The Tale of the Lion
The Little Lion At Domaine de Manion
This little stone lion and pedestal has been in our family for at least 50 years. My parents were in their forties, I was in high school, and my brothers were in middle school. For about six years then, we lived in a little village outside of Brussels, Belgium, in a little Flemish house my parents rented. My family would frequently travel around Europe on weekends and vacations.
During one vacation, visiting and driving around Italy, my parents bought this stone lion statuary and pedestal. Exactly in Italy, they can’t remember. I was not with them on this particular trip. They drove it back to Belgium. Placed it in a perfect spot to greet everyone in front of their little white Flemish house.
When it came time to move back to the United States, of course, the lion and pedestal came with them. My parents eventually retired and built their dream home on Table Rock Lake, about 20 miles outside of Branson, Missouri. This little lion then graced the front of their home, and greeted family and friends for over three decades.
Every time I visit my parents, my dad always asks me if there is anything I want from their house. He will gladly ship it to me. Last summer visiting them, helping my mom water her garden, the thought of asking for the little lion and pedestal came to me. The answer was “yes, of course.” With luck, my cousins from Denver were visiting my parents at the same time. They drove the lion and pedestal to Denver, and then to Golden, Colorado, where we have long time friends who often drive to San Diego. With the help of family and friends, the lion and pedestal made it to Domaine de Manion a year later.
I had the perfect spot in mind. A special location that is close to the bocce ball court, the garden, and the vineyard. It can be seen from afar and close up. It is away from the garden irrigation. Very visible, yet protected.
A little about this lion and pedestal. He is quite small. Most lion statuaries I have seen are large. He has a bit of a smile, so is friendly. There is an actual shell you can see embedded in his front, which makes me believe he was made with materials that were close to the sea. He is very heavy, and also his pedestal.
This little lion is very symbolic to me, representing so much to me, across many facets of my life. I also see him as a guardian over the garden. He certainly has a history, and I only know the last 50 years or so. He is very special to me, and I am thrilled to have him here, and see him often.
I share all this history with you as garden ornaments are very important in our gardens. Garden ornaments pause your eye in the garden, and sometimes create a welcome surprise. Garden ornaments can allow you to create a distinctive style and ambience to complement your garden. Garden ornaments can be sentimental, and stir happy emotions, as this lion does for me.
Please share if you have a favorite garden ornament in your garden.
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Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie