Somedays I wake up here, in Provence, and think that it isn’t real… The magical light, the backdrop of the mountains… the lavender… the roses… I know that there are many beautiful places in the world, just as pretty and even more scenic… but this is my corner… Yesterday was one such day… the light was dancing over the lawn, pirouetting between the trees and illuminating spots that I had forgotten or failed to appreciate in a long while… My eyes were wide open to the secret corners of our garden, to the un-celebated spots… the places that are taken for granted but are in some ways even more lovely… Like this pair of majestic pines in the photograph above, their trunks illuminated in the morning light, they tower well over the other trees. They are the king and queen of this domain, having been here long before any of us… Sometimes I forget their importance, their pride of place in my rush to enjoy the more obvious…
Gardens intrigue me… the way they change and develop over time… the way they take on a personality all of their own… We think that we make all the decisions when we plan and create our gardens but I have come to learn that ultimately the garden, slowly and subtly, sways us into their way of growing. I believe there is only so much control we can take over a garden… and that we must be guided and accede to the wishes of nature… This past winter was hard, many plants were lost to the bitter frosts. At the time I was devastated at the loss, heartbroken that so many beloved parts of the garden had been diminished and stripped bare overnight. Yet now… six months on… I look at the garden and can see that nature knows best… it was a natural culling… the garden has recovered where it could and somehow the areas that are less planted, look better. Is this an unusual way to think about gardening? Perhaps, but I truly feel that the garden has a mind of it’s own… and knows what’s best… Looking at the roses in the above photograph, it is clear that they thrived with the frost… they have never been more abundant… Perhaps the harsh winter was ‘their time’ and the rest of the garden had to take a back seat to allow them to flourish…
And as for Apache… I don’t think he wastes much time thinking about the garden or my rambling philosophies… he just enjoys it… He has the right idea… xv
Hooray for a photo of Apache! I would love more please. What a character he is. But this is all gorgeous. And yes, I understand clearly the concept of allowing for nature to do its work as well. A few years back, a mini tornado swept through the Vallée des Baux and our friends lost over forty trees on their property! Well, it was a lot of work to clear out the damage but it does indeed look better for it…
All that I can say Vicki is …….. STUNNING. XXXX
Vicki,
There is definitely something about the light in Provence that seems almost magic. I woke up once in the middle of the night when we were there and looked outside at the moon and all of a sudden, I realized the light that night must have been the same light Vincent van Gogh saw. In an odd sort of way, it helped me understand some of his paintings better.
And yes, Apache has the right idea.
Sam
You Vicki are living a dream…. a beautiful dream. Everything looks so luscious and green, glad to see Apache approves:)
So beautiful and majestic! Apache has the best attitude. Have a good day!
I yearn!
What a beautiful garden. Such a lovely, calming space. I am glad it’s doing so well after the harsh winter. Apache is adorable. Thank you for sharing. Jx
Another beautiful morning in Provence! Are those white roses growing in side the boxwood in the second shot? That garden doesn’t look like it was damaged at all by your harsh winter, it’s stunning.
Yes, they are iceberg roses… xv
Vicki, the French light shines so special, doesn’t it? I remember flying into Nice over a fabulous MASSIF; the color of the rocks was a glittery PINK that I will never forget. Once I landed, the light from Nice all the way to Paris was one I never saw again on my way back home to the states…..you are so fortunate to see this DAILY! Anita
Absolutely gorgeous garden and view!! Your pup is so cute!!!
http://www.donnaviningblog.com
I always enjoy seeing your beautiful gardens. Apache, now there is a dog! He looks so happy!
Hi Vicki,
I too love the twinkling quality of morning light… This morning I was outside walking around my yard during this magical period, and then I came into my computer and read your post and escaped into your beautiful garden.
Maybe something is in the air?
Liz
Oh, vicki….all I can say (having seen Apache as a “puppy”, at which time he was already much-much bigger than all three of my rowsty terriers put-together) is……what an ENORMOUS dog. Like most large dogs, though (unless he’s changed), he’s very sweet….an apparent paradox which, as you might have noticed, also applies to very large men. It’s the small dogs and little men who snap, bite, and generally go all-nasty-Napoleonic on you. 250 pound, varsity football players and dogs Apache’s size don’t have anything to “prove”, I suppose. I’d like to think I’m an exception to the Napoleonic rule, but(recalling some of dealings with other men) I’m afraid I’m not.
