Japanese garden

Nature has always appealed to me, particularly structured gardens that are generously planted and require little to no lawn maintenance. After caring for a half-hectare plot composed largely of grass—soon transformed into a meadow—we wanted, following our move from the coast to the center of the country, to create a new garden that would be more ornamental and richly flowered. Our aim was to develop a subtle blend of inspirations, drawing from each garden style the qualities that appealed to us most: the symbolism of Oriental gardens, the topiary art of French gardens, and the light spontaneity of English gardens.

The Japanese garden seeks to represent an idealized version of nature on a small scale. It evokes mountains, lakes, rivers, and the sea, while harmonizing subtly with both its immediate and distant surroundings. Unlike the French garden, it values asymmetry, suggestion, and the art of revealing without exposing everything at once. Straight lines are used sparingly, as are even numbers, once associated with misfortune. Its guiding principles are sobriety, serenity, flexibility, and balance, all serving contemplation and of course meditation.

Japanese gardens are built around elements that are both natural and symbolic. Rocks and stones may represent sacred mountains, islands, or mythological figures such as the turtle and the crane, symbols of longevity and happiness. Water—whether in the form of rivers, ponds, or waterfalls—symbolizes life and movement. Trees, bamboo, ferns, and mosses express the changing rhythm of the seasons and the art of miniaturization. Lanterns, originally intended to illuminate temples, now bring a sense of mystery and elegance. Paths and bridges guide both the eye and the visitor, gradually revealing the garden without ever showing it all at once. 

In a Japanese garden, each element carries a spiritual or poetic dimension inspired by Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism. These gardens are conceived as living paintings, where the balance between fullness and emptiness, together with the integration of the surrounding landscape, creates a condensed representation of nature. Miniaturization allows vast landscapes to be suggested within a limited space, while symbolism and borrowed scenery enhance the contemplative quality of the setting.

Several types of Japanese gardens can be distinguished. The dry or Zen Garden, composed of gravel, stones, and moss, is defined by its simplicity and meditative purpose. The water garden, organized around ponds, streams, or islands, encourages peaceful observation and gentle wandering. Miniature and pocket gardens, designed for smaller spaces, can be created in courtyards or even on a windowsill with bonsai trees.

In essence, the Japanese garden combines nature, symbolism, and philosophical thought with great subtlety. It invites serenity, contemplation, and a harmonious relationship with the environment.

By contrast, the French garden is characterized by strict symmetry. Its spaces are divided into square or rectangular sections, structured by straight paths. Pools, imposing fountains, and carefully trimmed hedges contribute to a composition that is orderly, elegant, and fully controlled. Buildings are integrated coherently into a classical and harmonious overall design.

The English Garden, on the other hand, favors winding paths that suggest mystery and escape. It brings together a wide variety of trees and wildflowers, arranged in a freer, more natural, and picturesque manner. Its design is based on spontaneity, while bridges and grottos often reinforce its romantic and intriguing character.

Drawing inspiration from these contrasting approaches, we wanted our botanical garden to become a synthesis of their respective qualities. Our primary goal was to eliminate the need for lawn mowing, especially on a plot with a fairly penty slope. We therefore favored shrubs and plants with staggered flowering periods throughout the four seasons, so that the garden would remain attractive all year round. White gravel paths guide the visitor through the space, while a few trees provide welcome shade for delicate plants as well as visitors during periods of intense heat.

The result is a rich and varied garden in which certain species, sometimes rare, have found their place according to their needs for water and light. The driest and sunniest areas naturally accommodate the plants best suited to those conditions. Around one hundred and fifty species thrive there, with varying degrees of success. Naturally, some disappear from time to time, whether because of minor cultivation errors or because of an exceptionally hot or, conversely, particularly wet year.

Nevertheless, the overall result remains remarkable, fully meeting our desire for color, fragrance, and successive flowering throughout the seasons. The garden conveys a sense of peace and tranquility. Its maintenance can be spread over time, since pruning can easily be postponed without causing harm. It is simply a matter of preserving for each species the space it needs to develop according to its rate of growth.