Enjoy gardening at your new French property

If you make the decision to buy a property in France and move abroad permanently, there are some hobbies that you may want to take with you and gardening is certainly one that can easily be enjoyed on the continent.

The location of your property in France will have an effect on your gardening, generally in terms of the plants that you will be able to grow, however, you could find that cultivating new species is a challenge you are ready for.

And, as one gardening blogger on FrenchEntree.com points out, a property in France will often feature a much larger garden than those in the UK. This requires more maintenance to keep it in good shape – but if you have the time you could find that you are able to vastly improve your horticultural skills and enjoy looking after a wide variety of plants.

What plants can I grow in France?

The answer to this question largely depends on where your French property is located. If you opt for somewhere in the northern part of the country, you will find that many species which thrive in the UK also do well here as the climate is very similar.

However, further south around the Mediterranean coast and on the French Riviera, you will discover the weather is much drier and warmer, which means you will need to look for plants that cope well with these conditions.

For example, lavender is a popular choice in many French gardens in the southern regions of the country and its purple flowers and strong fragrance appeal to green-fingered individuals the world over.

If you want to add a tropical look to some of your flowerbeds, you may want to take the advice of the French Gardens guide, which notes that acanthus mollis – also known as bears britches – does well in warm, dry locations.

The site states that the tall flower spike – which produces blooms in late summer and early autumn – and glossy leaves can introduce "a dramatic touch" to a garden.

And you are not limited to just flowers – you will also be able to grow a range of vegetables and fruits – again dependent on which part of the country you live in.

If you are lucky, you may even find a property in France that has its own orchard of pear or apple trees!

Garden designs in French properties

Traditional French garden design tends to feature formal bedding layouts in very clear patterns. To see an example of such planting on a large scale, you could visit one of the many chateaux that dot the countryside.

At many of these properties in France, you will notice that clipped hedges, defined lines and well-kept beds are the order of the day.

The French Gardens guide also points out that water often features in landscaping, with pools and fountains commonly seen in the grounds of stately homes.

Of course, there is no reason that you could not carry this formal style of garden design over into the backyard of your property in France, but you should not feel compelled to follow these rules.

When you own a property in France – and its garden – you are free to follow whatever landscaping themes you wish, whether you are looking for something traditional or want a more contemporary outdoor space.

Things to think about when gardening in France

When it comes to looking after your garden in the UK, you will probably have a good idea about the most common weeds and pests you will encounter.

In much of France, you will discover that the same problems crop up, with slugs and snails still doing their utmost to eat your treasured shrubs. Another insect you may come across is the pollen beetle – known as meligethes in French – which is attracted to yellow flowers.

As its name suggests, it feeds on pollen and as such is unlikely to damage your plants; however, a gardening blog on FrenchEntree.com notes that they are becoming increasingly common in areas near rapeseed crops, so it could be useful to look out for the bugs if you are near any farms growing the plant.

When it comes to sourcing your gardening supplies, you should have no difficulties wherever your property in France is situated.

Over the past decade, horticulture has become an increasingly popular pastime in the nation and as such, a large number of garden centres and nurseries have opened – giving you access to all the bulbs, seeds, tools and fertiliser you need to get your garden looking great.