The journey has been specially designed for the readers of Gardens Illustrated by Hannah Gardner and offers a unique perspective on Morocco’s history, culture, gardens and landscape; revealing how generations of rulers, artists, botanists, and gardeners have transformed arid environments into places of great beauty and tranquillity. From the Atlantic coast to the imperial cities, Morocco's gardens reflect a rich blend of Islamic, Andalusian, Mediterranean, and contemporary influences.
This journey through Tangier, Fez, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and the Ourika Valley reveals gardens not merely as decorative spaces but as vital expressions of Moroccan history, culture, and environmental ingenuity, offering a memorable exploration of one of the world's great gardening traditions.The journey begins in Tangier, the cosmopolitan gateway between Africa and Europe. Discover elegant private and public gardens that reflect the city's international character. Highlights include the historic and artistic landscapes of Villa Mabrouka, the botanical richness of the Donabo Gardens, and the remarkable ecological conservation techniques of Rohuna Garden. These diverse gardens combine spectacular sea views, rare plants, and fascinating cultural histories. In Fez, the spiritual and intellectual heart of Morocco, gardens provide peaceful retreats within one of the world's great medieval cities. The celebrated Jnan Sbil Gardens offer elegant avenues, fountains, bamboo groves, and exotic trees, while palace and riad gardens reveal the traditional Moroccan ideal of harmony between architecture, water, and nature.
Continuing on to Rabat, Morocco's capital, encounter gardens closely linked to royal and urban history. The beautiful Andalusian Gardens within the Kasbah of the Udayas highlight the enduring influence of Islamic Spain through their citrus trees, fountains, and shaded pathways. The city's historic parks and botanical gardens illustrate Morocco's long tradition of integrating landscape design into urban life. Four nights are planned in Marrakech, a city renowned for its extraordinarily beautiful gardens. Explore the iconic Majorelle Garden, the historic Menara Gardens and Agdal Gardens and of course Jardin Secret an astonishing Islamic garden in the heart of the Medina, largely ‘re-designed’ by Tom Stuart Smith. The journey finishes amongst the aromatic gardens of the Ourika Valley.
Together, these Morocco gardens demonstrate the country’s mastery of garden design, where water, shade, fragrance, and artistry create landscapes of enduring beauty. Exhilarating days are balanced with relaxation and complemented by nights in comfortable, atmospheric hotels, many of them with their own wonderful gardens.
Maximum party size: 20.
Trip Leader: Ms Hannah Gardner
Hannah Gardner is an experienced and established garden designer and horticulturist based in Bath. Hannah founded her own design practice New British Landscapes in 2010 and continues to pursue interests in botanical travel, design, writing, consultancy, plantsmanship and practical horticulture. She has since worked on several gold medal and Best in Show RHS Chelsea show gardens. For many years Hannah has travelled extensively studying gardens and plant communities worldwide. In 2023 Hannah led a very successful Gardens Illustrated journey to Japan in 2023 also organised by Distant Horizons. She has travelled extensively in Morocco hiking in The Atlas and The Rif Mountains in search of wild plants and adventure.