MANILA, Philippines - Flowers and its symbolisms are deeply ingrained in our culture.
In this month of May, we celebrate the most colorful Catholic festival in the Philippines, the Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May), in honor of the Virgin Mary, culminated with the Santa Cruzan, a religious-historical beauty pageant held in many cities, towns and even small villages throughout the country which depicts the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reina Elena), mother of Constantine the Great.
On ordinary occasions, flowers are given to convey feelings.
Many florists even provide information on the language of flowers to encourage the practice of helping modern gift-givers to “say it with flowers.”
Such relevance is not gone unnoticed in South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated, self-sustaining, and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development title by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme.
In fact, one of its enclaves, Châteaux de Paris, is devoted to flowers and the many French-themed gardens where these are found.
Sneak Peek. The whole French landscaping experience begins at the main gate of Châteaux de Paris with a wide open expanse. Cobblestone paving, formal rows of trees, a feature wall along the approach lay-by, and wrought iron gates immediately signify a strong, dramatic French-inspired enclave.
At the center are a fountain and a high-pitched roof that makes up the guardhouse while modern walkways, details derived from the façade of the Châteaux de Paris Clubhouse, frame the entrance.
Center of Attraction. Located at the center of the whole development, where the two major avenues intersect, is the goose-foot, or the focal point.
Within the Grand Garden is the clock tower that serves as the identifying mark for the community.
Surrounded by green open spaces for seating, walking, and gathering, allées or alleys bordered by trees or clipped hedges for easy access from homes and other gardens, and reflection ponds, this circular park is undeniably French.
Fields of Green. The perfect park for sociable residents is The Green Hall, dotted with informal groupings of trees and unobstructed open lawns that serve as multi-purpose spaces for gatherings, recreation, and play.
A fountain and water basin against a feature wall lends a cool, refreshing feeling as does the relaxing sight and scent of grass.
Performance Level. French outdoor theatres were common in gardens during the 18th century which serves as the theme for The Theatre.
At the center is a dais or elevated platform with a fountain and feature wall from which radial paving patterns originate, forming a fan-shaped plaza.
This is the stage area where neighborhood performances and shows can be held.
The French Pavilion. A circular domed pavilion is the centerpiece of this garden, set in the middle of the plaza and the terminus of the northern allée from The Grand Garden which is accentuated by formal rows of trees together with planters and plinths.
This is a classic park with seat walls and benches where residents can read a book under the shade of a tree or perhaps doze off on a lazy afternoon.
Citrus Scent. During the 18th century, the orange was regarded as a rare exotic fruit that came all the way from East Asia.
At Châteaux de Paris, L’Orangerie will be an orchard of our native dayap.
Move in right here, right now. Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or log on to ww.southforbes.com.