Jardins du Château de la Bourdaisière, Tours


European Garden Award 2011

Louis Albert de Broglie, when starting the redevelopment of his family home, Château de la Bourdaisière, has picked up the idea of bringing into its gardens ancient vegetables and fruits, herbs and flowers, reminiscent of his garden in Normandy and from his long stay in India.

In the middle of the 90s, the idea of preserving old species was a bit avant-gardism. But with two people fighting for the conservation of ancient species, he worked out an eco-conception for the redevelopment of the estate. In addition to preservation, the whole management of the gardens and the castle, including energy, water, materials, waste etc., follows the principles of sustainability.

The Castle is situated in a 32 ha, beautiful 19th century, romantic park with a charming mix of trees. The vegetable garden is meant to raise people’s awareness for old species, for preserving and planting them in their own garden. More than 650 tomato varieties are celebrated in an annual festival for all senses, colours, tastes, perfume, and knowledge.

The site also shows a wide range of medical plants in a garden designed by Marie d’Hennezel and also a contemporary garden with more than 100 different Dahlias.