v THE HERALD - INDEPENDENT AND PROUD OF IT v 16th July 2026 • The HERALD • Page 61 RYAN FENCING Quality Fencing & Gates 07769 706516 • 023 8084 1203 www.ryan-fencing.co.uk • Find us on Facebook A J GLEESON BUILDING & GROUNDWORK DRIVEWAYS EXTENSIONS BRICKWORK GROUNDWORK BLOCK PAVING Colours & Designs to suit your requirements Local Work Available to View CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION New Forest & Southampton 023 8084 4180 Mobile: 07770 771475 Bramdene, Main Road, Dibden, Southampton Licence number: CBDL41292 DOWN THE GARDEN PATH GLORIOUS GARDENS OF FRANCE WITH ROSEMARY LEGRAND by Debbie Thorne, Foresters Flower Club On 4th June, Rosemary transported us straight over to the south of France by giving us a magical presentation about beautiful French gardens. As we had been experiencing such chilly, wet weather a er the heat wave, we were entranced! e 1st garden was Les Jardin de la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, located between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera. It has nine themed gardens, created by Italian gardeners, overlooking the Mediterranean. ere are tiled paths linking the gardens to add a sensation of coolness. e gardens are situated on the Cap Ferrat, a small peninsula. ey have a panoramic view of the sea and surrounding bays adding to the charm of these exquisite, gardens: including Japanese, rose and cactus gardens. e edge of the terrace adjoining the villa has a glass wall, giving the impression of being on a steam ship. Adding to this is the water owing down towards the villa next to ornate ponds and fountains. e Gardens and Villa have now been donated to the French Academie of Art. In Menton there is a garden designed by Major Lawrence Johnston called Le Jardin Serre de la Madone. Being near the Italian border it has an Italianate feel and the warm climate allowed the Major to landscape the garden using countless rare plants and species from around the world e.g. Australasia, Africa and Mexico. e house was made from the greenhouse situated on a ridge, a few kilometres from the coast. It is well away from the city and is a truly magical space full of fragrance, birdsong and exquisite plants. ere are nods to far away places that the plants originate from with statues, plant pots and even sphinx - guardians of the ancient Egyptian gardens. It is now (1990) classi ed as a historic monument, and is the property of Conservatoire du Littoral and managed by the town of Menton. en we were transported inland to Le Chateau De Marqueyssac and its gardens across 49 acres. is is famous for its romantic, picturesque, 19th century gardens. ere are more than 6km of walks bordered by the 150,000 ancient, hand-trimmed box wood trees. e Castle is perched on a rocky spur, giving a wonderful panorama of the Perigord, over the valley and castles. A er this we were all wondering if our next outing could possibly be to see these magical, wonderous gardens-our chairlady read our minds and announced that this would not happen! Les Jardin du Manoir D’Eyrignac are famous for their 10 hectares of green historic plants and sculptured topiary. ere are seven gardens and they have remained in the same family for over 500 years (22 generations!) and have undergone various styles over the centuries. Shapes are created from hornbeam, box, cypress, yew and beech plants interspersed by lawns, fountains, owering plants and vegetable gardens. ey are situated in the heart of the Perigord Noir, bringing peace and tranquillity. Other gardens Rosemary enlightened us with were: Chateau D’Angers in the Loire Valley; Chateau D’Villandry in the Loire Valley; Chateau de Chenonceau (16th century) built within the Loire River; nally, the stunning Chateau du Clos Luce of Leonardo de Vinci. ese gardens display banners of his paintings in the gardens and park with recreations of his design e.g. a weeping Willow recreates the Mona Lisa’s hair! Following this inspiring presentation, we had delicious refreshments and our summer themed ra e, thanks to Lyn. Next meetings: No meeting in August, 3rd September: Garden Party for Club Members, 1st October: Demonstration by Katie Baxter “Tales From e Cutting Garden”, 10th October (Saturday): 10am to 1pm Autumn Workshop. All meetings: ursday evenings, 7.30pm, Copythorne Parish Hall SO40 2NZ. For more information please contact Debbie orne: 07769 830752.
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