We hope you have enjoyed the SRGC Forum. You can make a Paypal donation to the SRGC by clicking the above button

« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2 3 4   Go Down

Author Topic: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland  (Read 6369 times)

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« on: July 07, 2009, 01:48:05 PM »
Early July and, despite thunderstorms, the weather forecast predicted a sunny morning - perfect for venturing up the Rhone valley towards the Swiss German Canton of Vaud. Turning off at Bex the road starts to wind steeply up passed alpine villages through densely wooded forest accompanied by the rushing water…the road ends at 1,260 metres at Plan de Nant.
« Last Edit: July 07, 2009, 02:22:57 PM by Ragged Robin »
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2009, 01:49:35 PM »
This was the moment I had been waiting for since the snow melt and now like a Lilliputian taking in the giant scene at the foothills of the 800 metre Great Muveran mountain range, I scanned the surrounding landscape with paths leading to the Vallon de Nant Nature Reserve. Another time…
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2009, 01:51:07 PM »
Nestled against the mountainside merging with the trees is La Thomasia.

This exquisite miniature Alpine Botanical Garden, covering one hectare, is free to wander through and full of incredible alpine plant collections, mostly grown from seed from all corners of the globe. 
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2009, 01:52:36 PM »
The garden was originally created by the Thomas family beside their chalet as a way of introducing the flora of the mountains to the people in 1891 and still does so today; spreading the message of the fragility of Nature that we must nurture for future generations to enjoy.
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2009, 01:54:43 PM »
Making use of the exceptional local climatic conditions, over seventy environments have been created including rocks, crevices, streams, ponds, peat bogs and a marsh have been laid out to create perfect growing conditions for rare and spectacular plants
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #5 on: July 07, 2009, 01:56:54 PM »
more alpine plants.....
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2009, 01:59:23 PM »
Sun-baked paths meander around the rock gardens opening up new vistas where Alpine plants grow at miniature altitudes in just the perfect spot. It’s satisfying to recognise plants enjoying this location and finding new ones to increase your awareness of the diversity of alpine flora.
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2009, 02:01:22 PM »
more alpine plants...
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #8 on: July 07, 2009, 02:02:54 PM »
From a high point the design becomes clearer undulating in waves of floating heads and carpeting the rocks as far a one can see.
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2009, 02:04:46 PM »
A cool glade and the mountain stream that is the Avancon des Plans River passes through and creates watery locations for plants that love the wet.  Here they reflect their special charm in a timeless scene whilst beyond the shady woodland beckons just over the wooden bridge.
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2009, 02:07:24 PM »
It’s hard to leave…… at every view a new plant waits to be seen in full flower or leaf in the changing season……..
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2009, 02:10:59 PM »
This special garden is one to return to time and again with expert advice on hand and a warm welcome for everyone that makes you want to smile and remember its raison d’etre.
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Ragged Robin

  • cogent commentator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3494
  • Country: 00
  • in search of all things wild and wonderful
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2009, 02:12:10 PM »
The Alpine Botanical Garden was created by the Bex Development Society and is supported by Lausanne Cantonal Botanical Gardens and Museum

http://www.musees-vd.ch/fr/musee-et-jardins-botaniques/jardin-de-pont-de-nant
« Last Edit: July 07, 2009, 02:19:33 PM by Ragged Robin »
Logged
Valais, Switzerland - 1,200 metres - Continental climate - rocks and moraine

Maggi Young

  • Forum Dogsbody
  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 44778
  • Country: scotland
  • "There's often a clue"
    • International Rock Gardener e-magazine
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2009, 03:51:56 PM »
Robin, a superb posting.....   8)

A gem of a place, beautifully presented to us.... to educate or to tempt us to visit.... works all ways!

AND Remember Folks:  CLICK THE PIX TO SEE THE LARGER IMAGES! !!   :) 8)
Logged
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

Editor: International Rock Gardener e-magazine

Luc Gilgemyn

  • VRV President & Channel Hopper
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5528
  • Country: be
Re: Alpine Botanical Garden in Vaud Switzerland
« Reply #14 on: July 07, 2009, 04:23:02 PM »
Robin,
What an amazingly natural looking botanic alpine garden !! Not one I had ever heard of !!!! :o :o :o

And what a guided tour !!!!!  :D
I hope the owners sponsored your trip - it would have been well deserved
 it !!!  ;D

I will definitely have another longer look later tonight !
Too impressive to leave it to one visit  8)

Thanks a million for sharing this with us !  :-* :-* :-*
Logged
Luc Gilgemyn
Harelbeke - Belgium
Pages: [1] 2 3 4   Go Up
« previous next »
 

Scottish Rock Garden Club is a Charity registered with Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR): SC000942
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal