Beetling around Bagatelle

I have been wanting to visit this garden for a long time. And having Jan on holiday with me was the perfect excuse.

Summary? It was a good walk.

A confection. Some interesting borders and plants. But quite enjoyable parks and trees in among the historic design.

We made a beeline for the famous rose garden as that was what I was led to believe was the stunning feature of the garden.

Hmm. Very regimented and orderly. I think we were about three weeks early for a good display but I suspect they have done a lot of replanting here as the shrubs were very small and poised. But no more than that.

Then again, have you ever met a rose garden that is really successful? I think mixed planting is the only way to make these plants really shine.  There is a small garden in Hyde Park that combines quite well.  And on this tall wall along the south border of the Bagatelle park had some pleasing displays.

But roses always evoke strange feelings for me; greed about sums it up.  The greed one has for scent and texture and display. And anything less than the full on experience of all three is a let down.

What didn’t let me down was a complete surprise. A one hundred metre peony border down behind the (frankly) falling to bits chateau.

Now that is a mad confection.  And don’t you love a border that only works for three weeks a year?

I will concede that these enormous parks do serve a purpose for just that sort of thing.  Seeing this was a treat.

We dodged the rain drops and the peacocks, and had a very enjoyable march around a small part of the Bois de Boulogne. My curiosity has been satisfied.