Bamboos

Bamboos are graminaceae of the family "Poaceae’s" and the sub-family "Bambousoideae", which is composed of almost 1200 species. Originating from Asia, Africa and Oceania, some of the species thrive well in Europe.

Bamboos appreciate damp and well irrigated grounds and grow in rhizomes, what can sometimes disturb plantations. In Giverny, the bamboo plantation is situated on a small island, avoiding an unreasonable growing. Bamboos very rarely flower and dry up after blooming, what has been established by Giverny’s gardeners a few years ago.

 

In order to create the water garden, Monet found his inspiration in his Japanese estampes’ collection and chose Asian plants varieties. As early as in the year 1906, Alice relate in her letters that Monet had started to plant big bamboos which he seemed to be very fond of . A few years later, Georges Truffaut writes: « An important plantation of very different bamboos contribute to increase this ‘’oriental’’ illusion. These bamboos have become real trees of 7 to 8 meters in height, and formed a dense forest where the painter has been able to create ‘’happy perspectives’’. »