Le Jardin de Cuy
« Label jardin remarquable »
opens Sunday afternoon 1 July 2012
and participates during 2012 also in
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"Journées Jardin, Art et Soin" (Alzheimer) 26 et 27 May;
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"Journées Rendez-vous aux Jardin"(3, 4 et 5 June;
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"Journées du Patrimoine" (15 & 16 September).
the Setting
Le Jardin de Cuy is situated in the middle of the hedgerow landscape of the department of the Nièvre. From the year 2001 one of these meadows has been and still is being transformed into a garden. It is designed around a maison forte. The origins of this fortified house date from the 14th century and until the French Revolution it was the home of the Seigneurs de Cuy. Four small lakes in a row and a gently sloping valley with Charolais type cows form the natural backdrop of the garden.
the Walk
The paths through this two hectare sized, contemporary garden lead along fruit trees, a terraced garden with dark leafed plants, a kitchen garden and a cut flower enclosure, an oval with tall grasses; and there are herbaceous mixed borders around the ancient courtyard.
the Vegetation
Botanically interesting are a bicentennial bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera), a honey tree (Sophora japonica) and an avenue of 50 swamp oaks (Quercus palustris). Furthermore, one finds different combinations of sturdy annuals such as the castor oil plant (Ricinus), cardoon (Cynara cardunculus), honey flower (Melianthus major) and Phacelia tanacetifolia.