a château garden in the Loire valley

Spring really does seem to be just around the corner now that the snow has melted, the days grow longer and the birds are beginning to sing more loudly!  Inevitably  thoughts turn to the garden, ambitious projects are formed, ideas grow like tiny seeds planted in an old clay pot.

Inspiration comes from this beautiful garden in the Loire valley, home to so many châteaux.  This pretty château, called La Verrerie,  was built at the end of the 18th century.  At the time the garden would have been very formal, more shrubs than flowers,   Clipped box and hornbeam would have formed alleys, walls  and paths.

Today the owners of the château have preserved the very French feel, but softened it and made it feel more comfortable with the addition of roses and mixed flower beds.

They have had fun in the potager as well, where fine use is made of a collection of antique glass cloches.  These bells date from the 18th century and were used to protect fragile young plants; individual greenhouses in effect.  They were originally made with a glass button on the top, but most often, as we see here that is broken off to avoid the magnifying effect of the sun burning the plants beneath.

I love the next picture because I can so imagine a dinner table laid out beneath this old oak tree (remember that bugs aren't a problem here!) .  These vintage metal hoops, mounted with candle holders bring a touch of modern sculpture to the classic setting.  Just think how beautiful it would look in the evening, with candles lit.

Special thanks to Jerome of Maison du Lin, who tells me that this château is actually a B&B, and that he has stayed there!!  Lucky man!   You can visit their site for all the details but here's a teaser on a couple of the rooms

Don't forget to enter the Parisienne Farmgirl giveaway, a magazine subscription and scented candle are there to be won!