I suppose that, in moving the coach trip to May, we were always going to take a chance on the weather. Having said that, our 2024 trip in July had seen us sitting out in heavy rain to eat lunch at La Bambousaie in Roque-Gageac!
This year, 37 of us (22 members and 15 guests) started the morning at Le Jardin de Boissonna, not far from Marmande.
An introductory talk by the owner, Veronique, explained how the garden had been developed by her father and herself over 28 years. Of relatively modest size, the area was divided up in the shape of a plant, with a central stem/path and ‘flowers’ of small gardens peeling off to the side along its length – 6 altogether.
Roses were the dominant planting feature here – about 500 varieties in total! They climbed up trees, through shrubs, over buildings and scrambled through the borders. What a treat!
The only disappointment was that many of the roses lacked fragrance, but they were of glorious colour and form.
The tearoom was homely and the teas yummy, with homemade cakes and scones, served with rose petal jam and cream. I couldn’t resist the purchase of some jam, as well as a bottle of the rose petal syrup. One of our guests, unfortunately, suffered a small accident when he fell over backwards and ended up having to be taken to the hospital in Marmande. We have subsequently heard that he has been released and is recovering.
Moving on to Marmande, lunch this time offered rain and a booking which the restaurant had messed up. Nevertheless, we were eventually all well fed and stayed dry.
The gardens were themed and, despite an “English Garden” which several of us agreed was more Italianate than English, we had an enjoyable walk around the various areas before finishing in the tearoom, where the obliging and delightfully garrulous owner offered tea/coffee, waffles and ice-cream. He even persuaded Mel into the kitchen, to help make the coffees!
Arriving back in Ribérac around 6.30, we were tired, but contented at having had a good trip, despite the weather and a few hiccups.
Our next treat is the picnic on June 11th at Les Jardins Tranquilles near Brantome. Information and booking forms should already be out by the time you read this, and I urge quick reservations, since we are limiting numbers. It should be a super day, and I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
Last shout-out also for my own Open Garden on Sunday May 31st, from 11.00 – 16.00, here at Maison Chanard, 4 Route de Chabretaire, Subrenat, 24350 DOUCHAPT. All monies taken are donated to Open Gardens/ Jardins Ouverts (www.opengardens.eu ). I would very much appreciate your support, if you can get there.
In the meantime, I shall certainly be engaging in a lot of happy gardening!
Ian