The role of vegatable plots in picturesque gardens

In 1791, Jean-Joseph de Laborde’s decision to move the Domaine de Méréville fruit garden and to integrate it within the site’s walking path illustrates one of the principles of picturesque gardens whereby utilitarian features can still contribute to the site’s beauty. The plot reserved for growing fruit and vegetables then became a spectacular folly, offering viewpoints from inside and outside the garden via ‘a machine for seeing and for being seen’. Such integration was reinforced through the plantation of many fruit-bearing trees in the garden’s other landscaped areas, further associating the useful and the pleasant.

This conference is organised by the Les Amis du Domaine de Méréville association.