Gilles Clément: The Gardener Who Revolutionized Landscape
Gilles Clément, a renowned French landscape designer, entomologist, botanist, and theorist, was born in 1943 in Argenton-sur-Creuse. In the late 1970s, he acquired a deserted area in central France, where he pioneered concepts like the "garden in motion" (jardin en mouvement) and the "planetary garden" (jardin planétaire), perceiving Earth as a garden nurtured by humankind. He also proposed the idea of the "third landscape" (tiers paysage) to highlight the importance of underutilized areas for biodiversity. Clément was honored with the "Per un giardino evoluto" award at Orticolario, presented by Gaetano Zoccali. His latest endeavors include a "Water Tower" along the Loire River and a biodiversity garden in China, focusing on hands-on gardening and climate adaptation.
Key facts
- Gilles Clément was born in 1943 in Argenton-sur-Creuse, France.
- He purchased an abandoned plot in central France in the late 1970s, building a self-sufficient house.
- He developed the 'garden in motion' concept by creating zigzag paths to avoid cutting spontaneous vegetation.
- The 'planetary garden' views Earth as a single garden tended by humanity.
- The 'third landscape' values neglected spaces as refuges for biodiversity.
- He received the 'Per un giardino evoluto' award at Orticolario in Villa Erba, Como.
- His recent projects include a 'Water Tower' at the source of the Loire River and a biodiversity garden in China.
- He admires Piet Oudolf for his plant research and technique.
Entities
Artists
- Gilles Clément
- Piet Oudolf
- Gaetano Zoccali
- Claudia Zanfi
Institutions
- Orticolario
- Villa Erba
- Artribune
Locations
- Argenton-sur-Creuse
- France
- La Vallée
- central France
- Como
- Italy
- Loire River
- China