a very French garden - les jardins agapanthe

Here is a wonderful address to bookmark for the next time you are in Normandy.  A garden that is definitely worth the detour.  Les jardins Agapanthe, home and showroom to a very talented landscape designer, Alexandre Thomas;   a garden to drool over from April to October.

One of the houses in the garden ... love those oeil de boeuf windows on the roof ...

box bushes and vintage garden furniture are to be found at every turn...

 I asked Alexandre about his use of coarse sand all through the garden.  Visually it is very calming and peaceful, but I wondered how it interfered with any planting.

Turns out his soil is quite heavy so he simply plants where he needs to, then recovers the ground with the sand to make it look tidy, and to stop his visitors having muddy feet!

 all the right accessories :) ...........

and if you go in the spring or summer, you get to see many other flowers that I didn't see out this time, including of course the wonderful Agapanthus, that give the garden its name.

and finally if you want to know more, and can't get to visit straight away, you'll love this book, published recently and packed full of wonderful pictures.

brittany - a stunning region in western france

The world famous and very beauiful Mont St Michel, is about 4 hours west from us right on the border between Normandy and a beautiful area of France called Brittany.

If you have already explored the South of France, if you know Paris off by heart and have done the grand tour of Normandy, then Brittany could make an excellent choice for your next holiday in France

Brittany is natural, its beauty is rugged and untamed;  its houses are built in old grey stone  that reflect the moody skies and stunning coastline.

From the beautiful coastal towns like St Malo, to the tradtional towns and charming villages inland, there is much to see and do.

Brittany is kmom for its beautiful gardens, delicious seafood, large traditional markets and breathtaking scenery.

And where to stay in Brittany?   Tomorrow I shall tell you about a stunning address;  a 15th century property that has been restored from top to toe to create a luxury B&B that feels warm  and welcoming ........

see you tomorrow for more!

all photos except the last one thanks to Google

spring guests to monet's garden

The weather may have been throwing its worst at us this week, but we don't mind, a pair of boots, a hat and we are still game to get out and about.

When I visited  Giverny  last week, I was a little too early for my favourite season when the irises and peonies are on show.

But the lily pond looked calm and magical, and the gardens were a riot of colour with all the spring flowers.

  The tulips were magnificent, and by their thousands!

And peonies in bud, are really almost as stunning as fully opened.

I'll just have to go back next week! If you 've already been to Giverny, do you have a favourite moment of the year?