Talk about getting rid of the grass! Monet’s yard, called Clos Normand, is two-and-a-half acres of row upon row of annuals and perennials arranged according to color. The row that leads to the front door is a path of nasturtium that form an overwhelming carpet. Trees, shrubs and open spaces abound, as well as sitting areas. It really has to be seen to be appreciated. Photos do not do it justice.

I expected a loose interpretation of an English-style garden, I did not envision the organized rows of plants, most 3-4 feet wide, planted by color - an orange/yellow row, a purple row, a red/pink row and so on. Nearly any annual and perennial you can think about is here, somewhere. For a complete plant list, visit here. This is not his original garden, it was restored in 1966.

To see my post on his pond, visit here.

To tour the gardens, it’s a day-trip from Paris. Bus tours run every day (except Monday), April 1 through October 31, 62€ ($95US) for the bus & garden to 82€ ($122 US) for a minibus, garden admission and the American Art Museum at Giverny ticket included. It’s 5.5€ ($8US) admission, if you get there on your own by car or train.

Favorite thing: The colors, even this late in the season (it was October).