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My city is a garden
2009-12-11 15:51
With an exceptionally mild climate and 316 days of sunshine a year, Menton was a paradise in the 19th century for botanists and plant collectors who brought back their exotic plants from distant parts of the world. Sub-tropical species still flourish in the micro-climate of Menton; and garden tours draw enthusiasts from all over the world.
Besides its exceptional public gardens such as La Serre de la Madone, Maria Serena, Val Rahmeh, Fontana Rosa (the novelists' garden) and the Palais Carnoles, there are private gardens such as the Colombières or the Clos du Peyronnet. Menton possesses many hectares of green spaces such as the magnificent olive trees in the Parc du Pian, the Plateau Saint-Michel and the 'Ubac' urban forest. The urban gardens such as the Square des Etats-Unis, avenue Carnot, the Campanin gardens and the Quai Bonaparte are a recent creation in the city.
The Clos du Peyronnet (pictured) is the last garden of Menton that has remained the property of the same family since 1915. The current owner, William Waterfield, collects tropical species, particularly bulbs from South Africa. The landscaping of the Clos du Peyronnet is quite exceptional. It combines colours and movement through a play of water staircases formed by successive pools, the last step of which is...the Mediterranean.
All images of the Clos du Peyronnet © Jilly Bennett/Menton Daily Photo