Jack and I just got back from spending two glorious weeks in France where I finally realized what my garden needs. A crew!!!! The gardens we saw were spectacular. We were on the early side for roses (though we saw some amazingly beautiful ones) but saw an abundance of irises, poppies, salvia, pink oxalis and on and on.
The most impressive gardens we saw were green. The gardens at Chambord Chateau are relatively newly restored but the swirls and shapes created from grass and pebbles are splendid. (Jack suggested that I turn our back yard into a giant fleur-de-lis. I politely declined, pointing out that we don’t live in a chateau. Fortunately, he was just kidding.)
My favorite gardens, though were at Marqueyssac in the Dordogne region where 150,000 boxwoods are pruned twice a year by hand. Electric clippers are not used, the guide explained, because they tear the leaves and cause them to turn yellow. The remainder of the grounds of this small chateau contain 6 km (3.7 miles) of pathways overlooking the Dordogne River. It is a magical place to spend the day.
Now, back from France, I look at the four (4) boxwood in my front yard and think they look a little lonely. If only I had a crew……
Laura: I’m jealous of the trip. As for the crew, I hear the Augusta National has some very well-trained folks with nothing much to do between May and September. And they have their own toenail scissors and magnifying glasses.
Laura, Son Bob and wife Cappa are currently in France and thought Cappa would especially like today’s blog. I just registered her email address but hope she will start receiving with today’s entry. Can you fix that? Cappa is a devout gardener
I have never been to the Dordogne! It’s next on my list!