“The garden reveals the soul of the one who creates it”
This year again, many individuals will open the doors of their garden. What does this approach inspire?
I am delighted. This approach joins the essence of the garden, as it was once designed: a place of sharing and conviviality. The garden has never been thought of for yourself, but to be offered to the eyes, to welcome. This idea of reopening the doors, to reveal what is hidden behind the walls or the hedges. It is a strong, almost sacred gesture.
This reminds me of the Persian gardens of Antiquity, protected by high walls, where we only entered invitation. We were talking about it in a low voice. From there comes the expression “secret garden”. Today, thanks to this event, the general public is invited to enter these secret gardens.
You contributed to the creation of this event, right?
Yes, with others, I was fortunate to be the source of “Rendez-vous aux Jardins”, the first edition of which took place in 2003. It was at the time of Jean-Jacques Aillagon, then Minister of Culture. Since then, the event has gained incredible scale, and even our European neighbors have been associated with it since 2018.
Today, participate in this event nearly 2,200 parks and gardens in France and around 600 gardens in twenty other European countries: so many opportunities to discover aristocrats, workers, vegetable gardens … in short, to explore all the social and cultural wealth that gardening bears.
What advice would you give to an individual who would like to open his garden to the public?
You have to know how to observe, be patient and … show modesty. Opening your garden should not be an act of vanity. A simple Bégonias massif is not enough to make its garden a work. But if he tells a story, if it contains botanical rarities, an original composition, then you have to dare. Visitors do not seek perfection, they want authenticity.
Do you think the garden reflects the personality of the one who cultivates it?
Absolutely! I even wrote a work related to this reflection, in 2010, and entitled I plant so I am. The garden, like writing or painting, is an artistic mode of expression. The choices of plants, colors, scents, the organization of space … All this reflects the soul of the gardener. I would even say: “Show me your garden, I will tell you who you are. »»
And you, if you were to create the garden of your dreams today?
I would easily recreate that of my grandfather, Émile. It was not a spectacular garden, but for me, it was the place of happiness. An alley framed by trones, a pergola covered with clematis, a small vegetable garden … This garden is my Madeleine de Proust. I might open it to the public, but only once a year. Because it must remain a peaceful place, a space of memory, where one would evoke my grandfather, a simple man, unknown, but oh so precious on a personal basis.
