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The Loire Valley in Central France is abode to some of the most beautiful chateaux and gardens in the world . But Domaine de Chaumont - Sur - Loire “ is not your typical chateau garden , ” says director of communicating and marketing , Leighton Gough . Since 1992 , the historic chateau has hosted theInternational Garden Festival , a showcase of 29 display garden full of creative thinking , charm , beauty , humour and most of all , surprise . Each year , the gardens nestled within the sweeping , flower - filled landscape ring the brow castle are opt for their root on interpretations of the show ’s theme , which changes every year . “ You ca n’t be world-weary ! ” says straits gardener Gérard Dosba , who contribute a paw when needed to the interior designer who arrive to build their gardens each leap .
On the grounds of the historical Chateau de Chaumont - Sur - Loire , you ’ll get wrapping of blue - blossom edge and magnificent ancient trees . pic by : Lorraine Flanigan .
landscape painting fashion designer have understand the “ collector ’ Gardens ” theme of 2015 in various way of life , from the adventuresome travels of the big plant huntsman and collectors of the world to the realm of myth , art and culture . From the tanneries of Marrakech , the “ Dyer ’s Garden ” sport skein of colorful recital suspend over the flora that lend them their hue . In the “ Garden of Orpheus ” a thorny collection of cacti and succulents flanks a footbridge that squelch up to offer idyllic views of the Loire River . Drawing from caption of the four - folio clover , “ Lucky Charm ” pays tribute to the many species of trefoil , purpose in various times to have been taken by Eve from the Garden of Eden and used as a snake bit redress in Roman times .
In the Dyer ’s Garden , skein of indigo down , Rubia tinctorum Red River and broom yellow yarn hang above the plants that loan them their vibrantly natural colors . Photo by : Lorraine Flanigan .
In many of the showing gardens , veg and edible craw abound , from the savage abundance of mustard , chicory and Cynara cardunculus that grow in the “ Can a Rarity Be Eaten ” installing to “ À Table ” where heirloom varieties are laid out under curious lanterns curb other - worldly carnivorous plants . South African room decorator Leon Kluge ’s “ African Kitchen ” pay homage to Kruger Park where he grew up , and includes hand-loomed baobab tree made of willow , dry protea seed heads and calabash fruit - works that are crucial foods to the local tribes .
Hand - weave willow tree baobab Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree bow in greeting in Leon Kluge ’s " African Kitchen " garden . pic by : Lorraine Flanigan .
Along with these are garden brim with collections of piano scented geraniums , billowing bougainvillea and a glasshouse that shelter a rareVictoria amazonicawaterlily .
Carre et Rond , created by Yu Kongjian , is a ribbon of bolshy that flow through the Chinese garden , part of the lasting installations in the chateau ’s Parc du Goualoup . pic by : Lorraine Flanigan .
Open - air plant galleries are featured in two of the 2015 garden : the depiction - perfect “ Nuances ” frames flourish upon wave of blue - hued plant life while “ Reflections of a Collector ” play with mirror to create an Alice - in - Wonderland man of plant life paintings .
The chateau ’s stable , kitchen and chapel service serve as galleries for nature - inspire nontextual matter , such as this installment that uses plants gathered from the grounds of the chateau . Photo by : Lorraine Flanigan .
No matter what class you travel to the International Garden Festival , surprise , delight and thought - provoking exhibits challenge you to extend your imagination and see breathing in in all the veracious places .
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Location : Chaumont - Sur - Loire , between Blois and Tours , FranceOpen : April through OctoberFeatures :
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