As for gardening “philosophy” (and, yes, this is one of those anxious mornings when I feel the urge to put nearly every word I write into scare-quotes)?…..
you’d like the writings/books of Henry Mitchell. He was the extraordinarily genial & amusing garden-columnist for the Washington Post for some forty years before dying a few years ago. My favorite quotation from him is “Gardening is a never-ending series of disappointments, failures, and disasters. The wise man learns to learn from each of these, or at least tries to do so”
It’s true you know.
I loved your own wise comment about those two old pine trees. As youknow, Herve and I have bought and moved into a 220 year old, “Jewel” (as I’ve been told and read) of a house in a very old, small town…only twelve miles from where we formerly lived, but seemingly on a different planet. We love it, to be blunt….and pretty much moved heaven and earth to make sure we got it once we’d laid eyes on it, back this past Spring.
On Sunday, I’m having a lunch for eight (the first time I’ve entertained here). The guest of honor (not that I intend to place a wreath on her head and pin a notice to her blouse) will be the 85 year old (but very lively, sharp, smart, and funny), last-remaining member of the family that built and subsequently owned this house for its first 175 years. This should be delightful….and wildly interesting. She’ll be bringing her family’s photograph album, to show how the house looked over all the years since she was born in it.
did I ever send you the photographs I took of Gerard and Apache? Do, please, let me know. I recall your writing that Gerard would be “chuffed”….which was the first time I’d ever encountered that particularly useful (and funny) australian term.
Thanks as ever for the lovely blog,
david terry
http://www.daviedterryart.com
Ah, Provence! Thank you for keeping the dream of your corner of the world in such pristine shape! The light is unimaginable, and Apache looks just right in his domain!
Apache definitely has the right idea, and I always enjoy these virtual visits to your garden Vicki. And I believe your perspective on how your garden grows is a wise one — and it translates to life in general, don’t you think?
When I traveled to France I kept thinking over and over ‘how could anyone ever take this for granted’, and I knew that you never would. Sometimes it just means taking the time to stop and breath in the beauty.
Enjoy.
Hi Vicki, It is all so beautiful. I feel your spirit and love in all of it. Oh, MY! Apache has grown into a very big dude. I guess that he doesn’t sleep at the bottom of your bed?! He is gorgeous and noble. I guess that what is good for gardens, that culling, thinning out process is also good for us as humans. Painful, not expected, not always received as a blessing—but necessary nonetheless. Have a wonderful light-filled week. Mary
I love the morning light on gardens. The quiet of the morning lets you see new things that you may never have noticed before.
Thank you for the beautiful start to the day!
xo, Lissy
Vicki,
Thanks for sharing this lovely morning in Provence. It wonderful that you are pausing for just a moment to stop and take it all in.
Apache is looking very relaxed and happy to be enjoying the morning with you.
leslie
FINALLY APACHE IN HIS DOMAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!What a LOVE he is!
Your garden is BEYOND Beautiful…………….I would be out there every morning taking it all in!
xoxo
We were just sitting around the fire pit in out back yard last night talking about the lovely trees surrounding our property. They take on mysterious shapes at night, sort of the way clouds do. Taking in our surroundings and appreciating Mother Nature’s work is a pastime we should do often. Your photos are lovely and those flowers…sigh…
–Lee Ann
It’s beautiful and doesn’t look real! What a lovely place and Apache is so cute! A great dog!
that good very nice Beautiful pics!
i like
Love the roses and buxus together. We are trialling several varieties of rose behind clipped buxus and rosemary with a plan to give the best performer a mass planting next year but with the damp weather so far this year they are all a bit sorry. Heres hoping we can achieve something close to your wonderful display Vicki.
Apache looks like a real character and well trained I see! A dog that washes his paws before dinner!
Paul
Apache is one luck dog, living in heaven!!!
Beautiful
xoxo, Chris
Your jardin is just to die for! Perhaps I am looking at the wrong trees, but the Plane trees (Sycamore) that the upcast lights are for have green leaves and not needles like Pine Trees. Another giveaway is the peeling bark of the Plane tree. Perhaps you are talking about some other trees in your photo?
What a beautiful story Vicki! I just read “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” and some of the sentiments in this article remind me of it. That when you let nature do it’s thing, it’s better than what we could do anyway (and a lot less work
).
It’s been a while since I checked into your blog. Love the new look! Particularly jealous of these piccies as there is nothing like this in NYC. But I would be jealous no matter where I was.
