Jardins Jardin: a touch of Gallic flair Didier Danet's garden for Extérieurs Design magazine was perched up about 400mm (16in), so you could look into its two spaces, half covered by a huge black awning: chic not sinister. Rusted columns of Corten, or weathered steel, and plants semi-enclosed the space, and paving with wide joints filled with Babies Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) formed a strong patternwork. Planting was punctuated by a fair few spatula-shaped mini sculptures, also made from weathered steel, about 600mm (2ft) high and barely 25mm (1in) wide, arranged at odd angles among Libertia grandiflora, an excellent evergreen grass. Vibrant greens and running water added a relaxed feel. Daily national newspaper Le Figaro sponsored a garden that consisted of an irregular space with enclosed planting of box and multi-stemmed laurels, all enclosed in turn by a wavy boundary . The side enclosures were formed from vertical strips of fabric, some orange, some red and some yellow; all about a foot wide and hanging from a light metal frame just above eye level. Unattached at the base, they fluttered in the breeze: a good way perhaps to add a degree of privacy and a lot of colour to an outdoor space. We always think awnings should go above us, but fabric can be highly useful when vertical too. Other odd things caught my eye: some mini, informal grassy mounds on three different levels; awnings made of a series of planted strips of "roof garden" arranged in informal curves to form cover; a typical French thatched hen house, and "My Own Rehab Balcony": a chill-out garden based around a scaffold structure. Every garden was highly individual, though not many were totally off the wall. Perhaps it is because there are no medals awarded, just prizes for the most outstanding in certain areas. Designers are not striving to gain the judges" approval and can give free rein to creativity. In the "village of innovative outdoor design" there were many new designs for outdoor living. A green dome, created around a metal framework entirely hidden by plants, formed an intriguing sculpture/outdoor den/house. The metal bars were hidden by felt that enclosed irrigation tubes to keep the turf and the plants alive, and plastic netting supported greenery between the metal work Designed by Alexis Tricoire (vegetal-atmosphere.fr), it would be quite feasible to create an ivy/fern/sedum version at home . Another innovative idea consisted of a slender timber framework from which was suspended a mini table complete with specially designed and co-ordinated plates. Designed by Jean Baptiste Geghre (geghre.fr), it was the perfect booth, or mini hanging café, to put in a small garden; you could also cover it to keep you private, dry or cool. Nearby were bright, slimline and versatile outdoor cooking units from Designs and Garden (designsandgarden.book.fr), like nothing I had seen before. Fridges, ovens, sinks and grills all combined into compact, funky units. A range of garden furniture made from reclaimed timber, by Dutchwood (dutchwood.nl), also caught my eye. Some of the sofas, although boxy in design, had angled backs, slim but comfy cushions (great for storage) and looked good naked and cushionless too. Dutchwood will do adapted designs for similar prices to their stock range - they make everything from sun beds to play houses. Of course plants featured strongly too, as well as rather fabulous tweed shoes with heels and bows planted up as mini gardens (I rather coveted a new pair for my feet). A new range of hydrangeas, the 'Magical," were showcased by Kerisnel Nurseries (kerisnelpepinieres.com). Several forms are available including a green variety called 'Jade" and a blue and white called 'Coral." Their serrated "flowers" gave them a distinctly different look. Even the stands for horticultural machinery were works of art, with hedge cutters sitting on topiarised tables and chairs. Everything felt new and different and the emphasis on design of everyday items was like a breath of fresh air. To see pictures of Bunny's visit to Jardins Jardin, see Jardins jardin: in pictures