On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
randy khan
There are very few places more special than Monet’s Giverny garden in the spring. The garden was as much a part of his art as anything, and you’re constantly turning the corner and experiencing a shock of recognition, particularly in the back part of the garden.
Let’s start with an overview shot. This is from the second floor of the house, and it’s the view from the bedroom. The pond is beyond the row of trees at the back of the photo, but what you can see from here is the profusion of flowering plants in the garden.
Okay, let’s go to the flowers. The place is full of saturated colors, and these poppies are a fine example.
I’m a sucker for alliums. We have them all over our yard, and I couldn’t resist them at Giverny, either.
Such delicacy.
I think this is a peony, but I’m happy to be corrected.
Monet kept chickens, so there are still chickens there.
This is the famous pond, and the famous water lilies.
A long view of the pond.
And the extremely famous bridge. Everyone walks across it, of course, but this is the view Monet painted (without all the people).
WaterGirl
Oh my gosh, I could feel my breathing slow as i looked at those photos, especially the pond.
And that first photo of the garden, oh my god, that is a piece of art. Astonishing.
Dan B
Wonderful photos! And it is Paeonia rockii. It’s a gem worthy of drooling, or at least I hope to be forgiven for excess salivation. In
alleyall my garden touring I’ve never encountered one in the flesh although I was usually occupied trying to keep my clients at bay as the gardening juices rose to extremes in Springtime.We are rational creatures, right…. right?
debbie
I’ve been told that’s a Japanese peony.
Dan B
@WaterGirl: The gardens we visited in Britain on tour were works of art as great as British literature. Currently there are gardens and landscape architecture around the world that are equalling the heights the Brits achieved. Each country expresses its culture and design sensibilities. There are hot spots of design innovation and excellence as well as some regions that have a long ways to go.
It still surprises me how these gardens can alter our moods and emotions. I remember a family wuth small children,, probably 7 and 9, who visited a garden writer’s home. They remarked how well behaved and awestruck their kids were. I’m not sure how teenagers would do but I’ve been to some sites that would enthrall even the most whacked out teen.
Dan B
@Dan B: In all my…. not “alley” touring…
Autocorrect, sigh.
Ken
It occurs to me, that may be one of the few bridges in the world that has its own art conservator. Matching the paint for the annual touch-up, matching the wood when it needs repairs…
Benw
So those purple and white puffballs around front are alliums! The couple who owned our house before us put in an astonishing yard that I’ve been trying to keep from dying. It’s so nice you all clue me into peonies, irises, alliums and all the other flowers.
Awesome pics and Monet kicks ass!
Jim, Foolish Literalist
I made a slideshow of my too many pictures of a trip to Giverny from a few years back. I watch it from time to time. I should watch it more for that calming effect. And I took pictures of the chickens. And a large goat pen I passed on my way back to the shuttle.
Overall Giverny is remarkable. But the willows are too close to the house.
sdhays
My wife and I visited Giverny back in September, 2018. It was absolutely breathtaking, as these pictures show.
If you ever have the chance to visit, GO!
randy khan
@Jim, Foolish Literalist:
I had too many pictures from Giverny as well, and it was hard to get it down to ten. I am hopeful that the next two posts will have things I omitted (or that I didn’t see because of the time of year).
Tehanu
Lovely pix, thank you.
sempronia
@Dan B: Can you name some of those spectacular gardens? I would love to add them to my to-see list!
sab
@sempronia: I would also like to see that list.
Gvg
We went to Giverny too, my mother and I. We took a garden tour of England and added a day trip to Giverny. We took the Chunnel train across the channel and then caught a tour bus to Giverny. It was great. England has multiple tour companies that specialize in gardens. There were many to choose from. Ours had free days and we added in extra visits from other companies. Mass transit was pretty complete so we didn’t have to drive ourselves. The day tours seemed to be mostly aimed at local British garden lovers. A lot of them really love gardening which is how you end up with so many famous ones.
Monet’s gardens have multiple books written about them. I was struck with how many actual artists were there painting it. Local people and many students practicing on the subject. Some were good, others just beginning but that garden was designed to be painted in. The layout accommodates a painter in many places. I think the trustees also are accepting of painters.
Nancy
Thank you for these. I was feeling rushed and stressed this morning and now. . . . I’m renewed by the beauty of the place and your photography.
As a frequent photographer of my thumb, I appreciate pictures that have been composed and selected by a non-thumb specialist.
I remind myself that I have other talents. Among them is an appreciation of art.
I will return to your photos for re-renewal.