Friday, July 29, 2011

The French Laundry Garden





Let's wrap the week up with a tour of The French Laundry garden. I have yet to dine at French Laundry, though I do hope to do so soon. I did, however, recently spend two lovely mornings walking through their garden which sits right across the street from the restaurant. After seeing the rhubarb, artichokes, squashes, and chickens (yes, chickens), I'm ready to start gardening and designing a chicken coop. Well, sort of. But whether you're a gardener or not, you can't help but to be inspired by such a glorious garden.

I would like to thank Diane Dorrans Saeks (aka The Style Saloniste) for encouraging me to visit the garden. She knew that I would enjoy a stroll through this special place, and indeed I did!









































All images are the copyright of Jennifer Boles/The Peak of Chic

12 comments:

  1. How wonderful to explore their gardens....Thank you for the tour....xv

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  2. What a beautiful place. I love exploring kitchen gardens and this looks to be one of the best! I hope you got to eat the produce.

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  3. so incredibly well organized!

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  4. I hope you grabbed some Verbena bonariensis (upright verbena) or already have some in your Georgia Garden. Naturalizes beautifully here in Dallas.

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  5. What a treat! Lovely.

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  6. I LOVE the idea of previewing the menu by showcasing the fresh veggies across the street. I wish more restauranteurs got this concept!

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  7. What a grand tour. Thanks for letting me tag along. OKL is the best! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  8. I have always wanted an ornamental potager, alas I am treed under in my house in N.C. It is uncomfortably humid here in the summer, but I love to see a lovingly tended garden. I used to go, but have not been out there in years.
    Best,
    Liz

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  9. Hi Jennifer-

    I'm so pleased you walked down to the garden from your hotel in Yountville. Next time you come to SF for a visit--I'll have to take you to the garden in the late afternoon (around 6pm, summer) when the western light is backlighting the leaves and the vineyards. We can chat and sip. It is sublime.
    Chickens! These are new--and very well-fed. I shall have to ask Thomas how the eggs are appearing on the menu. Lucky.
    Among the plants and vegetables--Jerusalem artichokes, strawberries,an array of tomatoes, and in the 'greenhouse' the most beautiful cucumbers and big fat red tomatoes. Oh...and watch out for the gardeners. They are very handsome and extremely informative and enthusiastic about questions and inspiration for garden lovers (and eaters). Note: the garden is totally open to the public--with seats and paths for wandering. Top tip for the Napa Valley.
    Cheers, DIANE
    http://www.thestylesaloniste.com/

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  10. Interesting to read your visit to Thomas Keller's French Laundry garden. Bon Apetit (August issue) had a nice article about our hometown chef, David Kinch, and his relationship with Love apple Farms in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains (Kinch runs Manresa, a 2-star Michlin restaurant in Los Gatos). Both quite intersting. Keep the great observations coming. Bob

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  11. We are so lucky the French Laundry and its garden in our own backyard. I have yet to visit, but thanks to your tour I am even more eager.

    Cheers,

    Claudia

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  12. Just stumbled upon your blog as I'm researching for my trip to SF/Napa next week! I was wondering, can you just show up and visit the gardens? Or do you need to make an appt to tour them??

    Thanks!

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