Serre de la Madone, Protected botanical garden in Menton, France
Serre de la Madone is a protected botanical garden spanning seven hectares across multiple terraced levels connected by stone staircases and paths. Mediterranean and exotic plants grow along these pathways, organized across different elevations.
The garden was established between 1924 and 1939 by Lawrence Johnston, the creator of Hidcote Manor Garden. Johnston brought rare plant specimens from his worldwide expeditions, forming the foundation of the collection.
The garden follows French Mediterranean design principles, with water features and fountains distributed throughout the planted terraces. Visitors encounter a strong connection between water, stone, and vegetation that characterizes gardens of this region.
The garden has well-marked paths leading across different levels, with staircases helping visitors navigate the sloped terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the ground slopes continuously and surfaces include stone steps.
The garden creates different climate zones through its system of terraces and greenhouses, allowing tropical plants to grow alongside Mediterranean species. This interplay between distinct climate areas in such a compact space is what draws plant enthusiasts.
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