Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Primer on French Gardens

By John Smith


The many regions of France play host to a multitude of different types of chateaux. Knowing which region best suits you and your tastes will help you to make the decision of which chateau to purchase a much easier task. The southern Mediterranean part of France is a much different area than the northern parts that include Paris. The differences in atmosphere, ambience, and environment can be drastic; you want to make sure that the chateau you decide upon plays into your tastes for climate and style.

Chateaux found in Normandy will vary drastically from the chateaux found along the Mediterranean. Because of the severe differences in weather, shade is valued much more in the south than it is in the northern regions. For example, a garden in southern France will have large shady areas for chateau owners to sit and enjoy the outdoors more easily. Chateau gardens in the north do not need the shade, so you will see fewer large trees and more walking gardens to accommodate for the differences in temperature

A traditional knot garden is a popular design amongst French landscapers. The inside sections of the knot gardens are great places to add contrasting colors and plants. Boxed shrubs of green plants with red, yellow, or purple flowers within their interior can add greatly to your garden's appearance. Flowers are a secondary aspect of French gardens; the layout is the most important part of how these gardens look.

The main difference between the Chateau de Chambord and the Chateau de Pierrefonds is age. The Chambord castle was built in the 16th century style while the Pierrefonds was built several hundred years prior to this. The Chateau de Pierrefonds, as a result, has fewer decorative measures taken. Its towers are built in a more defensive manner-mostly due to the fact that this castle was originally used as a military stronghold. The medieval military structure varies distinctly from the Renaissance style of the chateaux that were built later.

A winery/hotel is an all in one package-people can get the whole chateau experience. Potential clients can visit your chateau to taste your wines and tour your property without having to worry about travel arrangements to a separate location where they would go to sleep. This type of business venture will allow you to have extra income coming into your chateau at a steady rate, and thus allow you to grow your business over time.




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