Arboretum des Prés des Culands

The National Ilex (holly) Conservatory.
Between Orléans and Blois, at Meung-sur-Loire, established in the midst of marsh lands, the Arboretum des Prés des Culands is a landscaped park made up of many small islands linked to each other by wooden bridges, spread over more than 2 hectares in a project related to a programme for the defence of landscape. It is both a place to enjoy calm and tranquillity and a study centre dedicated to nature’s most colourful and beautiful creations.
Numerous botanic species are included, in particular maple trees, bamboos, clematis, dogwood, hydrangea, funkia…and a new collection of astilbe (with the CCVS label) since 2007
In the spring, the park is graced with the flowering bulbs and perennials. Visitors come across several conifers, aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. These various subjects develop into a symphony of colours with multiple movements and a thousand fragrances… Enjoy a stroll around the arboretum, along the flowered waterways called “les Mauves” (from a Celtic word meaning “slow river”), that springs supply. The Conservatoire National d’Ilex (holly) established here and looking after over 500 different types of Ilex, was made a national collection in 1991 by the C.C.V.S. (Conservatoire des Collections Végétales Spécialisées) and by the Holly Society of America in 1999. The display of the ilex specimens highlights foliage, carriage, fruits and their different details. They come from botanical gardens and arboretums around the world: Germany, Belgium, China, the United States, Japan, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands… and also from nurseries around Angers and Orléans. Designed and laid out by the owner in 1987, the park is undoubtedly a masterpiece in its category.

Copyright Plan de l'Arboretum des Prés des Culands : APJRC