A French Garden Journey – Val Rahmeh: Summer 2016
There is not a more exotic garden in Europe than Val Rahmeh. As you walk into the garden past the ancient palms you can be in no doubt of this. It is now…
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Last Christmas I was given a copy of Monty Don’s book ‘A French Garden Journey’ and this summer made something of my own journey down through France and back .
A French Garden Journey – La Serre de la Madone: Summer 2016
La Serre de la Madone is the garden made in the South of France by Lawrence Johnson of Hidcote fame. I knew of the existence of this garden many years ago and first…
A French Garden Journey – Les Sambucs: Summer 2016
Thank you Monty Don, for making me aware of this garden. Only a relatively short distance away from where I live in France, this extraordinary garden is really unlike any other. Made as…
A French Garden Journey – Jardin La Plume: Summer 2016
I went to this garden at the end of August because I had been told it was a garden of grasses. But it is much more than that – it is the most…
A French Garden Journey – Chateau de Chenonceau: Summer 2016
Magical, iconic chateau spanning the river Cher The main purpose of going to Chenonceau was to see Diane de Poitiers garden. However, despite the house having a marvellous collection of original drawings, engravings…
A French Garden Journey – Prieuré d’Orsan: Summer 2016
Set deep in rural France, Prieuré d’ Orsan is a bastion of restrained good taste, immaculate lawned areas are contained by perfect hedges. Within this framework its planting comprises almost entirely of trained…
A French Garden Journey – Chateau de Beauregard: Summer 2016
I have a great respect for Gilles Clement and have long admired his work. So I made a specific effort to visit Beauregard to see the garden he made in the old kitchen…
A French Garden Journey – Chaumont: Summer 2016
The International Garden Festival at Chaumont always provides food for thought. The theme this year was ‘Gardens for the Century to Come’ which I thought was interpreted with more received wisdom than imagination…