The rich culture, history and architectural heritage of Morocco is palpable, and no one can escape its appeal.
Exotic, historic, contemporary, varied, vibrant, colourful, ornate, rich. These are words that describe both the culture and gardens of Morocco. The fact they share so many characteristics with southern Spain is no accident. Moroccans occupied the Iberian Peninsula for 800 years (from 711 to 1492) and brought their culture, architecture, mathematics and understanding of arid agriculture and gardens with them. Today, history and heritage exist alongside a modern economy and culture.
Le Jardin Majorelle
Possibly, the most popular garden in the world, Le Jardin Majorelle’s fame rests on its connection with fashion icon, Yves St Laurent. Designed originally by artist, Jacques Majorelle, the luxuriant garden around 1923, the current art deco villa is renowned for its signature Majorelle blue and yellow colour scheme.
The gardens of the Villa Oasis, adjoining Jardin Majorelle were designed by Madison Cox, an American garden designer, who has been called “the Most Important Garden Designer You've Never Heard Of”. This orientalist-style house was YSL’s private residence.
Nowadays the gardens are connected by broad paths and striking water features and rills resplendent with weeping bougainvillea, cactus and palms all immaculately maintained.
Le Jardin Secret
An amazing recreation by acclaimed English designer, Tom Stuart-Smith, the Secret Garden is really two gardens; one loosely described as an exotic garden, representative of the mythical Garden of Eden while the other pays homage to the Islamic tradition of the paradise garden with ordered paths, recessed garden beds, a central fountain with the traditional four-part division called charbagh. A simple planting of olives, rosemary hedges and citrus is offset by the most beautiful, green-tiled paths anyone could imagine.
Fes
The second largest city in Morocco, is an architectural gem. The Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasas exemplify 14th century Marinid dynasty splendour with intricate cedar carvings, marble fountains and mosaic tilework. The 19th century garden, Jnane Sbil showcases zellij-tiled water features, roses, bamboo and towering palms.
The private garden Le Jardin Des Biehn was a riad but with beautiful blue themed buildings, water features and Isfahan roses and other fragrant plants planted in a grid.
Chefchaouen
Perched among the Rif Mountains, the fabled Blue City owes its existence to the Jewish and Muslim refugees who fled Spain after the reconquest in 1492. Theories abound as to why the town is painted blue. One is that Jewish settlers escaping Hitler painted houses to represent the sky. Others say it was mandated for touristic reasons. Whatever, it makes for a vibrant and colourful town and an excuse to meander through the narrow streets, preferably in early morning before the streets become a tourist arcade.
Meknes
One of the four imperial cities of Morocco, the hilltop city of Meknes, home to magnificent architectural heritage with its mausoleum and elaborate gates.
A short journey leads to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, where mosaic floors blend with wildflowers - poppies, echium, translucent green euphorbias and daisies. Among them are massed dwarf morning glory, Convolvulus tricolor. The city’s name is said to come from a latinised Berber word for oleander; or Latin for turning like the convolvulus, a twisting plant that turns towards the sun.
Tea in Morocco
Tea is for more than refreshment, it’s a ritual. From the convivial seating on ottomans set on rugs, Moroccan biscuits (the best anywhere) hospitality is the key. You’ll be asked whether you prefer sweet or straight, then tea is poured from a distance of a metre above metal lace wrapped glasses. There’s reason to this ritual, adding oxygen and a foam to the mint and tea concoction.
Come with us
Visit the Gardens of Spain & Morocco with Ross Tours. Experience the exhilarating Moorish cultures of Spain and Morocco. See the brilliant patios of Cordoba and make a pilgrimage to the Alhambra in Granada. April 29–May 14, 2025. For more information, call 1300 233 200 or visit www.rosstours.com
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