“Giverny – A Painter’s Garden”
Dante opened his talk by telling members a little about himself. He majored in French at university and in 2015 went to France as he had obtained a position working in Monet’s garden at Giverny, France. The garden is about 80 Km from Paris and is situated at the point when a tributary of the Seine, the Epte joins the major stream.
Dante discussed the evolution of the garden from the very tidy Victorian garden with formal beds surrounded by grassy areas to the more relaxed floral style seen today. In 1890 when he was 50 Monet bought the property and the main work began. Felix Breuil was hired along with a team of 6 gardeners to help with the work. In the first year after he bought the garden Monet sort permission to divert the river Epte to make the very famous water lily garden. Over the years this garden was enlarged and the very well known and much photographed bridge built. Waterlilies had been hybridized by this time and various varieties were installed. Monet continued to paint and waterlilies were a favourite subject.
After Monet’s death in 1926 the garden became abandoned until 1970 Gerald Vanderkemp led a restoration effort with much of the money being donated from the USA. Dante then gave members a behind the scenes glimpse of the garden as it is now and discussed some of the elements that go into providing magnificent displays throughout the season.
Most plants are grown on the premises from seed. Dante’s talk was followed by questions. Members really appreciated his beautiful photographs and interesting presentation.