PARIS — When Cristóbal Balenciaga closed his Paris fashion house in 1968, he and jewelry designer Jean Michel Schlumberger marched American society icon Bunny Mellon across the cobblestones, a tableau hinting at the interwoven worlds of high fashion, artistic sensibility, and the quiet, yet profoundly impactful, realm of Bunny Mellon's gardens. While Balenciaga's designs revolutionized the silhouette, Mellon's horticultural creations quietly redefined the landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the world of gardening, particularly through her remarkable work at her estate in Givenchy, France. This article delves into the extraordinary legacy of Bunny Mellon's gardening, focusing specifically on her Givenchy gardens and their enduring influence.
Bunny Mellon, née Rachel Lambert Lloyd, wasn't simply a wealthy socialite; she possessed an innate understanding of nature's artistry, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering dedication to cultivating beauty. Her gardens, far from being mere displays of wealth, were expressions of a deep-seated passion, a testament to her profound connection with the natural world. While many associate her with the meticulously planned and breathtaking landscapes of her Virginia estate, rarely is the significant contribution of her Givenchy garden discussed with the same level of detail. This oversight is a disservice to the breadth of her horticultural talent and the unique character of this French haven.
Bunny Mellon's Gardens: A Tapestry of Styles and Influences
Bunny Mellon's gardening style defied easy categorization. It wasn't rigidly formal, nor was it entirely naturalistic. Instead, it represented a harmonious blend of elements, drawing inspiration from various sources – from the classical elegance of Italian gardens to the whimsical charm of English cottage gardens, and the understated beauty of naturalistic landscapes. Her approach was characterized by a profound respect for the existing environment, a sensitivity to the interplay of light and shadow, and an unparalleled ability to create spaces that felt both intimate and grand. This eclecticism is evident in all her gardens, but perhaps most strikingly in Givenchy.
The Givenchy estate, purchased in the 1950s, provided Mellon with a blank canvas upon which to paint her horticultural masterpiece. The existing landscape, while possessing inherent charm, lacked the structured beauty that she envisioned. Over the years, she meticulously transformed the property, creating a series of interconnected gardens that flowed seamlessly from one to another, each with its own distinct personality and charm. Her approach was not about imposing her will on the land, but rather about working with it, enhancing its natural beauty and creating spaces that felt both cultivated and wild.
The Bunny Mellon Oak Spring Garden: A Masterpiece of Naturalistic Design
While the Givenchy gardens were a significant undertaking, it's important to acknowledge the influence of her other, arguably more famous, garden: Oak Spring Garden Library in Upperville, Virginia. This garden, nestled amidst rolling hills and ancient oaks, exemplifies Mellon's commitment to naturalistic design. The garden’s design features a deliberate informality, with meandering paths, wildflower meadows, and carefully placed specimen trees creating a sense of discovery and wonder. The integration of art and architecture, notably the stunning garden library building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, further enhanced the garden's overall aesthetic.
The principles employed at Oak Spring Garden Library – the emphasis on native plants, the careful placement of architectural elements, and the creation of a sense of natural flow – undoubtedly informed her approach to the Givenchy gardens. While the French landscape differed significantly from the Virginia countryside, the underlying philosophy remained consistent: a deep respect for the land and a desire to create a harmonious blend of nature and art.
current url：https://czgnwk.h359a.com/global/bunny-mellon-gardening-in-givenchy-28418