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If you’ve walked by Pistil lately, you’ll notice a new structure has erupted in the middle of the shop. Our owner, Yvonne, travelled to France and Italy this summer and returned chock-full of ideas. Among the most notable and truly mind-blowing attractions were the gardens of Versailles. She wanted to find away to inject a bit of Versailles into Pistil. Her vision was to build a parterre of the Toronto skyline.  

Versailles, located on the outskirts of Paris, was built in the 17^th century. The palace itself is quite remarkable but most visitors are often more amazed by the elaborate and meticulously maintained gardens.  

 

Landscape architect, André Le Notre, was commissioned by Louis XIV to create the gardens of Versailles.   The design of the gardens was to be of equal importance as that of the palace. Using the classic French formal garden style, Le Notre used the principle of symmetry to create vast vistas that would span over 15,000 acres of land. Exploring the grounds is very much a discovery journey full of the unexpected. Intricate pathways led to wondrous gardens, sculptures and fountains. Each designed to enhance and highlight the architecture of the chateau. This would be Le Notre’s greatest masterpiece.  

Back at the shop, we were armed with the task of creating a parterre (tightly clipped hedge) of the Toronto skyline. Unlike the hornbeam hedges of Versailles, we choose a more seasonally fitting type of greenery - noble fir. With its soft blue-green needles and aromatic scent, this evergreen was a perfect choice for this task. And noble fir has the unique quality of not shedding its needles - making for another good reason to use it for this project or for a Christmas tree. 

 

Starting with a sketch, tools and measuring tape, the construction began. For two solid days, we cut, shaped, trimmed and trimmed again.   It took a few attempts to get the CN Tower right and to avoid any resemblance to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In the end, our skyline created an interesting conversation piece and has drawn a tonne of interest for its alluring fragrance. 

At Pistil, this holiday season is all about aromatics. What better time to bring the winter woodlands indoors. Walk into the shop and you’ll be taken on a sensory journey. In addition to the noble fir, the store is filled cedar and white pine from B.C. We also have Carolina Sapphire from South Carolina. It has an unusual blue-gray colour, dense and lacy foliage, small yellow flowers and an intriguing lemony mint aroma. Eucalyptus has been a new favourite for the season. Making a comeback from early 80s floral design, we’ve chosen eucalyptus for its beautiful soft teal colour, zesty fragrance and healing qualities.

 

Needing a break from the work day grind, come and visit us at the shop. Close your eyes and you might think you’re in a cabin up north. 

 

- The Pistil Team