previous
  • Indeterminate or Determinate Tomatoes?
    Indeterminate or Determinate Tomatoes?
  • In Pursuit of the Perfect Potting Shed
    In Pursuit of the Perfect Potting Shed
  • Colorful Selections for Shade
    Colorful Selections for Shade
  • Slideshow: Beautiful Clematis
    Slideshow: Beautiful Clematis
  • Designing with Curved Terraces
    Designing with Curved Terraces
  • Homegrown / Homemade
    Homegrown / Homemade
  • Fragrant Plants for Pathways
    Fragrant Plants for Pathways
  • Garden Confidential: A Plant Walks into a Bar
    Garden Confidential: A Plant Walks into a Bar
  • Thoughts From a Foreign Field
    Thoughts From a Foreign Field
  • Plant an Easy-to-Water Strawberry Jar
    Plant an Easy-to-Water Strawberry Jar
  • Dwarf Citrus Trees
    Dwarf Citrus Trees
  • Mulch for a Healthy Garden
    Mulch for a Healthy Garden
  • Plants that Spark!
    Plants that Spark!
  • Containers as Focal Points
    Containers as Focal Points
  • Pretty in Pink
    Pretty in Pink
  • Fast-Growing Trees for Impatient Gardeners
    Fast-Growing Trees for Impatient Gardeners
  • Building a Compost Bin
    Building a Compost Bin
  • Lawn Alternatives
    Lawn Alternatives
  • Comfortable Alfresco Dining
    Comfortable Alfresco Dining
  • Stylish Shady Containers
    Stylish Shady Containers
  • 6 Tips for Weed Control
    6 Tips for Weed Control
  • NEW Video Series: There's a Better Way
    NEW Video Series: There's a Better Way
  • Make a Succulent Topiary
    Make a Succulent Topiary
  • Save Money by Growing Your Own
    Save Money by Growing Your Own
  • Elephant's Ears
    Elephant's Ears
next

Garden Photo of the Day

Garden Photo of the Day

Les Quatre Vents - Curved and circular steps

comments (5) August 31st, 2011 in blogs
MichelleGervais Michelle Gervais, Senior Editor
56 users recommend

Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge Click the image to enlarge.

Click to enlarge

Photo: Virginia Small

Today we see a couple of gorgeous curved staircases that are planted with alpine and rock garden plants. Not only are the shapes of the stairs a softened version of the norm, but the plants soften these steps even more, making this a relaxed and inviting space. The stairs almost seem to spill out into the lawn. If you look closely at the second set, you'll see that the top stairs curve inward, while the bottom stairs curve outward, creating a full circle if viewed from above. Quite a feat of stonemasonry!

**All this week and next, we're featuring photos of the gardens at Les Quatre Vents, the home of Frank and Anne Cabot in Quebec. If you'd like read more about this garden, check out this interview with Frank Cabot that ran in the April 2005 issue of Fine Gardening. Frank also whote a book about the garden. You can get it on Amazon here.**

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE DAY blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

Sign up to get new posts delivered to your inbox each morning so you'll always remember to take a look, or subscribe to our RSS feed. We look forward to sharing our garden travels with you.

READER PHOTOS: We love featuring your photos, too. If you think you have a photo that we should share on the Garden Photo of the day, email us. Send hi-res images if possible. We'll only respond if we plan to use your photo.


posted in: hardscape, Cabot, LesQuatreVents

Comments (5)

sheilaschultz writes: PS Thanks rwotzak, you gave me a new perspective. Posted: 3:00 pm on August 31st
sheilaschultz writes: These stairs are screaming, 'walk on me and I'll take you on the next part of the adventure.' The plantings add the comfort level... plus the softer side of beauty. Posted: 2:59 pm on August 31st
arboretum writes: the building and builder of the walls and steps- were featured in the wonderful dvd i mentioned yesterday.
best,
mindy
www.cottonarboretum.com/ Posted: 1:32 pm on August 31st
rwotzak writes: I love how the bottom 4 steps in the last two photos would fit exactly into the space created by the inward curve of the upper 4 steps, creating a balance of positive and negative space. Posted: 9:10 am on August 31st
Deanneart writes: Wow! how gorgeous! they seamlessly tie into the landscape. Love this. Posted: 7:01 am on August 31st
You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.