Springhill Stories

Last weekend we went on a long weekend to Normandy and visited quite a few gardens. Jardins d’Angelique was the first one and by far the most romantic garden of them all. This lovely place is situated about 14 km from the city of Rouen and can easily be combined with a visit to Jardin Plume. That said, this garden is worth a visit on its own. The owners created the garden in memory of their daughter Angelique, who passed away way too early and you can feel the love Gloria and her husband have put in this piece of heaven.

In front of the beautiful manor you start your journey on a big lawn surrounded with flower beds in a more english style, but once you enter a gate in the hedge you get into a completely different atmosphere. Here you are completely surrounded by plants and small meandering paths bring you from one nice corner to another. It’s almost a maze, but one where the soft perfume of the many roses guides you around. It’s a feast for all senses and at every turn you discover new plants and new perspectives. Gloria studied art and that is obvious when you see the color combinations in the flower beds. For me it was also interesting to see the many possibilities to plant in shaded beds and I surely got some inspiration.

Once you are out of the intimate garden you continue your discovery to the back of the house where you’ll find a different kind of garden. Here within the seclusion of old walls the garden is more Italian style. Boxwood hedges contain many perennials and roses and in the center a beautiful fountain makes the picture complete. In this part of the garden white and purple are ruling.

It was a very inspirational visit of this romantic garden. I surely hope to come back and visit another time. (Click to enlarge the smaller pictures)

Jardins d’Angelique : 2692 Route de Lyons, 76520 Montmain, Normandy, France

Opening Hours : 1 May to 30 June, every day from 11h to 19h / 1 July to 15 October, every day, except Tuesday, from 11h to 19h

Entrance Fee : 7 euro

http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr