French Country Garden

What makes a garden French Country?

You don't have to have an intricate parterre or a huge limestone fountain 

to create the feeling of Provence in your garden.

When I returned from a trip to France, one of the first things I did was tear out some grass. 

And then, a little more grass. 

In France, I loved the sound of walking on gravel paths in the gardens, museum courtyards 

and the path leading up to the Eiffel Tower.

So, I ripped out the grass and designed curved gravel paths in my front and back yards.

 Every time I walk on them, I'm transported to France. 

The edges are softened with thyme, creeping phlox, wild geraniums and soapwort.

Each year, I seem to expand the garden spaces around the house by eliminating more and more grass. When I first moved here, the yard was all grass with a crabapple tree in the middle of the back yard. Now, the gardens have taken over and encircle the house.

The front yard path curves around the porch through a chippy metal arch to the side garden.

The path is filled with pea gravel and crunches when you walk on it.

The back yard path winds like a snake to the back gate. 

This one holds "red chip" and matches the red flagstone patio. 

I think red chip is just flagstone scrap pieces that have been broken into tiny pieces.

A dry stream bed with a brick path lends a natural touch.

Another feature that enhances that French Country feeling is a bistro table and chairs. 

I found mine on Craigslist. They've found a home under that crabapple, 

complete with hanging lanterns. A perfect spot to admire the sunset with a glass of wine.

Add a recirculating wall fountain for a soothing sound 

and pots overflowing with flowers and voila! 

French Country at the foot of the Rockies.

Now, if I just had a rooster!