What Makes a Garden French Country?

A French Country garden? 

You don't have to have an intricate parterre or an old limestone fountain to get that look 

although that would be wonderful, wouldn't it? 

It doesn't even have to include a lovely old palace or acres of tended flowers 

like this garden at Luxembourg. 

Well, maybe just a small palace would be okay. 

While visiting France, I loved the sound of walking on gravel paths in the gardens, 

through museums courtyards and along the wide path leading up to the Eiffel Tower. 

There are acres and acres of gravel paths at Versailles like these.

Let's think on a slightly smaller scale.

One of the first things I did in my garden upon returning home 

was dig out some grass in the front yard.

And then, a little more grass. Until all the grass was gone.

Then I designed curved pea gravel paths in my front and back yards.  

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

The front lawn has been completely replaced with a garden.

This walkway curves around the porch through a chippy metal arch to the side garden. 

French Country gardens are a blend of cottage style and formal design 

with curvy lines and a lush wildflower look. 

When I first purchased this house, the yard was entirely grass.  

Now the gardens have taken over and encircle the house. 

Gardens in the south of France often contain Mediterranean plants such as 

lavender, catmint, rosemary and sage, giving the landscape a purplish/silver hue. 

The back yard path twists and weaves gently to the back gate. 

It's filled with "red chip," broken pieces of flagstone that match the stone patio. 

Roxy, the little photo bomber, prefers a grassy area so I left a kidney-shaped patch of grass 

in the back yard especially for her! How appropriate, huh?

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

And more curves.

A bistro table and chairs tucked under the old crabapple tree, enhances that French Country feeling and provides a romantic spot to admire the sunset with a glass of wine.

Add a recirculating wall fountain for a soft soothing sound, 

some candlelight in hanging lanterns, and voila! 

Bringing French Country Home!

Now if I just had a rooster or two. 

Guess this curious squirrel will have to do. 

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