The Artful Gardener
Monet’s Roses
Pastel, 7 x 10
The main path to Monet’s house is 52 meters long and features a series of rose trellises arching over the walkway. Anchored at one end by large yews and on the other by pair of columns, it’s a magnificent sight to behold. The large structural elements provide strong focal points in the chaotic mass of flowers, and the yews anchor the garden firmly to house. Monet gardened on a grand scale, and the property itself was becoming a work of art.
Monet moved to Giverny in 1883, but it wasn’t until after he purchased the property in 1890 that the garden began to take on it’s present day appearance. The traditional kitchen garden once used for growing fruit and vegetables was replaced with an abundance of perennials such as iris, peonies, tulips, phlox, poppies, lupines, and delphinium. For Monet, paradise was no further than his own back yard.
While most of us don’t have 2.5 acres at our disposal, with a little thought and planning anyone can create their own little plein air paradise. Perennials are a gardeners delight, and Monet used the varied flowering times to his advantage. There was always something blooming at the pink house in Giverny. Try adding some perennials into your humble vegetable garden and be amazed at the visual transformation.
Structural elements needn’t be on the grand scale of Monet’s to create focal points in the garden. Everyday objects like garden tools, picnic tables, (or beehives!) are right at home in the garden. A small bench can provide additional seating, and is a wonderful anchor to a cluster of potted plants. Vertical elements provide strong focal points and might include birdbaths and feeders, trellises, clotheslines, scarecrows, fences, or trees.
Garden design has evolved through many different styles, each fashionable during it’s time. Monet’s garden is considered a mixed style, with the traditional walled garden being completely separated from the naturalized environment of the pond.
Technorati Tags: Monet, Giverny, cottage garden, garden design, perennials, pastels
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Lisa,
That pastel is absolutely beautiful! I love the softness and the glowing colors in the low light. Good composition, too. Wow!!
Thanks Meg. I love Monet, AND his garden.
I used some images at WC! & then imagined myself in the middle of the path to create the image. The softness is a result of staying out of the dark colors this time.
I can’t take credit for the garden layout. ;D Monet was a natural when it came to focal points, colors & composition. I hope to exploit the heck out of it.