I’ve never understood how one month can simultaneously be the shortest and the longest month of the year, but February manages to do it. January carries the novelty of the beginning of winter, and March bears the promise of spring. But February is one dreary winter day after the next.
So this February, I’ll be travelling to four different gardens around the world. Let me carry you away to warmer climes, to flowers, trees and meandering paths. For a few brief moments, once a week, let’s take a magic carpet ride to a warmer season in an enchanting garden.
Today I’ll take you to Jardin de la Petite Rochelle in the district of Orne, France. If there ever was a real-life Secret Garden, this would be it. It’s actually a private garden that’s open to the public a handful of weekends in the spring, and for a month in the summer. We were fortunate enough to be staying in Orne while it was open last August, and our innkeeper told us not to miss it.
Jardin de la Petite Rochelle is actually a collection of eight small gardens, connected by a maze of paths. Around every bend was another surprise – a tranquil pond with tiny stone frog fountains. Walkways lined with roses, hydrangeas and fairies’ fishing rods. (Isn’t that a perfect name for a flower?) A round pool backed by cultivated hedges and two stone benches.
If you could take your own magic carpet ride this February, where would you go?
