'The Garden Lover's Guide to France' by Patrick Taylor, Princeton Architectural Press, 1998, ISBN 1-56898-128-7, paperback, $19.95 at Borders. When the tourist information is closed for lunch from noon to 3:00 pm, which is about the time you get rolling on account of jet lag, this book is indispensable. My pick garden : Jardins de Plantbessin, located 5 miles SW of Bayeux on the D73. The D73 leaves the D572 at the village of la Tuilerie; always get the highest resolution maps. 30 May to 15 Sept, daily except Sunday and Public Holidays, 2-6pm. Privately owned; there is an excellent perennials nursery in conjunction. Divided into rooms in a classical style with Hazel hedges.