In 2024, Mingzhu Nerval partnered with LOEWE to create a boutique garden in Chengdu that embodies both brands’ dedication to artistry and nature. The collaboration gave rise to a serene sanctuary where thoughtfully chosen plants and refined design converge to offer visitors a tranquil retreat. The garden showcases a harmonious interplay between native flora and historical architectural elements, crafting an immersive experience that delights the senses. Each plant was meticulously selected for its beauty and resilience, ensuring the garden flourishes in every season.
For LOEWE’s boutique garden in Chengdu, the vision was to capture the garden’s timeless beauty through the richness of local flora. Fortunately, southwest China is home to an abundance of exquisite native species. This project is rooted in botanical knowledge: the collection of wild seeds, their cultivation in our nursery, and the creation of a dialogue between Chinese and Mediterranean beauties. As Antoine Nerval remarked, “We are so happy to see them thriving now in this beautiful garden—just like the Coniogramme emenensis, one of our favorite rare ferns.”
To allow nature to thrive, it requires an understanding of soil, water, and plants. We carefully prepared the ground with permeable cobblestones, enriched the local Dujiangyan black soil, and enabled it to breathe with the flow of life. From pavement to planting, we arranged the garden elements to weave together European sensibility and Asian tradition. This project demonstrates how thoughtful landscape design can elevate urban environments, offering visitors a moment of calm amidst the bustling city.
