Ever since I travelled to France in 2008, fresh off high school graduation with my best friend (still not sure how we convinced our moms – clearly they’d never seen Taken), I have been enthralled by the distinctive beauty of Paris. I had never seen, and haven’t seen anything since, quite like it. The symmetrical lines of the paths and rows of trees with the black steel grates and brown pea gravel left a lasting impression on me. I have often wondered why we don’t design urban areas in North America in a similar manner. But it wasn’t just the formal landscaping that held my attention. It was the little hints of greenery and subtle florals that truly captured my heart.
Now, living in the “Paris on the Prairies”, I’m trying to create that beauty on my own doorstep.
Can I grow a French Garden in a cold climate?
Creating a French-Style Garden in the middle of Saskatchewan, Canada has been challenging to say the least. Compared to Paris with USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a, Martensville, Saskatchewan is a frigid Zone 3a with winters ranging anywhere from -10°C to -40°C. You’ll need to have some seriously hardy plants to survive our harsh prairie winters!
What plants give a French Garden look in Canada?
Here are some plant varieties that bring an elegant French flair, even in the harshest climates:
- Climbing Roses – like a John Cabot or John Davis
- Clematis
- Bacopa
- Petunia
- Hydrangea (cold hardy variety)
- Viburnum
- Poplar Tree
- Aspen Tree
- Linden Tree
Hardy Climbers for French Flair
To create my dreamy, French garden, I’ve been combining a lovely mix of perennials and annuals throughout the growing season. I began by adding a cold hardy light pink climbing rose that climbs up the stone façade of our entrance pillar. Another great cold-hardy climbing option is a Blue Bird or Blue Boy Clematis, both offering cool-toned blooms that echo traditional French elegance. I’m thinking of adding a White Swan Clematis to my garden collection this summer for a warmer, white look.
Lavender Looks Without the Frostbite
A French Country Garden staple is the lovely Lavender shrub. Known for its fragrant purple blooms and cool green leaves. Unfortunately, lavender isn’t winter-hardy in Saskatchewan’s Zone 3 climate. In its place, I like to incorporate small purple annuals like a trailing Bacopa and dark purple petunias for added depth.
Evergreen shrubs as borders is commonly used in French landscaping and, if you’re growing in a more moderate zone, a classic boxwood is a wonderful addition to your borders. In the colder climates, a hardier option like a cedar is a better choice. I worry about frost burn, so I’m planning to use an interlocking stone wall or ground-level bricks for a more hardscaped border edge.
White Florals for a Bright Look
Inside of the border, I like to plant a feature set of deciduous shrubs. White flowers instantly create contrast against the deep greens of the surrounding landscape. Adding them make you feel like you’re stepping into an airy French cottage oasis. An Incrediball Hydrangea is a classic choice for those gorgeous cloudy white flowers, but when the cold gets in the way again, try its hardier counterpart – a Viburnum. Their globe shaped flowers are very similar to those of an Incrediball. I planted Snowball Bush Viburnum in our front garden which are hardy to -40°C. The creamy white flowers make me feel as though I’ve been transformed to the pastoral French countryside of another time.
How to Layer Pots Like a Parisian Pro
If you’re looking to create more dimension to your French-inspired garden, try adding some clay pots with delicate small florals. Don’t be afraid to mix and match the sizes of your pots or even their colour. The more varied your pots, the more charming, rustic, and French country it will appear. Add in some trailing or dense white florals like Lobelia Palace White or Gypsophilia for a more untamed look.
With some minor modifications and plant substitutions, growing your own French Country inspired garden is completely achievable even in some of the coldest climates. Mixing hedges, shrubs and pots of different sizes draws the eye and builds depth, each element telling its own romantic story. Whites and purples are classic colours of the French countryside, but don’t be afraid to mix in some light pinks and blues for a more cottage-like feel. Whether you’re starting with a single pot or a full backyard redesign, the charm of a French garden is closer than you think… even in the Prairies. Happy planting!
