Garden Photo of the Day

Les Quatre Vents - Curved and circular steps

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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Virginia Small

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Virginia Small

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Virginia Small

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Virginia Small

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Virginia Small

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Photo: Virginia Small

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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.**

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Les Quatre Vents - The blue moon bridge

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Les Quatre Vents - Water and reflections

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

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