Springtime is early in the South of France. By March the Luberon Valley where we live is in full bloom. Now that Winter has arrived in Boston it is good to look ahead a few months to a time when we are able to return home . Our 12th century house once part of the ancient wall that surrounds our village of Ménerbes will be once again laden with Honeysuckle, roses and bright purple Wallflowers. The village notable as one the most beautiful in France is known for its cliff side terraced gardens . Menerbes is not alone in the region for its noteworthy residents and famous Paysagistes.
In truth the area contains some of the most spectacular contemporary garden designs in the country……. many of which are open to the public. One such garden is located in the neighboring town of Bonnieux. The property consists of a large old house with a landscape designed by Nicole de Vasian. She had no formal training in plant materials or horticulture but she did have an artists eye for color , shape and proportion. Judith Pillsbury a noted ‘American in Paris ‘ employed her to finish the remarkable plantings she had begun years before. Mme de Vesian added a swimming pool ( pictured here) as well as several Parterre elements fashioned only in heat resistant materials.
The Pillsbury Garden is shown here in photographs taken during a recent visit. We include a professional video of the property that tells the story of Mme de Vesian and her extraordinary talent.
Hope you enjoy your virtual tour! You can almost smell the lavender……
Judge Skelton Smith Architecture 