Introduction
Whenever I think of beautiful gardens, I immediately go to Morocco and its rich tradition of landscaped green spaces. Throughout my travels in this North African country, some of my fondest memories have been wandering through lush courtyards, fragrant herb gardens, and tranquil riad patios. Moroccan gardens are magical – they feel like little escapes from the busy world outside, transporting you to an oasis of calm senses and visual delight.
In Moroccan culture, gardens have long held cultural and spiritual significance beyond just being places of beauty. They serve important purposes related to agriculture, water conservation, and community life. The styles of Moroccan gardens also reflect the diverse influences the country has absorbed over centuries, from Islamic, Roman, Spanish, and other traditions. Whether grand palace gardens or small intimate spaces, they never fail to uplift the soul.
In this blog post, I hope to give readers a glimpse into what makes Moroccan gardens so unique through history, design elements, and my experiences visiting some of the finest examples across the country. My goal is to share my love and appreciation for these living works of art and encourage more people to discover their tranquility for themselves.
A Brief History of Moroccan Garden Design
The design of Moroccan gardens traces back to ancient times when the Phoenicians and Romans introduced landscaping principles to North Africa. However, the Moroccan garden tradition flourished under Islam’s influence starting in the 7th century AD.
Some key milestones:
- Islamic gardens began incorporating greenery, water features, and shade to symbolize Paradise as described in the Quran: scented plants and flowers added to this sensory experience.
- Elaborate royal gardens were planted when the Idrisid dynasty ruled Morocco from 789 to 974 AD. Geometric designs based on Islamic patterns became popular.
- Influenced by Al-Andalus (Moorish Spain), Moroccan gardens integrated fruit orchards, refreshing pools, and fountains to mitigate the dry heat. Colorful tilework made an appearance.
- During the Saadian dynasty of the 16th century, grand imperial gardens like those of El Badi Palace in Marrakech were constructed. Elaborate hedge mazes, waterworks, and exotic plant collections wowed visitors.
- Under French colonial rule from 1912-1956, European styles blended with Moroccan to create hybrid gardens like those at Rabat’s Menara. Bougainvillea, roses, and lawns complemented the architecture.
So, today’s Moroccan gardens beautifully fuse Islamic traditions, North African influences, and (more recently) European elements into wonders to behold. Their evolution mirrors Morocco’s rich cultural crossroads over the centuries.
Common Design Elements of Moroccan Gardens
While Moroccan gardens vary depending on location, scale, and purpose, some classic elements consistently make an appearance:
- Geometric Layouts
Repeating geometric patterns like circles, octagons, and stars reflect Islamic art principles. Plant beds or gravel are organized in orderly grids that divide space. - Water Features
Whether elaborate pools or simple fountains, the soothing sound of flowing water is critical. Symbolic of life in an arid climate, fountains center the space and cool the air. - Citrus Trees
A staple of any Moroccan garden is fragrant citrus trees, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. Their year-round greenery and scent set the mood. - Floral Abundance
Seasonal flowers in bright colors explode throughout – geraniums, carnations, roses, daisies, bougainvillea, and more. Herbs like mint and thyme are also common. - Shade Structures
Pergolas, arcades, and gazebos relieve the heat under vines, wisteria, or bougainvillea. Pavilions offer spots to enjoy views and conversations. - Tiled Surfaces
Zellij tilework in vivid patterns: mosaics grace walls, fountains, and sometimes plant beds. The complex, geometric designs add intricacy. - Privacy Walls
Low walls made of local stone, plaster, or brick provide outdoor rooms and subtly frame sightlines towards features like gardens or panoramic views.
As these elements harmonize harmoniously, they transport residents and visitors to a calm, refreshing sanctuary from the outside world. Now, let’s explore specific gardens that exemplify Moroccan tradition.
Jardin Majorelle – Modern Masterpiece in Marrakech
One of my favorite gardens to visit was Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, not just for its surreal beauty but also its unique history. In the 1920s, French painter Jacques Majorelle established a garden studio at the site and spent four decades cultivating a vibrant oasis. Standout elements included a deep indigo-colored villa and plant nursery showcasing his collection of exotic species.
