In the deep shade of trees, it is hard to grow a wonderful lawn. In Monet’s gardens at Giverny, the spot under the tall copper beech had to be sawn anew every year.
This is why the head gardener came to the idea of planting a little moss garden under the old tree. “It is an attempt,” he says. “Let’s wait and see if it works.”
Monet didn’t have any moss garden, as far as we know, but surely he would love the idea: it looks so japanese. This makes it fit perfectly in this corner of the garden surrounded by bamboos, next to the famous footbridge called the Japanese bridge.
As early as 7 o’clock in the morning, the fairies are at work in Monet’s gardens. Young volunteers carefully take away the wilted flowers to keep the garden full of beautiful blossoms. Climbing roses are reached thanks to secateurs with long handles that need some practice and a lot of attention. The volunteers also have many other tasks to do. Here is Hillary Bernhardt, who was kind enough to answer a few questions:
Do you like this work?
Yes, very much. It’s very special to be able to work in Monet’s garden for a month. I have the opportunity to see how the flowers change in the garden as we take certain flowers out and put new ones in or as new ones pop out of the ground. I feel lucky to be able to soak in the garden’s beauty each day. Additionally, I love the opportunity to visit the garden after hours. It is sometimes challenging to be working outside all day, but I am thankful for the opportunity.
What made you want to apply?
I knew previous students from Davidson College who had completed the internship and they had all loved the experience. It’s a great way to practice speaking the French language, experience French culture, and explore the region on weekends. It’s also an excellent way to reflect on one’s life and journey thus far. As I’m working in the garden or going on bike rides in the area, I have the space to think about what has been meaningful in my life so far and what I would like to do in the future.
How is the atmosphere?
Working in the garden is fun! I enjoy talking to the tourists, especially when I’m able to practice French with them. Many of them ask me for the names of the flowers, but usually they know more of the names than I do! Also it has been enjoyable getting to know the professional gardeners, who really make the magic happen in the garden. I’ve enjoyed joking around with them as I have gotten to know them better.
