GARDEN TOURS
Michael Smith has been involved in garden tours
even longer than war tours. His most loyal group has done more
than 40 tours with him. These tours can be arranged for any
season from late February to late October.
Here are some seasonal suggestions:
February : This is a great
season for hellebores and snowdrops, and there a number of UK
gardens open especially for the magnificent displays of these
plants. Gardens to visit: Vasterival (France), Sherborne Gardens
(UK).
March : The best month for
visiting the gardens of Morocco, Italy and Spain. Not only the
gardens, but the wild flowers are in full bloom at this time.
Michael Smith is a member of the Mediterranean Garden Society.
Gardens to visit: Villa Cimrone (Italy), Villa Medici (Italy),
Majorelle (Morocco), Alhambra (Spain).
April : The Mediterranean
coast of France is wonderful at this time of year, as is the
Lake country of Northern Italy. Gardens to visit: La Mortola
(Italy), Serre de la Madonne (France), Villa Taranto (Italy).
May : Chelsea Flower Show
(UK), Kiftsgate (UK), Lakemount (Ireland), Giverny (France)
June : This is the month for
roses, and to get the best I suggest a 50/50 Northern France/England
split. Colline aux Oiseaux (France), David Austin Roses (UK).
July : A wonderful month for
hydrangeas and herbaceous perennials. Southern France and Italy
are crowded at this time of year, but Northern France, Belgium,
UK and Ireland are perfect. Shamrock (France), Holehird (UK).
August : This is when Scotland
and Ireland, with their cool climates, come into their own.
In these pleasant temperatures of 15°C/20°C, the perennials
last for weeks, in bloom, rather than days. Crathes Castle (Scotland),
The Dillon Garden (Ireland).
September : One of the least
visited regions of France is Picardy, and as Michael has lived
here for the past 16 years, he has become very attached to it,
and is happy to entertain those visiting the region with him,
to tea in his small, but pleasant walled garden. The region
has some hidden gems. Château de Maizicourt (France),
Les Hortillonages (France).
October : This is the month
of France’s major garden show, that of ‘Les Journées
des Plantes de Courson.’ The show is held in the beautiful
park of the château. Not far away is the amazing fruit
and vegetable garden of St. Jean de Beauregard. Château
de Villandry (France), Edmonsham House (England).
