Horticultural perennials

Ever since 2020 a change has been under way in the flower beds. Previously, visitors would encounter strips of flowers, depending on the season: a succession of tulips and narcissi in spring, brightly coloured annuals in summer, then pansies in the autumn and the year was over. Make way for perennials.

The perennial beds have been installed around the winter garden pond, as well as along the promenade that descends from the villa Le Chêne to the lake. Climbing plants will envelope the metal structures to provide welcome shade for the benches along the snaking path among the anemones, dog roses and various types of clematis. Over 200 species of perennials were chosen to renew these displays. The result emerged from a participative process inspired by the English tradition…it will take time for the overall shape to emerge, as some perennials need several seasons to express their potential. This floral trail is therefore designed to evolve a great deal, which is part of the appeal.

What is a perennial?

Perennial plants have the ability to survive the winter and become a permanent feature of our beds. This notion of perennial also fits with a more ecological vision of our Garden. Nicolas Freyre, Head Gardener at the CJBG, explains:

“In the current context, producing plants each year that are by their very nature doomed to die of cold and be replaced the following year is not a good idea. What is needed to today, we think, is to move towards types of landscape that are more sustainable and better balanced.”

This change of paradigm provides better protection against the sun, plenty of shelters for functional biodiversity and a system of cultivation that is much more resilient and suited to our environment.

A new, ecological approach

The project started back in 2015, when our gardeners switched to being organic. It was a challenge to find technical solutions that would make it possible to produce high-quality plants while sticking to organic commitments all along the line: growing media, organic fertilisers, seeds and young plants, maintenance.

An educational objective

The CJBG has long trained apprentice horticulturists who have chosen to specialise in perennials. It became obvious that we would need to remodel the perennial beds to provide a place for these future professionals to learn their skills.

Map of the garden