Jardin de Valérianes

Valérianes Garden is located not far from Rouen and a stone's throw away from the Pays de Bray in Normandy, in the heart of a green valley. Spreading over more than 2.5 acres, explore two different themed areas: an English-landscape garden and a zen-like garden. During a walk, fall under the spell of this site planted with some 3,000 species, mostly perennials.

I parked my car in a nice car park, which reminded me of the bucolic setting of gardens. A sign says "the garden, this way". I followed the inviting path lined by huge colourful flower beds. I breathed in the fresh and fragrant air, the walk would be pleasant. The path took me to some sort of stepping stones that led to a vast expanse of grass. I barely dared to walk on the lawn as it looked so well maintained. I felt like I was walking on a golf course.
Once inside, I was struck by the neatness and precision of this garden. The furniture fits perfectly well in the setting and that each element seems to be where it belongs. The garden was stunning with all its colours, it looked like a generous bunch of flowers. It is both sophisticated and warm, exactly what I like! Slightly hilly, this garden is all about curves and roundness, adding softness to the setting. I strolled slowly towards the English-style garden, in which I felt like one of these heroines of a 19th century British novel. I was enchanted by the monochromatic colour schemes, and I enjoyed seeing the butterflies flying all around. As it is located on a higher level, I overlooked a splendid woodland below. The setting was ideal to relax and disconnect, and I drifted into reverie…

The second garden is different, but also very charming. I walked up a path lined by bushes and arrived at an intersection. Two signs point in two opposite directions. “This way…”, “That way…”; I decided to go this way! I turned right and discovered a zen and serene area. I could hear the sound of the birds in the trees, and everything else was quiet and silent. What I really loved about these two gardens is that the path were winding. At each bend in the path, I discovered beautiful flowers, or wooden armchairs in which I sat down to soak up the moment. In the heart of this space, there is a pond featuring pretty water lilies. Everything brought to mind the Land of the Rising Sun, the plants, the design but also the pleasant sound of trickling water that put me in a meditative and contemplative mood. I walked through a forest of bamboos and cloud trees, the Japanese tradition of tree trimming called Niwaki. During this walk, I really had the feeling of being elsewhere, completely cut off from the world and lost in the heart of a garden where wonder and relaxation prevailed…