CÉVENNES

A garden unlike any other in France, the Bambouseraie en Cévennes (pronounced say-VEHN) has one of the largest collections of bamboos in Europe, containing some 1000 varieties. Planted in 1856 at the feet of sequoias and ginkgo, the forest of bamboo stretches up to 75 ft, casting shades of grays, greens, and blues in the dappled light. If one is not admiring the bamboo, the Japanese zen garden with traditional red pagoda or the Laotian village with native plantings is sure to delight. There is even a large water basin that is filled with water lilies, lotus, and Egyptian papyrus. Here, biodiversity and its protection is a key pillar on which the Bambouseraie stands as well as education to future growers. When looking for a garden to feature plant ingredients that were cooling and crisp in scent, this Asian-inspired garden fit perfectly.

​

In placing ourselves in the heart of this bamboo forest, we designed a complex scent using plant-based essential oils and compounds that includes American spearmint, Australian boronia, and Indian deodar cedar to symbolize the vegetal coolness of pale green bamboo swaying in the forest, the scent of aquatic flowers floating together in the ebb and flow of blue waters, and the calming and reflective nature of this garden treasure.

​

Come on a journey with us to the awe-inspiring gardens of the Bambouseraie as we meditate on the carefree emotions of losing ourselves in a never ending forest.