After missing a few editions, here I am at last back at the Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard Plant Fair this April. Returning to this event is always important to me, a real ritual that began a long time ago at Courson. I always come with immense pleasure and with the aim of finding a few new additions and completing the plantings we have carried out in the garden over the past few weeks.
I set off for Saint-Jean with great anticipation. I already know I will come back with my hands full, even if we promise ourselves not to give in too much to temptation, with my phone and notebook filled with inspiration, but also with the generous advice given by the nurserymen on planting and caring for the various plants and flowers. I usually prepare my visit carefully: I start by scouting the nurseries that will be there. Even if I know those who return each year, I also note the stands not to be missed, and sometimes we even place a few orders several weeks in advance when we have a precise idea in mind.
This organization allows me to make the most of the day once I am there. I take the time to visit not only the stands I had identified beforehand, but also to wander and fully absorb the atmosphere. Few things do me as much good as strolling through the paths of Saint-Jean, as the atmosphere is cheerful, and the encounters are always rich and interesting because gardeners are passionate people who share advice and discoveries with great generosity. You do, however, need to keep your mind and eyes sharp, as the most interesting plants go quickly.
This year I was lucky to find some wonderful things. I came home in particular with a superb ‘All That Jazz’ peony from Bourdillon, whose beautiful tones will blend perfectly with the other peonies in the garden. I also fell for a few perennials, including some charming Geum ‘Scarlette Tempest’, as well as a lovely selection of ferns from Les Vivaces de Sandrine et Thierry, an address I have recommended without hesitation for several years.
This studious stroll, let us not forget that we came with a “shopping list” in hand, lasted throughout the day, accompanied by the sound of amphibians from the small pond, which adds to the bucolic atmosphere, even if some find it rather irritating. I also took the opportunity to replenish my stock of double begonia and dahlia bulbs. As I do not lift my dahlias in winter, I sometimes suffer a few losses, so I need to fill the gaps and bring a little renewal to the dahlia beds.
As we do need to rest a little, since we walk a lot, we took the time to stop for a coffee with friends before setting off again with renewed energy. After this break, I headed to various stands dedicated to the art of living where I often find a few lovely pieces: aprons, hats, and so on. I stopped by Au Fil des Pièces, in the outbuildings near the dovecote, where I found a very pretty red striped cushion as well as a few beautiful linen shirts, simple and elegant, perfect for sunny days in the garden. I also regularly buy placemats there, which I use all summer long.
The Plant Fair is also an opportunity to discover the jury’s selections. We make a point of looking at the award winning plants and stands, as it allows us to spot nurseries or varieties we might not have noticed at first glance. It is another way of discovering passionate people and enriching our knowledge.
Despite all this organization, I unfortunately forgot to visit a stand where I had planned to buy a trellis to decorate a wall that I intended to repaint next week… proof that even with notes, it is easy to get distracted in such a place. Our visit usually ends with a stop at Botanique Éditions, followed by a walk through the château’s famous kitchen garden, whose entrance is just behind. This garden is always a source of inspiration, perfectly maintained and full of ideas to recreate at home. The head gardener is present during the fair at certain times to answer visitors’ questions, and there are even guided tours of the kitchen garden for the more curious.
Before leaving, we make one last stop at the herb stands. I always pick up chamomile, basil, tarragon and lovage, essentials in my kitchen. If I still have a little time, I stop by Une Maison en Toscane, which offers magnificent terracotta pots from Italy. I sometimes give in to very small models that I repurpose as pencil holders at home.
Finally, it is time to collect the purchases left at the various stands and head back before the traffic builds up. On the way home, we talk about the day that has just passed, the best places to plant our finds, and our minds are already turning to the next plant fairs, a little closer to home, which I am already looking forward to with great anticipation.
