Jean-Marie Avisard : «Water management has become a priority!» !

What remains to be done in the gardens before the curtain opens?

We are continuing to maintain and plant edging plants (aubrieta, phlox, sedum, heuchera and more). We are currently planting lavender as well as perennials in the colourful ‘paint pot’ flower beds, nicknamed the ‘graves’. We also need to work hard to remove the old gravel and put down new gravel. The paths will be cleaned. And in terms of pruning and trimming, we do that as we go along!

Spring is arriving earlier every year. Is the garden ahead of schedule, like last year?

Indeed. It’s becoming a habit! The narcissi and hyacinths are already blooming alongside stunning pansies. Visitors may miss the magnolia in the Water Garden because it’s already in full bloom! However, we are concerned there might be frost in late March. We will protect the wisteria using a sprinkler system that sprays artificial rain on the buds. That system worked amazingly well last year!

What are the new features – plants, trees and other – being unveiled this season?

We have replaced some climbing roses and will test out some new alliums and tulips. The Shirley tulip with purplish-blue edged white flowers is making its comeback in the gardens! And in the Water Garden, two new willows were planted last November. They already cut a fine figure! We are also planning to introduce a new exotic water lily in spring. The blue one we added last year was a great hit!

The Water Garden also features new fences.

Landscaper Olivier Geslin taught us how to make Japanese fences from bamboo. The idea is to enhance the zen feel of this part of the garden. They perfectly suit their setting. We’ll see how the public reacts!

A weather station has just been installed in Clos Normand.

Our aim is to hone our watering process. The weather station will help us achieve good water savings this year and into the future. If it rains at night, the station will instantly stop the irrigation programme. And the reverse will also be possible. Furthermore, some parts of Clos Normand not yet fitted with solenoid valves will soon get them and be connected to the centralised timer. With climate change, water management has become a priority!