Jardin Daniel

Villa Rhaïce's garden was originally a farm garden where vegetables were grown and animals roamed freely. In 2020, however, the vegetable garden with leeks and string beans, the dilapidated greenhouse structures, the arid conifers and the run for chickens, ducks and geese gave way to a romantic experience garden, where statues and historical objects contrast with the lush greenery. The structure of the garden and the original cobblestone paths were retained, but several areas were given a more worldly purpose - that of strolling, relaxing and meeting. Inspired by Versailles and Villandry, a garden of forms was created with cast iron garden vases and antique ornaments, pedestals and balusters, gloriettes and arbors, as well as statues and mystic figures.

The borders in Jardin Daniel are luxuriant, with native foliage as well as prairie plants that can withstand drought: Achillea, Verbena, Echinacea, Salvia, Gaura, Rudbeckia, Solidago, ... There is an abundance of plantings: trees, rhododendrons, broom and dogwood, as well as ferns, Hosta and Stipa. Those who explore the garden are guaranteed to discover many species of Euphorbia and Sedum.

Villa Rhaïce's garden invites during all seasons as the estate offers both openness and intimate nooks and crannies. Formal and symmetrical structures are hijacked by more natural compositions, laissez faire and exuberant floral displays. The romance lies in chance. And a dahlia simply does its own thing ...

At dawn or dusk, relax under the arms of an old spruce tree or by the flower cathedral, in the semi-shade of the daybed or by concrete water bowls (Sculptured by Nature / Etienne Vanden Abeele). Sunbathing is possible in the security of the orchard with mirabelle trees. Several seating areas make ideal breakfast or aperitif locations, and two large wood mites provide the fuel for a fire bowl with garden benches. A BBQ is available. Games can be played throughout the domain (including a swing and a trampoline).

Jardin Daniel is an ecological garden and gardening is done in a sustainable way. This means that no pesticides are used on the entire domain in order not to disturb the insect life -in the first place bees and butterflies. More, Jardin Daniel has been part of the so-called "garden measurement network" of the Flemish Association for Entomology (working group butterflies) since 2021 and bee- and butterfly-friendly plant species are constantly being planted. Gardeners will find in the living room of Villa Rhaïce an inspiring library with books on garden architecture and botany, as well as floral art.