A Garden Journey in Marrakesh

Postcard from Marrakesh

by Rosemary Ulph

Committee member Rosemary Ulph recently enjoyed a memorable journey through the gardens of Spain and Morocco, with one particularly striking highlight in Marrakesh – the iconic Jardin Majorelle.

Originally created in 1923 by French painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden is a masterpiece of colour, form and botanical diversity. After falling into disrepair by the 1980s, it was rescued and carefully restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, who recognised its cultural and artistic significance. Today, the garden stands not only as a horticultural treasure but also as a living legacy – Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes are scattered within its grounds.

What makes Jardin Majorelle so captivating is its bold and immersive use of colour. The famous ‘Majorelle blue’ – a rich, almost electric indigo – contrasts beautifully with terracotta pathways and vibrant plantings, creating a sensory experience that feels both curated and wild. The garden is abundant with bougainvillea cascading over walls, sculptural cacti, and lush palms that provide cooling shade from the Moroccan sun.

Following traditional Islamic garden design principles, water plays a central role throughout. Reflective pools, gently bubbling fountains and simple water bowls bring movement, sound and a sense of calm, while also offering practical cooling in the arid climate. Each turn reveals a carefully framed vista – a reminder of how thoughtful design can elevate both planting and place.

For Rosemary, the experience was nothing short of breathtaking. Jardin Majorelle is more than a garden – it is an artistic landscape where horticulture, culture and history intertwine, offering inspiration for gardeners and travellers alike.