Garden Club visit to Bottagisio in Demu on Thursday 6 June 2013

Our June visit was to the garden of Serge Bottagisio and Agnes Decoux

Both artists of international repute they live and work in the Gers

where they produce amazing outdoor pieces

http://www.lesbotta.com/

We arrived up a long winding lane flanked by green fields and parked outside the entrance to the garden.  

The first things we saw were large concrete bowls, surrounded by prickly pear cacti, which were filled with water and contained water lilies.   

These were opposite the entrance. 

Looking over the tops was a spectacular view of the local countryside.It gave a wonderful feeling of peace and freedom.   

The garden is situated on a ridge where the views are stunning on both sides.

We were warmly welcomed by Agnes who ushered us all into the shade of a tremendous oak tree to wait for everyone to arrive.   

The oak tree must have been hundreds of years old, and gave the impression it was sheltering us from the world.   

Below us was a pond which added to our feeling of contentment.  

Entering the garden we enjoyed the different palms which had both black fruit and delightful bunches of yellow flowers.   

Agnes explained her concept of different shapes complementing each other both in nature and their sculptures.   

We saw three more of the large concrete bowls (les grenades) placed in line with a huge curved branch.  

The curve of the branch and the curve of the bowls reflected, echoed and complimented each other.  

During our tour of the garden and buildings we saw some wonderful chairs; one made from heavy wire  

and others from strips of white metal.

  

They looked lovely but exceedingly uncomfortable!  

As well as palms there were several different types of cacti and succulents that gave a different dimension to the garden.  

There were many varying sculptures, from the bowls (les grenades) 

through to stones (les galets) and lighting cubes (les cubes), 

but for me,

the favourite was the cones (les toupies).   

They were huge but also superb with bands of red etched into the concrete.

   A cone made of latticework concrete laid next to three of the cones gave an interesting contrast.   

The concrete pillars were very striking and I found myself wishing I could take one home.

This was a visit which left me feeling happy and tranquil.

Thanks to Janey for the write up and photos.

An artist's garden full of organic and tactile shapes and powerful verticals with softening contrasts of delicate openwork set against massively solid pieces.

Strong and bold but in harmony with their surroundings the sculptures are a perfect counterpoint to the majesty of the rolling green Gascon countryside

As individual as the owners, a very special garden to visit.   

Our hostess on this occasion was Dorothee Benich Godard who gardens the 2.5 hectare plot 

The photo shows part of her garden and the drying shed.

Suffice to say this month's garden visit was a revelation in devotion,dedication and total belief in an eco friendly and organic lifestyle.

For more info and a full report please go to the garden page.
http://gersoisladiesclub.blogspot.fr/p/garden-group.html