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'Les Journees des Plantes' are held in the grounds of the lovely Domaine Courson, near Paris, each May and October. This is a very special garden event with extravagant nursery displays and exhibits from the manufacturers of garden furniture, arbours, garden tools, clothing etc. As well there are garden magazines, food and things typically French or typically gardening from silver brooches shaped like wheelbarrows to bird houses. | |
'Journees des Plantes de Courson' |
Domaine Courson is a classical chateau, quite beautiful, first seen when you join the ticket queue with the other flower show enthusiasts.
A short walk into the stable courtyard where stalls and information booths have been set up. In the converted stables there are book and more for sale. Walk on through and you find yourself in the spacious and lovely grounds of the chateau. |
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Despite the losses in the terrible storm of December 1999, it is the trees in the park and grounds of the Domaine Courson that lend such presence to the garden and provide a wonderful backdrop for the show.
The roses were equally beautiful, arranged as a garden with table, and dovecotes, while obelisks held climbers. A new rose, 'Elle' (named for the magazine), was launched. There is something wonderful in finding yourself in the midst of the Meilland Roses stand (Papa and Michelle were not here in person though!).
There were huge bins of bulbs and corms for sale- select your own and not just a miserable five iris in pre-packed bag, buy 50 if you want! |
Meilland Roses- wonderful, fragrant roses |
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The brilliant hues of paeonies were everywhere at Courson, simply masses in full bloom, both herbaceous and tree paeonies. There were the glorious colours of Sibierian iris (Iris sibirica) as well as bearded iris. |
Best of all at Courson, everything is for sale and most vendors have sufficient stocks for you to take your goodies with you. Only the carvers of stone fountains and makers of elegant conservatories and greenhouses are forced to take orders. There are lovely settings of outdoor furniture, just made to place and a shady tree for a long, leisurely lunch with friends; sun loungers for relaxing afternoons on the terrace; and arbours made of everything from metal to wood to woven willow to provide a cool and shady nook. |
The marquees and displays stretch into the parkland behind the chateau | |
Shopping - Courson style |
The very practical French arrive in their cars, folding wheelbarrow at the ready and set off, ready to select and purchase. The success of the event is evidenced by these ladden barrows, returning to the carpark.
A series of speakers, some are English, the remainder French, give talks throughout the course of the show. Subjects ranged from restoring the Jekyll garden at 'Upton Grey' to arboriculture. (The programme is available in advance) | |
There is a relaxed atmosphere, there is plenty of time, plenty of space and it is possible to move freely about the show and even to wander through the lovely grounds of the chateau. Try one of the restaurant marquees or a more causal bagette and coffee, you'll find eveything you want at Courson.
Courson excels- immaculate displays, wonderful products and a very, very civilised way to assess new plants, select and take home the irresistable for your own garden. Try to go if you can.
More Photos
See the bestgardening.com Events listing dates for Courson each May and October |
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