The Vegetable Garden Today…
On June 13, 2014 the Chateau Colbert vegetable garden reopened its doors to the public after 2 years of restoration. Gwenael Tanguy, a state certified landscape designer, was in charge of this far-reaching project.
On that day the garden was unveiled by its Godmother Alix de Saint Venant, (a gardener and botanist at Chateau Valmer), and its Godfather Alain Baraton, (chief gardener at the Palace of Versailles).
8000m² of garden were cleared; a stone double staircase was rediscovered and indicates today the entrance of the place. The vegetable garden was recreated according to the original design from the 18th century. The main and secondary alleys were redrawn, a part of the big greenhouse of 1900 restored and both the cave and the rock garden were preserved.
An irrigation canal made of slate was dug in the middle of the garden, an essential and ecological element as it collects both spring and rain water to fill the watering tanks.
Chateau Colbert’s vegetable garden is organized in 14 patches of leguminous plants edged with 20 000 box shrubs. Its rectangular shape, trimmed with perennial plants and flowering trees, is protected by solid walls dating from the same 18th century era. At the back of the chateau, below the great alley, you find a pleasant walking path shaded by linden and tulip trees. The orchards and its collection of ancient varieties of pear and apple trees overhang the whole space.
The entirely organic production enriches every day the savors of the gastronomic menus elaborated by the head chef of the Chateau’s restaurant. Vegetables and fruit trees are not treated with any chemicals. The plates of the restaurant are adorned with fresh edible flowers and herbs carefully picked every day.
Mickael VINCENT, a former gardener at the Palace of Versailles and current chief gardener of the Chateau Colbert garden will welcome you from spring to autumn and will enjoy sharing his passion for gardens with you. He regularly transmits his knowledges to students as a patch of garden is dedicated to them for planting, harvesting and tasting…
In 2016 and again in 2021 Mickaël won the Grand Prize for the most beautiful vegetable garden granted by the French National Society of Horticulture. In 2017 the garden was recognized as a Remarkable Garden.
Visitors may freely stroll through the garden but also have a guided visit if they wish.