spring guests to monet’s garden

Wish I could click my heels and be transported there this very minute!!!!! Takes me away to a peaceful beautiful place where all you hear are the birds, ahhhhhh.

Beautiful! Last week I went to the garden at St. Paul Mausole, in St Remy de Provence where Van Gogh spent a year in the asylum and painted Irises..your pic reminded me of how luck we are to walk in the footsteps of these amazing French artists!

I can tell you that the closest I will get to Monet's garden is in my purse, I carry a pocket planner calendar with different paintings of his for each month. I am so glad you posted pictures of the garden, I am going to transport myself there in my dreams !

Absolutely stunning! I'll make it there one day~

Oh what a lovely, lovely post to start the week. Giverny is just pure magic, isn't it? I have only been twice–in June and in October (I think) and both experiences were so different! But to be there now, in the quiet…how incredible. So full of promise.

Dear Sharon,

Here's a fact to amuse you this morning. I promise you that I'm not willy-nilly making this up (quite frankly, if I were bent on concocting stories, I'd come up with something a bit more impressive).

FACT: If it weren't for two tres slight, historical variances, I (yes…Little Me, from East Tennessee) would be La Comtesse de Giverny. that's right…the Countess of Giverny.

…if only Herve's paternal grandmother had been a boy, and I were a girl. Then, you and everyone else would, presumably, have to address me by a title far grander than just "David".

Herve's mother (a very practical professor of 17th century literature in Tours who happens also to be a Socialist) was, a couple of years ago, very amused to point out this forever-lost-chance to me.

Turns out that my father-in-law's grandfather (I think I've got this right) was the Comte de Giverny…a title which didn't descend to a daughter (the paternal grandmother)and which, to be frank, didn't require actually living-in or being-from Giverny. Nor did it carry any actual money or land along with itself.

It was, in effect, a "gift title", of just the sort with which remarkably helpful jews (which is what that branch of Herve's family was) were rewarded in the 18th century.

As my mother-in-law (who's perfectly fluent in English) told me "….SO, you would have been able to style yourself a countess, but you'd also have been a jewish countess. So, there would be very little "le snob" appeal, you see? Particularly once the war had arrived…."

I agreed with her that I probably shouldn't attempt impressing folks with the tale of how-I-came-THIS-close to being a Jewish Countess. with neither land nor money.

I also find the tale amusing….particularly since, as a Southerner, I grew up surrounded by folks chattering about how, if it weren't for a few, very-minor historical "accidents" (a Civil War, Two collapses of the entire economy, etc), they'd be aristocrats who owned the entire state of South Carolina.

As for the gardens at St. Paul Masole (and Imean this quite sincerely, also)?….

I first saw them about five years ago. After decades of tromping through various sites/houses/gardens, in England and America, which are "dedicated to" or memorials-to any number of writers or artists, I was fairly immune to the charms of such sites.

St. Paul Mausole, however, was different. It's pretty, of course (such places always are)…but it was the first-place-ever where I felt (and I know this is a terrible cliche, but I mean it)the "presence" of the writer/artist. It was wonderfully affecting…and a really powerful experience that I still think of…often.

Herve took a picture of me, standing by the window in Van Gogh's room, which overlooks the back garden. I posted it on Facebook, and immediately had an inbox filled with variations on "Oh my god….that's THE SAME BED that's in the famous painting"…."That's EXACTLY what's in his painting of the room!"

I explained that the room had simply been closed-off after Van gogh's stay there. Intriguingly enough, it wasn't re-opened until WW2, at which time German nationals were held there. Van Gogh's room was re-opened and became, for four or so years, Albert Schweitzer's room.

Isn't that fascinating?

thanks for the obviously evocative post,

david Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com

His gardening technique and layout/form were just as breathtaking as his paintings…I have a video on his gardens…I do think his planting combonations are some of my favorite – as well as the use of structure with plants

I am so envious you are able to go Sharon…I would absolutely love to stroll those gardens with you

Have a beautiful day…and would love to see more of your photographs of his gardens – (and yours)
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie

I already have the tickets for the four of us to visit the gardens and house of Monet on July, when we will be staying with you. I don't know if it is going to be the best season (I imagine Spring and autumn are the best, but still…).This post is adding more detail to my dreams! thanks, Sharon.

Your lily pond image is magical Sharon…. one of your loveliest I think… and David… you will be forever in my mind as 'Countess' from now on!
xv

Beautiful photos. I've never been Giverny but hope to one day if only in my dreams. Spring is my most favorite time of the year.

Peonies are my most very favorite to see and smell

Just breathtaking. Thank you for this post. Your photography is superb! David, thanks for sharing your story too…it's fun to imagine the "if only's" in our lives.

The first time I went to Giverny, it was June and I got sick in the restroom and was ministered to by some very kind ladies in the museum, while my husband toured and took many pictures to share with me. The second time it was September and it began to softly rain while we were there. and yet it was still beautiful and I have lovely memories.

I would love to go back, but I don't know if it will happen.

Love Monet and will be back for your subsequent trip back to his gardens.

Eileen

Monet is The best and your photos are magical taking me on my today's imaginary trip to where ever they have spring(: it is not Alberta Canada … Thanks!! Ciao z

Visited Giverny in June a few years back. The gardens were in full bloom and the colors were spectacular- both the gardens and the interior of Monet;s home. I loved that he used brilliant colors in each of his rooms to mirror the intensity of the colors in the garden. Cannot wait to return.

You made the smart decision! Everything was in bloom but it as been raining most of the month!

We went in April…..it was cool and inviting at that time of year.

Jo