I last visited the potager at the Chateau de Miromesnil in April. The skeletal architectural shapes of early spring had not prepared me for the  colourful delight of summer. The flowers were abundant and we had the pleasure of visiting them alone and uninterupted.

After a summer in a city apartment, the freedom of wandering unhindered in such a beautiful space was delicious.

Closed by its 17th century brick and stone walls, the gardens received the ‘Grand Prix from the ‘Société Nationale de Horticulture de France’ in 2011.

The mix of colours and varieties of fruit, flowers and vegetables in the same beds was beautifully done and invigorating –

I love the old brick and faded blue shutters with the rambling cottage garden flowers. This mix of brick and stone is so typical of Normandy. It was a delight to visit and difficult to leave! If only i’d had a blanket and a good book I would have installed myself in a quiet corner savoring the heavenly scent of roses and stayed until I was turfed out at the close of day!

Sadly, there were children to feed…!