The Angel Tree

From the bestselling author of The Luberon Garden comes a second horticultural adventure that takes the author through France, Spain, Greece and Italy in search of an ancient olive tree

The rollicking exploits of an English garden designer in France

Alex Dingwall-Main was born in Scotland and became a gardener after leaving school. He lives in the Luberon region of the South of France with his wife, son, dog and a demanding garden of his own.

As readers of The Luberon Garden will know, Alex Dingwall-Main has come across some very odd garden desires in his time. But none so odd as the Frenchman who asked Alex to find him the oldest olive tree in existence and fetch it to the South of France to take pride of place in his exquisite garden. 
 
This charming, witty and evocative piece of horticultural travel writing takes us from the olive groves of Provence, to the hillsides of Greece, from farms in Spain, to a back yard in Italy. Along the way our intrepid garden designer meets a tree that is 3,000 years old; a farmer who won't sell his tree unless he can sell the 2,000 acre farm that surrounds it; an olive tree that saved a marriage and a village that believes a drop of rain touched by the leaves of the ancient 'Angel Olive' will cure anything. 
 
A wonderfully lyrical book with an extraordinary mission.

A provencal story of Apricot Blossom, Truffles and Thyme

The Luberon Garden

A delightfully evocative and funny account of gardening in the South of France

A landscape gardener with over 20 years' experience in the UK, USA and Europe, Alex Dingwall-Main now lives in Provence with his wife and young son.

'The rollicking adventures of an English garden designer in Provence'  Independent 'Escapist reading-magic' The TimesAlex Dingwall-Main left London with his wife and dog nine years ago for the Luberon region of the South of France. A landscape gardener of international renown he was in search of a challenge - a new climate, a new way of gardening and a new way of life.       This is his account of gardening his way round Provence, and in particular, of attempting to restore the secret garden of M-nerbes. Situated high on the plains of the Luberon region, M-nerbes is a famously beautiful village - but this garden had long been forgotten. It trailed down over seven levels, thick with brambles and hornets' nests, almond blossom and ancient fig trees. It was an archetypal Proven-al garden and for one whole year it dominated Alex Dingwall-Main's life. From distant dreams came growth and disasters, but ultimately, the garden is reclaimed. From truffle dealers to local mayors, film star neighbours to JCB drivers and olive-tree farmers, Alex takes us on a guided tour of an extraordinary area.     Published in hardback with serialisation in The Times and major review and feature coverage, this is the enticing paperback edition of a beautifully written book on plants, people and life. Evocative and inspiring, The Luberon Garden will take you on an unforgettable journey.

Alex Dingwall-Main

A Place in the Sun's everything France Magazine

A search for home in the gardens and vineyards of France

What happens when you relocate to the perfect house, in the perfect village in Provence, and nearly ten years later the shine has gone? Garden designer Alex Dingwall-Main is facing lavender fatigue, strife at home, neighbourly warfare and non-paying business clients. He is on the verge of packing his bags and starting all over again, back in England. 
 
Until one Spring day he is offered an opportunity by a wealthy and very grateful client; a treasure hunt for 12 bottles of exquisite French wine. It would be a journey through the country's finest vineyards, chateaux and villages. With a hangover and an uncertain heart, Alex decides to give it one more try and sets off in search of the France he fell in love with so many years ago. The people, the gardens and the wine that he encounters make for an adventurous and beautiful summer, and life-changing decisions are reached...

The Vine Garden

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