The Park
SIXTY YEARS OF NEGLECT
Neglected since the Second World War it took nearly a whole year to recreate Meautry's gardens. The shape of the lake could no longer be seen. We began by cleaning the lake that lies opposite the manor. Then replanting the alley of lime trees that runs to the house, it's been an exciting and fascinating project.
A WELL KNOWN LOCAL LANDSCAPE GARDENER
It’s in collaboration with the landscape gardener Chantal Lejard, that the garden has slowly taken shape. The courtyard, the area surrounding the house, the orchard (finally planted in four squares of nine Catalpas) a tennis court and a swimming pool and pool-house were the essential pieces of the 2.5 hectares of garden.
A GREAT PARADOX
The forest of Montpinçon that lies opposite the property has been renowned for it’s highly diverse tree species since the XVIII century. Paradoxically, there was hardly a mature tree still standing in 2008. Sadly the woods were gradually cut down as the trees were used as firewood year after year after the Revolution and were mismanaged. A great deal of replanting has had to be done. Today over 2000 trees of a diverse number of species have been replanted.
AN ACIDIC CLAY SOIL
Our last hurdle…the soil. Indeed, the plane of Montpinçon has very dense clay soil that retains water in the winter and stops the fine spring rain entering the ground. Despite the fact that Normandy has a reputation for perfect garden conditions we have had to bring special care to each plant, creating a series of drainage, and meters and meters of porous hosepipe have been laid to bring water to the new plants.
Now all we need is a bit of patience for this sleeping garden to take form. Ten years minimum! This enthralling experience begun four years ago, every day whatever happens, the time needed for the plants to grow and prosper is the only thing we do not control !