Old-World Kitchen Garden: A French Potager in California

Linda and Steven Brombal created a classic French potager at their Provençal-style Newport Beach home. Geometric beds (rectangular, square, circular) separated by generous paths make chores easy and add visual order. Brickwork and layout shine early season; lush growth spills charmingly onto paths later.

Crops & Kitchen

• Lettuces (turned a salad-averse daughter into a greens lover).
• Artichokes, arugula, chard, herbs (basil, chives, lemon verbena).
• Permanent aromatics: lavender, salvia.
• Herbs steps from the kitchen enable spontaneous cooking: rosemary on potatoes, sage on chicken, arugula in salad, basil on tomatoes.
• Parsley and opal basil garnish plates; lavender and lemon verbena create casual centerpieces.

Outdoor Dining

Fireplace, candles, and garden atmosphere make every meal a special occasion. Family dinners are relaxed and connected.