After Majorelle’s death, the grounds fell into disrepair until Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé purchased the property in 1980. They lovingly restored it to its former glory, respecting Majorelle’s original vision while adding their modern touches. Today, it is considered a horticultural masterpiece.
Walking through feels like entering a vivid dream world. Curved paths weave among borders bursting with every color imaginable – Prussian blue lobelias, saffron marigolds, tangerine bougainvillea, and more. Majorelle experimented widely, and these unusual color combinations created a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. Overlooking it all is the deep cobalt-blue villa, which acts as the garden’s picturesque centerpiece.
I particularly enjoy exploring the bamboo forest – a large meadow filled with rustling bamboo stalks reaching heights over 20 feet. It provides welcome shade on a sweltering day. Other highlights include an incredible variety of palm and succulent specimens and a little artificial pond. Moroccans flock to Majorelle to escape city chaos amidst such lush surroundings. It will forever hold a special place in my memories of Marrakech’s beautiful gardens. I highly recommend a visit!
Menara Gardens – Oasis in the Desert near Marrakech
A spectacular complement to Majorelle just outside Marrakech is Menara Gardens. Set alongside the striking Atlas Mountains and built near ancient Roman aqueducts, Menara has a magical desert ambiance. Vast olive, almond, and orange groves stretch into the distance, replacing the arid hillsides with a sea of green.
Walking through feels like being transported to a lush paradise in dry scrubland. One enters through monumental arches reminiscent of 9th-century mosque architecture. The centerpiece is a grand rectangular reflecting pool contrasting ornate greens and blues in its tile mosaic. Dozens of fountains send sparkling plumes skyward, gently drenching the surrounding gardens.
Winding gravel paths lead to romantic spots for rest and admiration of panoramic views. I love stopping at one of the wooden pavilions facing the Kik Plateau in the distance, sipping tea, and listening to birds chirp amid palms and flowers. Menara exemplifies grand scale and subtle intimacy, connecting visitors intimately with nature. It is a feast for all senses after the sparse landscape outside!
At the gardens’ heart lies a tranquil open-air sanctuary, the Pavilion Royal. This uniquely Moroccan structure provides shade under a carved cedar wood ceiling supported by olive tree beams. It overlooks a lush carpet of roses, citrus, and bougainvillea interspersed with shrubs and statuary. The overall effect embodies tranquility and beauty in equal measure. I could easily spend an entire afternoon wandering Menara, rediscovering hidden delights around every turn. It has become a cherished memory from my time in Morocco.
Majorelle and Menara give just a taste of the lavish royal gardens Morocco’s sultans once cultivated. They exemplify how seamlessly Islamic design can blend with European styles to make refreshing sanctuaries within this sun-baked North African kingdom. Their beauty and splendor continue to uplift visitors today.
Riad Gardens of Marrakech’s Old City
While Morocco’s majestic imperial gardens hold historic significance, the intimate spaces created within traditional neighborhood homes are equally unique. While wandering through Marrakech’s bustling medina (old walled city), I reveled in coming across hidden riad gardens peeking through ornate entrance arches.
A riad refers to a traditional home structured around an interior courtyard garden. They originated in the 12th century when wealthy Moroccans built private family complexes around central patios. This innovative design allowed maximum use of small plots while efficiently distributing light and ventilation through many rooms. Today, riads feature some of Marrakech’s most charming boutique hotels and guesthouses.
Peering through carved wooden doors gives a glimpse into the magical sanctuaries within – central fountains framed by citrus trees and greenery spilling over balconies above. Bougainvillea drapes stone arcades while fragrant jasmine scrambles up pergolas. These miniature oases provide rest and shade.
- Specific plant varieties commonly found in Moroccan gardens, like oranges, lemons, flowers, herbs, bamboo, palms, etc. Descriptions of their features, fragrances, and uses.
- An in-depth history of influential royal gardens from different eras, like those of Marrakech’s El Badi Palace under the Saadian Dynasty in the 1500s. Architectural elements, purposes, what made them exceptional.
- Explanations of classic design elements beyond those mentioned, like the water basins/canals for irrigation, wind towers, porchways, and decorative fountains. How they relate to the dry climate.