Jardin vs. potager
The French words 'jardin' and 'potager' both refer to gardens, but they have distinct meanings and uses in everyday language.
Jardin
A jardin is a general term for any type of garden, including ornamental gardens, public parks, or private outdoor spaces.
Les enfants jouent dans le jardin.
(The children are playing in the garden.)
Le jardin botanique de Paris est magnifique.
(The botanical garden in Paris is magnificent.)
Nous avons un petit jardin derrière notre maison.
(We have a small garden behind our house.)
Potager
A potager specifically refers to a vegetable garden or kitchen garden where edible plants are grown for culinary purposes.
Nous cultivons des tomates et des carottes dans notre potager.
(We grow tomatoes and carrots in our vegetable garden.)
Le chef du restaurant utilise des herbes fraîches de son potager.
(The restaurant chef uses fresh herbs from his kitchen garden.)
Le potager du château fournit des légumes à la cuisine.
(The castle's kitchen garden supplies vegetables to the kitchen.)
Summary
While 'jardin' is a broad term for any type of garden, 'potager' specifically refers to a vegetable or kitchen garden. 'Jardin' can include ornamental plants, flowers, and recreational spaces, whereas 'potager' is focused on growing edible plants for culinary use.