Storytelling Through Gardens and Conversations on the Riviera
Workday 24/04/2025
This Thursday began with a familiar and beloved face, Cynthia, one of my favourite artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting at the Château. She had travelled all the way from Canada to continue her enchanting Marie Clews garden illustrations and acrylic works, pieces I have always deeply connected with both technically and emotionally. It was heartwarming to reflect with her on how far we’ve both come, each shaped by the creative magic of the Château.
We strolled through the Lover’s Garden her favourite, and the one I’ve been entrusted with renovating, sharing an unspoken understanding of the compositions, textures, and scents of the space. Our conversations flowed naturally into philosophy, creativity and storytelling, filling my morning and early afternoon with genuine inspiration and renewed motivation to continue elevating the garden’s beauty.
Driven by the energy of our meeting, I spent the afternoon immersing myself in practical tasks to further the garden’s development. I meticulously remeasured the flowerbeds to prepare for the addition of wood chips and mulch materials that not only protect and nourish the soil but must also complement the elegant and serene aesthetics of the garden.
This task required precision, resilience and adaptability as I negotiated pricing and sourced the best quality options, balancing practicality with visual harmony. It was a challenging yet deeply rewarding exercise in procurement and communication, one that allowed me to gather valuable information to report back to Pip and continue moving the project forward with clarity and purpose.
To close the day, I was invited to the local Mandelieu Boat Show a lively event where I had the opportunity to engage with locals in both French and English. It was a wonderful chance to network across industries, exchange contacts via LinkedIn and Instagram and push myself outside my comfort zone by conversing confidently in French. Beyond the enriching conversations, the charming views of the sunset over the Château created the perfect backdrop, reminding me once again how this region and every connection I make within it continue to shape both my professional and personal journey.