First edition book marks Loire gardens visit
25 October 2011
The RHS has been gifted a first edition book, Les Jardins de L’Avenir by Achille Duchêne, to recognise many years of co-operation and friendship between the RHS and the Loire Valley Gardens Association, France.
The book was presented to RHS President Elizabeth Banks at a workshop in London attended by the owners of 11 prestigious Loire Valley gardens. ‘I am very grateful on behalf of the RHS to receive such a special book, which will be a fabulous addition to the RHS library,’ said Elizabeth.
The full day workshop and lecture programme was a chance for the gardens, local tourist boards and the media to meet, network, and promote the Loire as a ‘must-visit’ region.
In the evening Henri Carvallo, owner of Villandry chateau and gardens, presented a short history of the gardens of the Loire. ‘Our main asset is that each garden is in harmony with the chateau it surrounds,’ said Henri. He said the gardens were an essential part of the region’s ‘art of living’, alongside its food, wine, landscape and chateaux.
Eighteen Loire Valley gardens are members of the RHS Recommended Gardens scheme, and offer free entry to RHS members at selected times during the year.