Smart winter displays in this beautifully kept shopping village.  Simple but smart and will last throughout the winter.  Note the pots are always in groups of three.  Copy these displays for winter!

A little Tidy Up in Montrouge

A little tidy up in a cute garden space in Montrouge, Paris which made quite a dramatic difference.  I took up all the wooden tiles and put plastic underneath them so that the owner no longer needed to come back from her travels to find her space overgrown with weeds pushing their way through.  I suggested she put small evergreen bushes (Choiysa for example) in the border, with some bulbs to cheer up the winter gloom.  In this way, the weeds won't be appearing so much too.

Table decoration

I spotted these charming table decorations in a cafe in Munich - tiny rosemary bushes in sweet cache pots.  Thought they were just cute.  You could use them at home, cheaper than cut flowers, smell good and fends off mosquitos - yay!

" Designing a garden is a bit like having an affair with another man's wife: you have an intense relationship, knowing that at some point you will have to leave" 

"Gardening should make you happy"

James Alexander-Sinclair
http://www.blackpitts.co.uk/blog/

Just read an interesting interview with this outspoken garden designer in the magazine 'Gardens Illustrated'.   Lovely magazine for dreaming.  Great photos.

Jardin Christian Dior, Granville, Normandy

Another holiday treat was a visit to the Christian Dior Garden in Granville, Normandy.  That is, the Christian Dior, the fashion designer (b 1905 d 1957).

His childhood home, 'les Rhumbs', acquired in 1905 by his parents has a gorgeous garden 'à l'anglaise'.  The house and garden, following their purchase by the town of Granville were opened to the public in 1938.

There is a good website with an English version which tells the history of the house (now a museum for Dior's creations, sketches, art collection and changing temporary exhibitions plus a discreet shop with a very beautiful salesperson).

http://www.musee-dior-granville.com/

I was particularly bowled over by the rose garden which was created by Dior's mother, Madeleine Dior along a sheltered path and restored again in 2002.  The roses are the old fashioned ones that smell divine.  I couldn't stop sniffing all over the place, which is fitting for the garden of a fashion designer who is equally well known for his perfumes.

In 1925 the young Christian Dior replaced the small green house by a pergola around a small pond and seating area.  This 'outdoor salon' is very much inspired by the Art Deco period.

There are simple and elegant dove grey (Dior colour adopted for his well known 'Dior' logo), benches offering comfort for those who wish to sit and drink in the atmosphere, a beautiful mosaic in blues and golds inspired by the name of the main house 'les Rhumbs' and a bust of the designer.  Camelias, hydrangeas and palms are planted and climbing roses, jasmine and clematis decorate the pergola structure.  A very restful area.

The garden is large with lawns, pretty planted areas, a bamboo arch and plenty of wonderful sea views.  If I had a criticism it would be that the flowerbeds of closely planted annuals seemed a bit 'municipal' and not particularly apt for a private home although there were some well maintained wilder and looser looking borders too.  The house, perched on the edge of the cliff, is simple inside with white walls and wooden varnished floors and it is fascinating to see Dior's wonderful, intricate creations close up.  Dresses every girl dreams of wearing!  I particularly liked his simple black and white illustrations where, with just a few strokes of the pencil, he describes perfectly and elegantly his next creation.

The garden is open to the public free of charge all the year round.  There is a charge to visit the house.

String Gardens

http://www.stringgardens.com/

These are so cool and sculptural and kinda weird.  Take a look, they will do your head in!  I just wanted to keep saying 'how do you water them though, how do you water them?  Doesn't the water drip down everywhere and the plant dry out???  And what happens when there's a gust of wind or the string breaks?'  Tell me, please!  From me, Ms Practical!

Pretty Parisien windows

I thought these two window decorations were pretty whilst remaining simple and not showy.  I particularly liked the softening of the window bars on these ground floor central Paris windows.  Really easy to do too.......try them at home!