Lots of love! Jo xx
So very beautiful….and Apache is gentle Prince. Love the paw over ‘his’ water.
The balance and serenity in your stunning Provençal garden Vicki is a joy for us to enjoy as well, thank you for sharing.
Wait! You live here? In this stunning light filled Provencal heaven??? OH.MY.GOSH.
Just returned from 2 weeks in the Luberon. I miss Provence already, and look forward to “being there” again through your website!
Vicki…it is 4:00am and I have a serious case of jet lag. When I decided to sneek a peak at my phone I was delighted to see your latest post come through. Your fresh thoughts on a garden, one as magical as yours, is just what I needed. I will now return to slumber dreaming of your garden and what could be in my own…Apache will. Will be there too…for he is such a sweet fellow! Thinking of you from Saigon…to Provence….
Jeanne xxx
Takes my breath away, no other word comes to mind except “exquisite”.
xox thank you for sharing your loveliness
I can’t believe how beautiful those trees are!
I love the dog
Your garden is lovely…a wonderful sanctuary made even better by Apache. What a glorious creature. I love the photograph of him cooling his paws in the water channel. May we see more of him and hear more about him? Does your garden include a pool in which he swims? Best greetings from Portland, Oregon, Lesile
Oh I love your dog, Vicki!
I would have to pinch myself if I woke up here. Just gorgeous!
Thank you for always sharing this beauty with us.
Teresa
xoxo
You are so accurate when you say the garden takes on its own life. I agree and like a stubborn child, we must pick our arguments. The roses are the stars and the supporting cast surrounding them are doing their job.
Glad you are basking in sunlight
Helen xx
Apache me semble être l’heureux pacha du domaine… toutefois il doit bien apprécier la douceur de la fraîcheur du matin…
De magnifiques photos et de très jolis mots pour les accompagner.
Gros bisous(sans oublier une caresse à votre ami à quatre pattes!), j’essaierai de revenir vous faire un petit coucou avant mon départ, autrement je vous dis à la mi-septembre.
Hello Apache!! So nice to see you basking in the Provence air. Maybe I should bring Daisy to meet you and I am sure you could teach her some socializing manners (or she would fall in love with you) as you appear quite distinquished and gentlemanly.
Looks like the roses are enjoying that special air too Vicki, masses of them, they must fill the house Vicki. Actually, it appears everyone is thriving there right now! Enjoy, enjoy!
Much love and chat next week. Been going through some major dental surgery so my verbal skills are limited right now (some would say that is a wonderful respite). XO
Showing Apache was the perfect way to round off your tour of the garden this morning. He’s magnificent, Vicki, as are your grounds. I especially love the roses with the sculpted topiaries behind them. Exquisite.
You had me at the King and Queen of the garden Vicki, I don’t think there could be a lovelier place in the world to wake up to! And how true about letting a garden be, they do have their own minds–love how your roses became so glorious and that Apache just lays back and enjoys it all! Happy mid-week wishes to you!
xo Mary Jo
Totally agree that our gardens subtly lead….we can try this or that…but ultimately our gardens know what is best for them….they will lead the way….and there’s absolutely no use in fighting them. Lovely post (as usual).
Oh.
Apache has run away with my heart.
What a handsome fellow!
xoxo,
pamela
My Lord Vicki, you write so beautifully. Gorgeous garden and what an adorable giant! Shiree’
Vicki, you are a new discovery for me. What a delight! I love your style of writing, your writer voice. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts of Provence, and the gardens, and all things French. The pictures are lovely. Of course, they make me wish I were there. I am a French teacher. J’adore le francais! I am also a writer. I will visit you often here. Merci et amities, Rose.
An ‘ahhaaaaaaa moment’ looking at yet another view of your magnificent gardens……..and that very handsome doggie!
Enjoy each Summer day wrapped in white roses….beautiful.
Mary
I never tire of seeing your beautiful garden! Just lovely.
~ Clare x
Bonjour Vicki – just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog.
My husband and I live in NZ but we love France, especially Provence, and long to return – we have been twice in the last five years – in fact, we have just returned from the south of France and Italy . Reading your blog is like being back in France – we are planning to return…. meanwhile your writing and photographs will inspire me. Merci!
Dear Vicki,
I am absolutely blown away by the magic of your garden, your photographs and your writing. What a wonderful life you lead in the most wonderful place. You are making so many people happy by sharing your world of beauty. There is such soul in this place. Be happy.
Cheers
Daph