8 _ Spazio “I(n)spirare”.
A few questions to Pierre-Alexandre Risser, with Solenn Moquet and Clara Bodin
Let’s start from the roots, how does your story begin?
It starts when the soil was poor and inert, and then life sprouted from water. Plants, aided by microorganisms, gradually shaped the soil as we know it today. This is where our company, Horticulture & Jardins, was born 37 years ago, founded by Pierre-Alexandre. Today we are recognized as landscape gardeners in Paris and throughout France. Under the direction of Solenn, head of the design office, every day is an opportunity to design, conceive and create outdoor living spaces. Clara, on the other hand, guides clients through the implementation of projects with passion and dedication. We each bring our own personal touch and experience, forming a group of eclectic and complementary personalities.
Who are the people who have inspired you the most artistically and professionally?
P-A: I draw inspiration from a series of influences that make my approach to gardening and landscaping unique. I pay homage to iconic figures such as Monsieur Paul Maymou, a renowned nurseryman from southwest France, who transformed Japanese maples and dogwoods into vegetal works of art: working with his plants, I celebrate their ability to scan the seasons in gardens. As a native of Lyon, I am deeply connected to cooking: I’m inspired by true gastronomic legends such as Monsieur Paul Bocuse and Mère Brazier, whose patience in waiting for results also resonates in gardening. Finally, Monet’s works are a constant source of wonder: in contemplating them, I find deep connections between my work and the art of painting.
How does nature inspire your projects and lifestyle?
We have a passion for merging with the plant world, enjoying the humus under our feet and the smell of freshly cut grass (even in the city). We try to live in harmony with natural cycles, reduce our ecological footprint and preserve biodiversity. And when we are immersed in nature, we are exposed to shapes, colors, sounds and textures, which awaken the senses and stimulate the imagination. The diversity of natural landscapes, plants and animals provides a vast reservoir of patterns, motifs and textures that we can draw on to fuel creativity.
The trip you most want to take.
P-A: Crossing New Zealand, a breathtaking adventure that would offer me total immersion in the extraordinary diversity of its landscapes. I dream of being struck by the power of its landscapes, from majestic mountains to verdant valleys to rugged coastlines. But what would make this trip truly memorable is the opportunity to discover species of flora and fauna never seen before.
If you could be the main character in a movie, which one would you choose?
Panturle, an emblematic character in Marcel Pagnol’s film Regain, a simple, rustic man who embodies wisdom and quiet strength. His story of personal renewal is inspiring. Panturle represents the harmonious relationship between man and nature. His deep connection to the land and his ability to cultivate it for his own livelihood emphasize important values such as simplicity, resilience, and respect for the environment.
If you could make a tribute to the earth (soil), what would it be?
Sharing information about environmental challenges and encouraging people to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors. These moments should be daily; we need to celebrate every day the earth that created us. Every beginning of the season should be a time of celebration, like an eternal restart.
If your project were music, what track would it be?
Fauré’ s Requiem for its timeless beauty, relaxing atmosphere, and innovative approach make it beloved worldwide, in part because of its relatively short duration and less intimidating nature than other more monumental requiems.
Which plant do you reflect yourself in and why?
P-A: The violet represents one of the first flowers on a spring walk. It heralds renewal and the blossoming of new flowers. In addition, although apparently delicate, it is quite hardy and can thrive in a variety of conditions. His resilience and ability to overcome adversity strengthen my inner strength to face new challenges every day.
What does Avant gardening mean to you?
Our motto is “Bare soil is wasted, covered soil thrives.” We are inspired by the regenerative capacity of forests, self-sustaining ecosystems that can feed themselves, store water, foster connections between plants for optimal growth and even use waste as a source of nutrition. By adopting a similar approach in our gardens, we can help create sustainable, resilient and lush environments that benefit both biodiversity and our well-being.
The food garden concept should also be an important part of avant gardening: in addition to food production, the garden promotes the promotion of biodiversity, the creation of wildlife habitat, and the improvement of air and soil quality.
Five words for you closely related to the concept of land (soil).
Humus, geosmin, earthworm, microorganisms, biodiversity.
Bio
Pierre-Alexandre Risser was born in Lyon in 1962. Raised in the fields, he moved to Paris and created Horticulture & Jardins 37 years ago. A well-known gardener in the Ile-de-France region, he now designs gardens throughout France.
Pierre-Alexandre Risser