After discovering Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts at the Arboretum de la Sédelle, Laura Johnson and Thomas Flechtner decided to share their own wonderfully individual garden in the Creuse. Their first opening proved that a garden does not need formal borders or immaculate lawns to offer visitors a truly memorable experience.
Set around a restored farmhouse dating from 1860, with the ruins of an old mill still visible on the land, Laura and Thomas’s garden at Moulin de Murat has evolved in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Water plays a central role in the landscape. Three ponds are fed by a spring, while a river curves around the land, bringing the gentle sound of flowing water before the drier days of summer arrive. The ponds reflect the surrounding trees and changing skies, creating peaceful corners in which visitors can pause and enjoy the landscape.
The garden is also rich in wildlife. Birds are abundant during the spring, from the most colourful and easily recognised visitors to tiny species that are more often heard than seen. A resident kingfisher regularly dives into the water in search of fish, while deer occasionally wander peacefully through the grounds.
Rather than imposing a formal structure on the land, Laura and Thomas have created a garden that encourages nature to take the lead. Paths wind through areas of woodland and naturalistic planting, past rhododendrons, a small rose garden, an English greenhouse and a bamboo grove where flocks of birds sometimes gather.
Plants are grown organically, without spraying, and Laura and Thomas collect seeds. Beehives are another important part of the garden, reflecting their desire to create a space that works with, rather than against, the natural environment.
One of its most distinctive features is an avenue of around 200 birch trees. Their pale trunks and dappled shadows create an atmospheric walkway through the garden, while the ponds, woodland and broad views across the surrounding countryside give each area its own character.
A first opening by appointment
Laura and Thomas first considered opening their garden after seeing the Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts stand at La Sédelle.
“We thought it would be nice to share the garden,” they explained.
As their property is quite different from a traditional flower-filled garden, they chose to welcome visitors by appointment. The format suited them extremely well, allowing the group to experience the garden together and giving Laura and Thomas time to guide visitors through its many different areas.
The visit began with an hour-long tour of the garden. This was followed by a 20-minute performance of North Indian singing from Laura and a selection of homemade treats.
Despite uncertain weather, the opening attracted a good turnout and developed into a relaxed and enjoyable occasion.
“We were very happy with the day,” said Laura and Thomas. “The appointment-based format worked very well for us. We felt very supported by the Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts team, and everything was very easy.”
The experience was so positive that they would be happy to open again. Next time, they may arrange one longer appointment, allowing visitors even more time to explore the garden and enjoy the atmosphere.
Their advice to anyone wondering whether to open their own garden is simple:
“We would highly recommend it. It was easy, well organised and very enjoyable. It was a pleasure to share our garden.”
Laura and Thomas’s experience is a lovely reminder that every garden has its own story to tell. Formal or informal, carefully designed or allowed to develop naturally, a garden can offer visitors inspiration, enjoyment and the chance to experience somewhere entirely new.
For Laura and Thomas, opening their garden was not about presenting perfection. It was about welcoming people into a place they love—and sharing the peace, beauty and wildlife that make it so special.
Thank you to Laura and Thomas for sharing their garden in support of our association. If you would like to visit this garden please see here for more details.
