Champagne inspirations

Among other things that have brightened up our otherwise gloomy Spring so far, my village's recent flower show featured a contest for young landscape designers.  The contest was sponsored by Laurent-Perrier, the Champagne House founded in 1812 and the main company of the Groupe Laurent-Perrier.

There were seven designs featured in the competition.  The official judges had already awarded the official prize (le Prix du jury) to one of the designs.  But members of the public in attendance at the show were invited to participate in the competition to award the public prize (le Prix du public).  As an incentive, we who cast a ballot were also invited to partake in sipping some of the eponymous champagne.  It was hardly an onerous task to begin with, so drinking the champagne was icing on the cake, so to speak.

It was apparent that all seven designers were strongly influenced by Oriental designs and concepts, as explained in the panels describing their motivations, themes and objectives, and as evidenced in the layout of their gardens.  Some designs, like this Coin du manger (eating corner), demonstrated practicality.  The designer and his friends sat at the table to have their lunch and presumably, tea later in the afternoon.

Somewhat similar in theme, this one featured a longer table.  Viewers were seizing the opportunity to sip their champagne there.

This one was interesting, but a bit stark for my taste.

This was one of the most original designs, featuring the creation of one's own "Zen" space.  It was difficult to distinguish much from the exterior.

One had to look inside the shelter to appreciate more fully the atmosphere that it created.  One found oneself within one's own tropical forest.

With its striking lines and splash of red, this one was quite dramatic.

The tiny furniture here made this garden design a quaint spot for young ones.  The flagstone effect is also fun.

This one displayed another fairly stark setting with borders and a natural feel.

If anyone reading this would like to guess which of the above won the Prix du jury and which of the above got my vote for the Prix du public, please have at it.  All will be revealed in tomorrow's post.