Sunday 4 January 2009

Moroccan Garden Design Inspiration



Islamic Garden Design and Moroccan Gardens are evocative spaces. They focus on lush green planting designs, strongly scented plants and water features. Although our climate in the UK is very different, we can learn from the Islamic style of garden design and design gardens with a Moroccan influence and style, with plants that will thrive in our own climate.



The Art of the Islamic Garden: An Introduction to the Design, Symbolism and Making of an Islamic Garden is a great book to read as an introduction to Islamic garden design and Moroccan garden design. It introduces gardeners to the design, symbolic meaning and planting of the traditional Islamic garden, as well as giving some practical ideas for those interested in making one for themselves - in the United Kingdom or elsewhere with a similar climate.

Another great book that will introduce you to Moroccan Garden Design is this book about Majorelle Gardens of Marrakech (Small Books on Great Gardens)




The Majorelle Gardens of Marrakech were laid out in the 1920s by Louis Majorelle. Louis Marjorelle was a French architect and painter renowned for his participation in both the art nouveau and art deco movements.

He gave his name to the bright shade of blue lavishly used to paint the house and ornament the garden decoration.

The site has been restored and replanted by the designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge in the vibrant primary colours of the original, to which they have added their personal touch. If you can't get to visit theis wonderful garden yourself, this book is the next best thing...exploring the Gardens through photographs and text, and includes garden maps and plant lists.

Monday 10 November 2008

A Moroccan Courtyard Garden in London


The soft pinky-terracotta walls pick up the warm tones in the sandstone paving giving the impression of a warm sunny courtyard garden.

In fact, this Moroccan inspired garden is in London!



Designer Sue Townsend has created a lush, elegant design with some clever features such as this limestone cube water feature - which looks especially good when lit.


A simple planting of fragrant climbers, Mediterranean plants and herbs and spring bulbs provides glorious scent and colour in this tranquil space.

Monday 3 November 2008

Moroccan Votives


Handmade Copper Votives look great with gold glitter tealights
Garden Boutique

Moroccan Leather Pouffe


Beautiful images of leather pouffe in multicolour: £99.50
available in pink, chocolate, tan, black, white, turquoise, orange and red

Graham and Greene


Or the larger version is available for £199
Only available in limited colours or black, white and tan
Graham and Green

But my favourite leather pouffe is this metallic silver version £115