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A BOTANICAL EXPLORATION WITH ALICE VINCENT
Morocco
CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE GARDEN CITIES OF MOROCCO
Embark on a horticultural sojourn to Morocco, co-curated by award-winning writer and urban gardener Alice Vincent. Discover how climate and centuries of cultural influence have together shaped and styled the many garden spaces woven into Morocco’s cities, from manicured medina enclaves to curated rooftop herb gardens.
These natural spaces reveal the stories of the communities they serve, stories shared by resident Moroccan botanists and gardeners, and by Alice herself, whose well-documented exploration of nature in urban environments has inspired her to create this journey with The Luminaire.
Travelling from the medinas of Morocco’s cities to the olive-green valleys of the High Atlas, unearth the surprising secrets of Moroccan horticulture and gather inspiration for green spaces closer to home, unlocking expert knowledge and flora know-how.
MARRAKESH - THE GARDENER'S MUSE
Discover ‘the rose among the palms’ that is Marrakesh, a city of gardens since its inception in the 11th century. Gather inspiration at La Mamounia on a private tour with the legendary hotel’s head gardener, before experiencing other fabled gardens including Jardin Majorelle with its ultramarine blue livery, the trio of interconnected courtyard gardens at Bahia Palace, and Le Jardin Secret where, like all Islamic gardens, water is the most valued element. Away from the crowds, join Alice and delve into cloistered hideaways where peach-coloured mud walls enclose citrus and olive trees comingling with succulents and cacti. What were the khettara and how did they link the High Atlas Mountains to the gardens of Marrakesh?
A CLIMATE OF CONTRASTS
The shifting climatic zones of Morocco, from its balmy Mediterranean coast to the desert dunes of the Sahara, propagates a unique diversity of plant life. In the Ourika Valley, a snowmelt oasis of cherry and almond orchards in the shade of the High Atlas peaks, visit four private gardens to learn how this climate of contrasts has influenced both flora and landscape design.
Savour out-of-hours experiences like an evening exploration of Jardin Bio-Aromatique d'Ourika, meeting the brothers behind Morocco’s first biological garden of medicinal plants, and embark on a private visit to the Anima Garden, owned by the Austrian artist André Heller.
ATLANTIC WINDS AND AFRICAN SUN IN TANGIER
Considered to be the architectural gem of Morocco, go behind the scenes of the Royal Palace of Casablanca, before discovering the former Hispano-Moorish palace of Dar Batha in the heart of the Fez medina. Continue on to Tangier, a seaport city that became a sanctuary for western artists, poets and wanderers, enticing everyone from Henri Matisse to Cecil Beaton. What attracted the creative community to Tangier?
Explore the artistic vision behind a number of privately-owned gardens, like the meticulously manicured home of a renowned garden designer, and take notes for future projects at the Tangier villa of a London-based design veteran and tastemaker.
EXPERT
ALICE VINCENT
Join author, urban gardener and journalist Alice Vincent as she unravels how climate and community have forged unique garden spaces throughout Morocco.
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