The Serre de la Madone Garden in Menton, in poor condition, will receive support from the Heritage Lottery in 2025 for its restoration. This project aims to preserve its botanical heritage and make it a cultural and scientific venue open to the public.
The Serre de la Madone Garden in Menton will receive support from the Heritage Lottery in 2025. This remarkable site, created in the 20th century by landscape architect Lawrence Johnston, is now threatened by erosion and the deterioration of its infrastructure.
This historic nine-hectare garden, listed as a historic monument since 1990, showcases the landscaping art of the Riviera. Johnston had gathered rare plants from his expeditions in Africa, Asia, and America, incorporated into a structured ensemble of terraces, ponds, and pergolas. But the site is suffering from the ravages of time. Erosion threatens the terraces, the irrigation networks are damaged, and the historic buildings, including the greenhouses, are in poor condition.
The restoration project, led by the Association for the Preservation of Menton Gardens, aims to preserve this unique heritage. The work, which will extend until 2026, will include the consolidation of structures, the refurbishment of hydraulic networks, and the restoration of buildings.
A project for cultural and scientific enhancement
Beyond its preservation, the garden will become part of a cultural and educational dynamic. It will host thematic visits, cultural events, and educational partnerships. A center dedicated to botany and conservation will be established in collaboration with scientific institutions and the Coastal Conservatory.
The support from the Heritage Lottery will help fund part of these works and restore the garden to its former glory. The Heritage Mission, led by Stéphane Bern, thus emphasizes the importance of preserving these sites that bear witness to the history and richness of French landscapes.
