Bonjour! Joyeux Printemps! Happy Spring! I thought you would like to join me on a solitary walk through Jardin des Plantes on a recent spring morning. The garden is the National Botanical Garden of France and is a magnificent place to visit for all plant lovers, or for anyone seeking a peaceful interlude in the city.
On this particular morning, as is my habit, I arrived early, before the gates were open, thus being the first person in the park. This advantage enabled me to capture the beautiful plantings and blooming trees just as the rising sun lit them with gold.
My first stop is always to visit my favorite tree in Paris, the breathtaking Kwanzan cherry, which was at peak bloom. Truly the largest blooming tree I’ve ever seen, it is over 50 years old and a much-cherished specimen with protected status, lovingly cared for by the staff of the garden. I’m always deeply grateful for the arborists who maintain it and ensure its health and survival. At this time of year, this tree is the main attraction and you can understand why.
It is a great pleasure for me to visit the tree numerous times throughout the season and to experience it’s blossoms in all stages.
Over ten years have passed since my first visit and each time is enchanting and memorable. It even is featured in my book Paris in Bloom!
The extensive plantings were a special treat this year, more lavish and abundant than I can remember. Daffodils, tulips and Icelandic poppies were displayed in abundance, with thoughtful combinations and an astonishing number of varieties. I was truly overcome with the beauty, as well as the impressive planning and care with which the beds were created. I spoke to one of the gardeners later in the morning and thanked him for his work that brought joy to so many. He accepted the compliment with typical French reserve but I could tell he was pleased to hear it.
So many double daffodils and tulips! One variety, called ‘Art Design’, was larger than my hand. Since this is an official botanical garden, all the plants have labels with the common and Latin names, something I appreciate so much in my work.
(And a reminder that my newest book, Daffodils, has now been released worldwide. Read all the details here.
Tulip ‘Belle Epoque’, a stunning and romantic beauty.
Some images of me with “my” tree from previous years.
As always, I hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual tour of one of the many springtime jewels to be found in Paris.
À bientôt!
xo
G
Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the beauty.
Georgiana, I was thrilled to see your beautiful spread in my favorite French magazine!! I make a point to get it from my bookstore each time a new one appears. And I definitely keep them all. A wonderful April & Easter to you and your husband.
Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing all this marvellous beauty!
Amazing photos. They have really done a spectacular job this year, obviously building on years of care and creation. Wonderful photos. Such a detailed coverage!
Just lovely! In the US Northeast, we are still struggling with chilly weather. The daffodils have finally popped, though. Thank goodness. I look forward to the monthly emails – as always, thank you for sharing your work!