The Secret Gardens of France

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Mirabel Osler, author of A Gentle Plea for Chaos, presents an enchanting account of her travels through the French countryside in search of its most beautiful gardens. Accompanied by her daughter and granddaughter, she explores the hidden gems that contrast with the order and symmetry of famous sites like Versailles. These private gardens, rich in variety and individuality, reflect the unique visions of their creators. Osler believes that gardens offer each of us a chance to craft our personal paradises, and her journey reveals extraordinary spaces that would otherwise remain unseen. The narrative immerses readers in a vibrant tapestry of gardens designed for the senses, featuring a wild garden, a romantic island retreat, a rose garden with over 300 varieties, and a fragrant haven curated by a gardener with a keen sense of smell. The gardeners encountered throughout this journey are spirited and diverse, defying easy categorization. They embody a joyous sensibility that contrasts with the often serious tone of contemporary horticulture. From an 84-year-old marquise nurturing her vegetable garden by Lake Geneva to two septuagenarian brothers transforming their island fort with rare plants, each gardener and their garden share irresistible stories that celebrate the beauty and creativity found in personal landscapes.