The Gardens
The park is divided into 4 different gardens: the wild garden, the entrance garden, the romantic garden and the maze. It covers 3 hectares in total.
The design for the gardens was done by the renowned Dutch landscaper Arend-Jan van der Horst, and is based on the 18th century designs for the original gardens. The centuries old trees have remained, as well as the box hedge that dates from the early 1920's. The hedge has hardly been trimmed, and now forms a unique glowing landscape effect.
The newer parts of the gardens were planted in 2003-2005. The view from the terrace is over the wild formal gardens. The field is split into six rectangular areas, left to nature to fill with grasses and wild flowers. In spring primula are just one of the many wildflowers that blossom, and during summer you will find Scabious, cornflower (Centaurea) and clover. The paths are own mown grass that take you around and through the wildflowers, leading to the maze and the entrance garden. On the one edge of the wild garden you will find vast groups of Rhodendrons and Hortensia’s planted, whilst the other side is being cleaned and restored.
Narcissus and Tulips
We planted 2700 flower-bulbs in autumn 2005. We selected some botanical forms of the Narcissus for their form and perfumes. The botanical forms can remain in the ground throughout the year. Cultured variants need to be removed every year. We planted sorts such as the pure white ‘Thalia’, the double-flowered ‘Ice Follies’, the small ‘Odorus Plenus’ and the butterfly-shaped flower ‘Dolly Mollinger’. We also selected the different types of tulips (such as the famous black tulip the Queen of the night) to combine with the Azalea's. In the entrance garden you'll find the white Allium sort ‘Mount Everest’ has been planted, and will rise out above the bamboo at the right time of the year. Closer to the building you'll find the dark-red Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ contrasts with the lavendar plants.
Magnolia Grandiflora
Along the entrance path are white Rhododendrons and azaleas. You will also find five Magnolia Grandiflora trees. These evergreens bloom in june with very large, sweet smelling flowers.
The Maze
We designed the maze ourselves, but the triangular shape is based on a maze from Hampton Court in England. In the spring of 2005 we planted 1700 Taxus Baccata (English Yew) trees of about 30cm high. It will take at least 10 years for the maze to mature. We chose the slower growing Taxus tree because examples of such trees are over 400 years old, so although you'll have to wait 10 years for the full effect, it will be there for a long time to come. We're sure children in particular will enjoy it as it is. There are around 900m of path.
The romantic Garden
We plan to start planting the romantic garden in spring 2006. It is already possible to wander around here, and you will see Buxus (Box), and very old Peony trees. The church behind the Chateau is a dominating feature here as well.
Site & garden plans of the 18th, 19th and 21st century:
LINKS
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