Extreme Heat Threatens Monet's Gardens at Giverny
In Giverny, Normandy, record heatwaves have wreaked havoc on Claude Monet's iconic gardens, leading to the demise of flowers such as nasturtiums. Rémi Lecoutre, the deputy head gardener, lamented the extraordinary destruction. To adapt, the gardening team is focusing on plant concentration, enhancing irrigation, and watering delicate species during nighttime. Despite these measures, some plants have suffered from scorching, and flowering has ceased for many. They are contemplating the introduction of heat-tolerant varieties while maintaining the garden's visual appeal. Notably, the water lilies in the pond are flourishing. This situation arises as the centenary of Monet's passing approaches, with exhibitions at the Musée de l'Orangerie starting on September 30 and the Musée Marmottan Monet on September 24.
Key facts
- Record heatwaves in France have damaged flowers in Monet's gardens at Giverny.
- Nasturtiums, typically in bloom, have been reduced to burnt areas.
- Rémi Lecoutre, deputy head gardener, described the situation as 'incredibly sad'.
- The team uses mini-sprinklers and subsurface irrigation to combat water stress.
- Plants are closing stomata, halting flowering, and producing wilted flowers.
- Gardeners are considering replacing species with heat-resistant varieties and adjusting flowering periods.
- The garden is historically significant, meant to reflect the atmosphere of Monet's paintings.
- Water lilies in the pond are thriving in the heat.
- The centenary of Monet's death is marked by exhibitions: 'Monet: Painting Time' at Musée de l'Orangerie (Sept 30) and 'Stories of Landscapes: From Monet to Hockney (1893 to 2026)' at Musée Marmottan Monet (Sept 24).
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- House and Gardens of Claude Monet
- Musée de l'Orangerie
- Musée Marmottan Monet
Locations
- Giverny
- Normandy
- France
- Paris
Sources
- Dasartes —