Eze Village - the Golden Lion

One of the Chateau de la Chevre d'Or's golden lions making his presence felt in the gardens of this beautiful hotel.

The Bees are a-buzzing...

Rosemary tumbles over a wall alongside St. Nicolas' Church in Fontvieille.  We have sunshine, we have rosemary, we have bees a-buzzing. Spring can't be far away ...

Peille: Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks in Peille.  I absolutely love hollyhocks but never have any luck in growing them, despite having poor stony soil which they love.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus at Larvotto Beach.  Happy weekend everyone ...

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - the Olive Oil Jar

A beautiful old olive oil jar sleeps next to an olive tree near to the port of Beaulieu.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - Agapanthus

A pretty little garden with blue agapanthus near to the Mairie of Beaulieu.

Up and Down

Cypresses on the ground, cypresses on the roof - in Fontvieille.

Winter Haircut

The olive trees in Monaco have had a winter haircut. This tree grows outside the church of Saint Nicolas in Fontvieille.

All Ducked Out for Winter

If you want to get away from it all, go sit and watch the ducks in the pond at Fontvieille.

After a while, you begin to wonder if the best winter colours in fashion aren't right there before you...

Roof Cladding

This building doesn't just have a pool on top but a garden with mature trees. Imagine the weight on that roof...

This is in Fontvieille - the part of Monaco that was reclaimed from the sea.

White amongst the Cannonballs

Monaco was filled with white flowers for the wedding. Here, on le rocher, a contrast betweenhite Agapanthus and the cannonballs of a bygone era.

Agapanthus, a bulb from South Africa and therefore fitting for South African Princess Charlene, comes in white or blue - take a look at my garden - HERE.

A Roof Garden

This roof garden overlooks le rocher - you can see - in the distance - the Oceanographic Museum on the left and the cathedral on the right. In the middle ground you see the crenellations of the Palace.

The photo foreshortens everything - in fact there is a big space between this garden and le rocher. I took it on a long zoom from just below the Jardin Exotique which is even further away.

The Princess and the Ceramist

Princess Caroline spoke to all the exhibitors - here you see her chatting with Stéphane Montalto, a local ceramist of great renown. He was recently awarded the 'Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2011.' Do take a look at his website to see the beautiful art he creates.

Stéphane not only makes stunning pots but does historical restoration work and creates architectural pieces for some of the famous houses and gardens along the Riviera, such as Villa Cyrnos, the Empress Eugenie's villa in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu. He's also done work for Bono at his villa in Eze-sur-Mer.

I've featured Stephane's work before - you can see it on Menton Daily Photo HERE. You'll find his atelier in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin or you can see and purchase his work on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month in Menton market.

Garden Dreams - Princess Caroline

Princess Caroline (SAS Princess of Hanover) is the President of the Garden Club of Monaco and as you can see in the small photo, there was a large group of photographers waiting for her. She visited all the strands and also awarded prizes in the many flower arranging categories.

Garden Dreams - the Gold Shoes

Bling bling shoes on a young lady taking photos of a floral display.

Garden Dreams - Italian Pots

A pot for your garden? Or perhaps a fountain? These are made in Italy.

Garden Dreams - Signs

You could buy a sign, painted on wood and pretend you are an artist. I should probably buy the one shown in the smaller photo but unfortunately not all my dogs can read - it says 'Beware Vicious Owner.'

The flowers are Proteas which are normally found in South Africa and Australia.

Garden Dreams - Deckchairs

How about buying a pretty deckchair, kick back and enjoy the view?

Garden Dreams - the Look

Same lady as yesterday - same wonderful hat. Don't you love the look from the man alongside her?

Garden Dreams - Elegant Ladies

Dressed-up ladies are a feature of this Garden Club event. Some with hats, some without as you see here.

One of the most popular features of Garden Dreams is the competition for the best flower arrangement with prizes handed out by Princess Caroline, who we'll see later in this series.