After William purchased an old castle in good hunting territory, he and Mary built a splendid country retreat, Paleis Het Loo (pronounced "Low"). Here they also created some of the most magnificent gardens in Europe, sparing no effort and no expense. These gardens are restored and preserved. The palace, still occupied at times by the Dutch Royal Family, is the setting for certain crucial scenes of my novel.
The impressive facade.
A welcoming cherub.
As a gardener and a garden historian, I'm thrilled to be here!
Elaborate terracing.
A globe.
Box edging in the parterre.
Topiary standards.
Princess Mary's trellised bower, similar to the one at Hampton Court but far more extensive and ornate.
Her aviary, formerly occupied by her exotic birds.
Mary sent plantsmen and explorers to the New World to seek out interesting plants, like this passion flower.
I confess, I plucked a ripe fig and ate it.
But I left the grapes alone.
We toured the entire palace, where photography wasn't permitted. Did I enjoy my day at Het Loo? Can't you tell?
We drove back to Antwerp, where we were staying for a few days.
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