As I put together my ‘Spanish Blue Dancer inspired garden moodboard, I came across, again and again,  the Jardin du Majorelle in Marrakesh.  My wanderlust has been calling to me from Morocco (and India, too) for some time, so I was happily obliged to further explore the blue garden. Care to join me for a little armchair garden travel? And along the way, we can learn how-to design from the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh, Morocco, is renowned for its stunning design, characterized by vibrant colors, lush greenery, and tranquil ambiance. It was created (and then later maintained) by some of the most inspiring designers in the world and it is full of inspiration that you can learn from to make your own iconic garden.

Combine Known Design styles – Even if they don’t seem like they go together

The property was originally created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s, the garden reflects his artistic vision and passion for botanicals. Majorelle designed the garden as an artistic masterpiece, blending elements of Moorish and Art Deco styles with his own creative flair.

Design Idea: Why not combine unexpected design styles (I mean who else have you seen combining Moorish with Art Deco?) to create you own unique

Create a Signature Element to Have a Signature look

Majorelle is known around the world as the Blue garden. That vivid blue is so iconic that we all know it just by the color – “Majorelle Blue.”

That color is one of the most distinctive features of the Majorelle Garden. This intense shade of cobalt blue, used extensively throughout the garden, creates a striking contrast against the lush greenery and serves as a unifying element in the design.

Design Tip: Why not have a signature color for your garden? Or a signature plant? What about a Motif? Or something that will make it memorable and significant to you.

Build in An Element of Surprise

Majorelle was an avid plant collector, and the garden boasts a diverse array of exotic plants from around the world. Palm trees, cacti, bamboo, bougainvillea, and water lilies are just a few examples of the botanical treasures found within the garden, contributing to its rich tapestry of colors and textures.

The variety and the juxataposition of these plants is unexpected – surprising and therefore interesting.

Design Tip: Don’t do what everyone else is doing. Lean into your interests and be different, the surprising places that will lead will always make your designs better.

Build off A Timeless Base Structure

The layout of the Majorelle Garden is influenced by traditional Islamic garden design principles, which prioritize symmetry, geometric patterns, and a sense of serenity. Visitors can explore a series of meandering pathways, tranquil pools, and shaded alcoves, creating an immersive experience that encourages relaxation and contemplation.

Design Tip: If you build a house, or a piece of art, or anything off the proven tenets of classical design you will have a structure that you can build on and it will help you express your own style, while making sure it still works.

Always Add Art

In addition to its botanical beauty, the Majorelle Garden features several artistic installations, including ornate Moorish fountains, intricate tile work, and decorative archways. These architectural elements add to the garden’s visual appeal and provide focal points for visitors to admire.

Design Tip: Find a way to add in Art – It will elevate your garden.

Let your Creations Always continue to Evolve

Following Jacques Majorelle’s death, the garden fell into disrepair until it was purchased and restored by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in the 1980s. Their meticulous restoration efforts ensured the preservation of Majorelle’s original vision while introducing new elements to enhance the garden’s allure.

Overall, the design inspiration for the Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh reflects a harmonious blend of artistic creativity, botanical splendor, and cultural heritage. But it isn’t static.

Design Tip: Don’t try to hold your design in one place. Plants, features, envirnments, wildlife, and even you will come and go and change. Accept that gardens evolve constantly.

Have you been to this place?

More Information About Majorelle Gardens

Bergé wrote a book about the place that is part of the series ‘Small Books about Great Gardens’ and is called Majorelle: A Moroccan Oasis (Small Books of Great Gardens).

I think it is easy to understand why this garden was created by a painter and subsequently purchased by another designer. The play of light and the inspiration on offer is a dream.

The garden also houses Yves St Laurent’s collection of Islamic Art, is full of exotic and rare plants and at least eleven North African bird species not found anywhere else.

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