PRESQU’ÎLE EN FLEURS, CHÂTEAU DES RAVALET, TOURLAVILLE

On Saturday and Sunday, the Cherbourg Botanical Society held its fourth edition of “Presqu’île en fleurs” at the Château des Ravalet in Tourlaville. This year’s theme was Renaissance Roses although the 14 hectare park was teeming with many other flowers and plants such as hydrangeas, ferns, cacti, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and a selection of over 500 different perennials. Inside the 16th century manor house, there was an exhibition of artistic floral design.  I particularly enjoyed the Caravaggio-inspired still-life designs.  Also on hand was the association “Val-de-Saire Bonsaï” to reconstruct a Japanese garden and to give advice to people on how to maintain and culture their own bonsaï.  

Over 40 nurseries from all over France were selected to participate and show off their quality plants and gardening materials.  Although it was a little gray and chilly, the weather was mild and did not rain.

The gardens at the Château des Ravalet are full of exotic and rare species of plants that do well in the Cherbourg climate.  

Medieval gardens were created for the exhibition in 2008 and were expanded and improved upon this year such as the Monastic Garden and the Charlemagne Herb Garden.  If you missed it this year, you will have to wait for the fifth edition which will be held in 2012.