I’m due to speak at The Landscape Show, London September 2018 alongside Andrew Fisher Tomlin about the realisation of the Jardin de la Paix – a series of Peace Gardens in Northern France to commemorate the end of World War 1.
The following is a little more on my being selected to represent Ireland, the realising of the garden in the moat of the Historial de la Grande Guerre (Chateau de Péronne), a little behind the scenes and so I and you post my talk in Battersea Park better understand the behind the scenes of the gardens final design.
Of note, all photos below are before the completion phase 1 (mid August 2018) of the garden, taken mainly over my 3 weeks there during that time and my 3 previous visits in the lead up to starting the build. There are very limited to zero photos during the realisation and the build of the now named Jardin d’Eutychia.
This article in The Irish Times by Anthea McTiernan gives a good synopsis of the Jardin de la Paix series of Peace Gardens being created in the Somme region. -> Irish Times, Peter Donegan
just broke ground at @historial1418, Péronne. Permission granted to excavate a certain depth; due to history of castle moat. c/ @BiddyEarly @Irish_in_France @FranceinIreland pic.twitter.com/yz6OT9qSty
— Peter Donegan (@DoneganGardens) July 17, 2018
Of note:
Outside Chateau de Péronne.
In Video:
Chateau de Péronne – Roof Top:
Not accessible to the public – the view from the rooftop of Historial de la Grande Guerre onto the main street.
Historial de la Grande Guerre – Museum:
Below, some photos of the building that caught my eye outside and also from within the museum itself.
Monument aux Morts, Peronne:
On your way to The Somme lakes walk, you will pass by this small park. It can also be met by walking through the grounds of the Gate of Britain.
CWGC Cemetery, Fins:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery. Fins is the next town to Péronne. Of note, it contains unknown German soldiers alongside soldiers from the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Péronne, Town Hall:
Here I was presenting the gardens designs to The Mayor of Péronne and media in the town hall.
Somme Lake Walk, Péronne:
Passing by the allotments this was my favourite walk from the town. That I don’t have too many photos of its greatest compliment in a sense. Worth noting that the lake was originally made by the Russian soldiers and the floating gardens created in the middle of it.
Thiepval:
Photographs from inside the museum which is more than worth a visit and also of the Edwin Lutyens designed structure. The letters and photos of note below.
In video: Thiepval
Le P’tit Train de la Haute Somme:
This train journey gave me a good overview of the landscape of the area. The museum also worth spending some time in.
Lochnagar, Crater Memorial:
I took no photographs here. I didn’t feel it correct to do so.
Amiens Cathedral:
Of note, the Parc de l’Eveche just to the side entrance and Parc Medieval as you walk around.
Ulster Tower Memorial:
Coincidentally, the former curator of the memorial and one of the team from Historial de la Grande Guerre had coffee together at my kitchen table just 2 weeks ago. The view of the landscape here is amazing. More than worth the journey.
In video:
Jardin des Plantes, Amiens:
A botanical gardens in Amiens. I absolutely loved this place. With thanks to Nathalie for this one.
Hortillonnages, Amiens:
This is far better in video, as I could have taken a million photos. If you get a chance go there. You’ll thank me for it.
In video:
Other Images:
Further information:
- Arts Jardins, Hauts de France – www.artetjardins-hdf.com
- Chateau de Peronne – www.historial.fr
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission – www.cwgc.org
- Peter Donegan: www.DoneganLandscaping.com
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- twitter: @DoneganGardens
- facebook: DoneganLandscaping
- email: hello@doneganlandscaping.com
Recommended Reading:
- Historial of The Great War, Hervé Francois and Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau
- La Bataille de la Somme – Historial de la Grande Guerre
- Dé Paysement, Point(s) De Vue – Amiens Museé de Picardie
- Thiepval Visitor Centre Guidebook 2014
- Historial de la Grande Guerre, Péronne (Somme) – Adriana Wattel – A Portée de Mémoire
- Chateau de Peronne, Un Visite Guidée – René Lavalard
- L’Historial de la Grande Guerre – Thomas Compére-Morel
- La Somme. Paysages de la Grande Guerre – Anne Rose, John Foley