The Clos Normand: A Painter's Garden

The main garden, known as the Clos Normand, evolved over decades into one of the most sophisticated artistic creations of its time. Monet rejected the architectural gardens popular in France, with their clipped hedges and gravel paths. Instead, he created what appeared to be a spontaneous paradise but was actually carefully orchestrated for visual effect.

The garden's central axis, leading from the house to the main gate, became the Grande Allée, flanked by flower beds that changed with the seasons. Monet planned these beds like paintings, with careful attention to color harmony and contrast. In spring, tulips and forget-me-nots created studies in complementary colors. Summer brought the famous nasturtiums trailing over the arched metal frames, creating a tunnel of orange and green. Autumn featured dahlias and asters in warm tones that echoed the changing leaves.

Monet employed six gardeners, directing them like a conductor with an orchestra. He would stand in the garden, gesturing and calling out instructions, having plants moved if they disrupted his color scheme. He ordered seeds from around the world, experimented with new varieties, and created his own hybrids. The garden was never static; it was a living canvas that changed not just seasonally but year by year as Monet refined his vision.