Palazzo Newsletter/Provence

French gardening is generally thought of as quite orderly with symmetry used as its major focal point. The formal gardens of the 17^th century, notably Versaille, attest to this. Yet France is a country of vastly differing regions and climates and this diversity lends itself to a variety of plantings as well. Who can forget the riotous color of Monet’s Giverny or the Jardin Exotique of Monaco? The quintessential Provençal garden always bears in mind the heat of the sun and the unrelenting wind of the mistral.

Lavender

Semi-hardy, perennial, dislikes frost, prefers plenty of sun, fast-draining soil

Symbols so evocative of the rugged landscape of Provence include the scent of roses and, of course, its renowned rolling fields of lavender. Besides French lavender, there are almost 200 varieties available for planting. Lavender is a thriving industry in Provence and the fields are painted in a shocking show of color from late June until early August. It is possible to take a road tour during this time to discover the heady scent and beauty for yourself.

Use these key elements to create your own

French-style garden:

Gravel - Divide the garden with gravel pathways and stone pavers to further the look of old European charm.

Terracotta pots - Available in a wide array of clays and slips, use these plentifully like the French with colorful geraniums planted en masse.

Grapevines - Shade is essential for casual outdoor dining and entertaining. Be sure to plant in a warm, sunny spot.

Glass bell cloches - Beside protecting plants, cloches add visual vintage appeal to French gardens.

Iron furniture - For casual seating and bistro-style dining, iron furniture is always to be found in a French garden.

Lavender - Suitable for pots and dense borders, this flower dominates the landscape of Provence. Its intense fragrance will permeate your garden.

Olive trees - This tree instantly adds Mediterranean charm to your garden. Plant in mild, sunny climates either in huge terracotta pots or directly in the ground.

Herbs - What proper French household does not maintain a potager? Generously plant herbs for both cooking and fragrance in pots or in the ground.

Parterres - The formality and grandeur we’ve come to expect from the French is easily replicated in small scale with boxwood or reproduced using herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Cypress trees - Dotting the Provencal landscape, these trees add instant drama when planted in rows a few feet apart to create a naturally dramatic vista.

Fig trees - A staple in French gardens, the fruit it bears twice a year is irresistible drizzled with honey and yogurt.

Details, maps and routes are available at routes-lavende.com.

Visit the Lavender Museum in Coustellet: museedelalavande.com to learn more about Provence's lavender industry.

How to grow:

Plant lavender in the spring or summer in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Plant 12 inches apart no deeper than original container.

Mulch around plant and water until soil is completely moist.

Do not over-water during summer as lavender is highly tolerant of dry soil.

Find Savon de Marseille crushed lavender soap and other fine French and lavender products.

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