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Jardin Majorelle

Paul NPaul N Posts: 303
in Garden design
Back in the Spring my wife and I visited the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh, perhaps one of the most wonderful gardens in our experiences. The twisty, slightly raised paths twisted beneath the crowded bamboos, the trucks of which were though thickness. All the beds were covered with what I remember was fine gravel and these were being raked by gardeners to collect fallen leaves and to leave a corduroy effect. Now my question. We are moving to a new house and garden in a week's time, and I've thought about recreating in a very small way such a garden, but for the life of me, I cannot recall what type of gravel was used. I thought it might be road scrapings which is available by the tonne, but I'm certain it is too course. Pea shingle? I'm not sure that would be right either. I was to cover the soil with gravel of some sort and to plant bamboos, bananas and cannas through the gravel but cannot decide on the best 'gravel'. Who visited the Majorelle and who can remember the gravel? 

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I've visited Majorelle, but I can't say the gravel left any impact .
    Devon.
  • Paul NPaul N Posts: 303
    Yes, compared with the fabulous Marrakash Blue painted buildings and fountains, perhaps not. However I don't want to order a few tons of pea shingle only to find I sink up to my ankles when walking on it. I just want to discover and use the correct material. Lovely images by the way.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I'd contact a local quarry and see if they might be able to help. I'd think it's very fine, almost dustlike in parts?
    Most "gravel" we buy has a certain size , eg 10mm, specification.
    Devon.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Perhaps researching the gravel used in Japanese gardens will help?

    http://www.japanesegardens.jp/explanations/000106.php

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    First of all, it's best to prepare your soil thoroughly with lots of lovely compost/manure/sharp sand and/or fine grit depending on what it is to start with in order to maximise its health and fertility and ensure it has a good population of friendly micro-organisms.  Then you plant, water thoroughly and then you apply the gravel mulch. 

    Generally speaking, gravel for Japanese style gardens is rounded so it can be swept and raked to keep it clear of fallen leaves and also make those zen patterns.   Moroccan gardens tend to have a sun-baked, beaten earth finish which reduces weed growth and dust or else they go for tiles in a mosaic pattern.  I rather think the latter will be the best bet fr paths in the UK, given all the rain, and a mixed gravel and pebble mulch for borders so your chosen treasures can expand as they grow.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • The_herpetologistThe_herpetologist Posts: 481
    Yes, it's truly spectacular. Paid my third visit this year, and the will be a fourth!



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