HARVEST MOUNTAIN GARDEN - WOUWENBERGHOF

There are few gardens inspired by the Flemish Renaissance in France. But there is one in the north of France, in Cassel! It's built around a former farmhouse, which lay derelict until 1990, when landscape architect Emmanuel de Quillacq bought it and restored it to its former glory. All around the farmhouse, he has transformed the land into a masterpiece. Spring is in full swing with the blossoming of thousands of narcissus bulbs, as well as botanical crocuses, puschkinias and large-flowered crocuses... Over 1.5 hectares, eighteen gardens open onto the surrounding countryside, creating a landscape that can be contemplated like a master's painting, with its views and glimpses of the Flemish bocage. You'll admire the topiary art performed on the yew trees, all well trimmed, with elements reminiscent of the décor on the front of the house. The panorama is superb, offering beautiful views over the Houtland plain. The garden is cared for with passion, and it shows. However, if you want to fully appreciate the garden, you'll have to wait for the weather to allow you to stroll through and discover its treasures. In 2011, the garden was voted Garden of the Year by the Association des journalistes du jardin et de l'horticulture (AJJH). What's more, the gardens of Mont des Récollets were also voted ^9th favorite garden of the French in the TV program Le jardin préféré des Français in 2013. If you're staying in the area, be sure to visit the nearby mill.