Cultivating a Legacy: Stéphane Bern and Stéphane Marie on the Future of French Gardens
A shared passion for horticulture unites broadcaster Stéphane Bern and garden designer Stéphane Marie, yet their paths to appreciating the natural world diverge, revealing a nuanced perspective on the challenges and rewards of modern gardening. From childhood memories to confronting the realities of climate change, their conversation underscores the vital role gardens play in preserving heritage and biodiversity.
From Countryside Roots to National Treasures
Both Stéphane Bern and Stéphane Marie trace their love of gardens back to formative experiences. Bern’s earliest garden memories center around his grandparents’ Luxembourg orchard, a seemingly vast space filled with fruit trees, roses, and the promise of his grandmother’s plum pies. Marie, raised in the French countryside, found solace in the “infinite universe” of plants after a career in the more artificial world of theater. “The theater was so arid, so in the dark, so artificial, that in a moment it did me good to touch living and humid plants,” Marie explained.
This early exposure sparked a lifelong dedication. Bern, while admitting a lack of practical gardening skills – “You really don’t know how to do anything, not even a small cutting?” – has immersed himself in the world of landscape design through encounters with masters like Louis Benech and Pascal Cribier. Marie, on the other hand, honed his skills through observation, learning from family members and extensive reading during the early years of his television program, “Silence, it grows!”
The Art of Design and the Importance of Patience
The conversation highlights the blend of artistry and practicality required for successful gardening. Marie, with a background in fine arts and theater sets, emphasizes the importance of design. “I come from the drawing, so necessarily, I would say yes [you should draw your garden],” he stated, adding that even a simple sketch can guide the process for those unable to afford a professional landscaper.
Bern recounts Benech’s approach to redesigning the Royal College, noting how the renowned botanist immediately began sketching and restructuring the grounds. However, both agree that gardening demands patience. Bern lamented the seemingly endless wait for his English lawn to flourish, while Marie emphasized the daily commitment required – “at least twenty minutes a day, to water, especially when it is not raining, and hoeing to ventilate the ground.”
Facing the Climate Crisis: A Gardener’s Perspective
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the increasingly visible impacts of climate change on gardens. Marie described “big slaps in the face,” citing sudden and extreme temperature fluctuations that threaten even established plants like rhododendrons and camellias. He noted the alarming decline of beech trees in Normandy and the growing concern over the health of oak trees, a problem the English are already addressing while France appears to be in denial.
Bern echoed this sentiment, stating that those making reassuring statements from offices in cities should heed the warnings of gardeners, who are witnessing a decline in bird and butterfly populations. He warned of a future where pollination may require paid labor, a consequence of dwindling bee populations.
Preservation, Subsidies, and a Sustainable Future
The conversation turns to the need for greater support for gardens, recognizing them as essential components of cultural heritage. Bern pointed to the “Remarkable Garden” label and the heritage mission as positive steps, but argued for increased funding and the restoration of past exemptions. “When we talk about heritage, people think of the building. But the garden is also one of them. He has a story, tells something about civilization,” he asserted.
Marie agreed, lamenting that gardens are often an afterthought, receiving funding only after a house is built. Both advocate for sustainable practices, such as drip irrigation and mulching with miscanthus, to conserve water and adapt to a changing climate. Marie also shared practical tips for natural pest control, like planting piles to attract raptors that prey on rodents, and using mesh bells to protect plants from hares.
A Legacy in Bloom: Roses and Remarkable Gardens
The discussion concludes with a celebration of personal passions and shared appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Both Stéphane Bern and Stéphane Marie have roses named in their honor – a testament to their contributions to the world of horticulture. Bern proudly described his collection, including roses dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, Prince Albert of Monaco’s wife Charlene, and Luxembourg Félix, while Marie highlighted his own magenta-colored climbing rose, a collaboration with nurseryman Dominique Croix.
They also shared their admiration for gardens like Kerdalo and Pellinec, recognizing the visionaries who transformed these spaces into havens of biodiversity and beauty. Ultimately, their conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gardens – not just as places of aesthetic pleasure, but as vital ecosystems, cultural landmarks, and a reflection of our relationship with the natural world.
