garden
The Château Gardens
The delight of this establishment is not limited to the architecture of the Château but is on display throughout the gardens sprawling around it.
“We might think that we are nurturing our garden, but of course, it is our garden that is really nurturing us.”
This famed quote by Jenny Uglow captures the essence of our Gardens. We long to create and keep beautiful spaces of peace, inspiration and delight for all who visit and wander between the flora.
Over the months and years ahead, guided by Mari Dartnall and Mari-Louise Roux, we will be working to establish and expand the gardens across our 15 acres of woodland.
Our vision for the gardens
Below are a few of the new nodes we will be developing over the coming seasons:
– Rhododendron Ramble
– Venerable Old Sage
– Triskele Labyrinth
– Azalea Alley
… and more.
Meet Mari Dartnall - the driving force behind the gardens
Mari has an exceptional talent for nurturing the natural environments she finds herself in. She was previously responsible for overseeing the lavish gardens within the Francolin Conservancy at The Orient Boutique Hotel, where she and her team cultivated and cared for an expansive collection of flora. She now undertakes a similar role at Château des Tesnières, where her sole focus will be the development and dutiful care of the various gardens across the 15-acre property.
Meet Mari-Louise Roux - A true steward of the soil and soul.
With a spirit shaped by travels across the globe and a journey through many vocations, it was her deep rooted love for gardening that led her to the heart of Château Des Tesnières.
Here, she cultivates more than just plants, she nurtures harmony. Her holistic, biodynamic approach works hand in hand with Mother Nature, crafting a self-sustaining, organic ecosystem that breathes life into the land.
From vibrant herbs to delicate blossoms, Mari-Louise’s gardens now bloom with edible treasures that beautifully complement Chef Chantel’s Botanical Cuisine. Every root, leaf and flower tells a story of intention, care, and connection.
A garden is more than a place, it’s a philosophy. And Mari-Louise lives it, one seed at a time.
