Monthly Archives: February 2010

Since the l970s, Leveque has been one of France’s most influential gardeners. As both photographer and writer for a leading magazine, Mon Jardin et ma maison, Leveque worked tirelessly to encourage young nurseries and designers, and to promote plantings that had an artistic dimension but were within the means of the home gardener. His first inspiration was English, and Rosemary Verey gardens were a model. The call of the wild was not unknown to him, however. He dreamed of solar energy, of a natural landscape, and ten years ago he began working intensively to combine in own garden elegance and ecology, natural beauty and sustainability.  (more…)

Today, Cruse is regarded as one of, France’s leading rose specialists, both because of her expertise in the field and her ability to design around her favorites. In the beginning she sold roses in country markets, then at the Marjolaine salon in Paris (the mecca for French organic gardeners), and finally at the plant fair at Courson.  When designing a new planting at Berry or in other gardens, Cruse starts by getting the feel of the place in all seasons. Respect for nature determines her whole approach. She practices companion planting with the herbs that grow wild in southern France—sage, lavender, rosemary, thyme. All are choices that look good with roses, while helping to protect them from diseases and pests. (more…)

Have you anytime capital those admirable architectural ornaments begin in old house? There is a growing appeal for old abode parts. Think of fretwork, tin ceiling, adhesive trimmings and askew glass. There is usually an abode for any of this aliment in even the lot of abreast home. An arresting section of askew glass, removed in the nick of time from the foreground aperture of an abode due for demolition, can accomplish an astonishing plan of art in the parlor. Surround it with appropriate lighting, alpine plants and soft, adipose appliance and voila – an adept piece. Those admirable apprenticed tin ceilings – originally devised to burrow the poor adhesive finishes as able-bodied as leaks from rain and charcoal from gas lighting. (more…)