The Constant gardeners

When shrubs or plants need replacing, Thierry and Benoit choose local species adapted to Périgord to put new life into the garden; but hardy varieties are required – the soil at Constant is quite poor, with a high clay content.

To feed the soil Thierry and Benoit use organic fertilisers; chemicals are only used for the flower pots and hanging baskets. As a nod to the region’s grape-growing (and wine-producing) heritage, they also use casks and barrels as a setting for seasonal flowers.

However, after more than 20 years, serious restoration was needed: landscape gardener Jonathan Scott came on board for a few months.**quote**

Jonathan set himself a clear brief, which was to work as much as possible with what was already there, but to rationalise. In some cases this involved taking drastic measures (ie the hiring of a mini-digger) which proved invaluable in enhancing the general appearance of the gardens overall in less time. “It is always important to have a strict maintenance programme on gardens of this scale,” says Jonathan. “What is clear is the gardens were planted en masse, with often inappropriate shrubs, a typical landscape contractor trait. The knock-on effect is a jungle effect, if things are not carefully managed and removed when planting distances are too close.”

Constant is famous among holidaying Bondholders for its annual display of fabulous sunflowers. But for 2012 Thierry and Benoit decided to augment the site’s usual planting by running sweet peas up the garden’s extensive trelliswork. “It’s a departure for us, but we like trying new things – and we’re told Bondholders love sweet peas!” says Benoit.