it is often included in salads. Prepare this rosette like the artichoke, accompanied by a garlic dip inspired by its place of origin, the Greek Islands. While you’re at it, replace the cucumber in the tzatziki with chopped houseleek with garlic, mint, plain yogurt, salt and pepper.

Despite its funky exotic look, the hen and chicks ‘Hippie Chicks’ faces Saguenay winters with vigor, enough to get your teeth into the melting snow at the first snowfall. The sempervivum brandishes pink branches blooming with raspberry stars. From July to October, bees and butterflies love their nectar. Rockeries and embankments are suitable for this mountainous plant that deer let grow in peace. As resilient as a cactus, its succulent and fleshy leaves will create an oasis of freshness that you will never need to water. Thinning out dense populations every two years is the ideal opportunity to make a big harvest. With its soothing and healing properties, the juice of its freshly squeezed leaves treats almost all common skin problems and reduces inflammation of the gums, throat, eyes or ears. A local alternative to aloe, you just need to bring a few plants indoors in winter to enjoy them all year round, one leaf at a time. Its Latin name doesn’t lie: sempervivum, always alive.