Domaine de Cascaret, a private garden near Montreal in Languedoc, spans over two hectares. For three decades, its English owners had cultivated a quintessential English garden. However, the garden entered a new chapter in 2022 when Sankha Guha, the former BBC presenter, assumed ownership. With a vision for sustainability and ease of upkeep, Guha enlisted Anna to reimagine this idyllic enclave.
Anna's intervention was transformative yet respectful of the garden's soul. She turned the sprawling English lawn into a vibrant wildflower meadow and converted a former parking space into a dry garden that reflects the Mediterranean garrigues. This approach allowed Cascaret to begin a new story, one where untrammelled natural beauty and ecological mindfulness coexist in harmony.
Even the remaining modest swathe of lawn, a sanctuary for children to play, is intentionally left unmowed until early June, allowing native orchids to thrive and set seed. This rejuvenated landscape warmly welcomes local wildlife as integral participants, not intruders. The presence of wild boars, roe deer, and hares introduces a level of disturbance vital for maintaining biodiversity and adds excitement for the new owners.
By transforming a traditional English garden into a dynamic ecosystem that thrives with minimal water usage and maintenance, Anna has set a new benchmark in garden design. This is especially relevant in light of the increasing hosepipe bans and extreme weather events in France.
The significance of Anna's work extends to private gardens in France, offering a sustainable model for both English-speaking expats and local residents