13. Hortus pocus

Julie Fraisse first came across the world of gardens when she was lost in the middle of an economics course that she was studying without much conviction. After a meeting with Gilles Clément at the Domaine du Rayol in Var, she was able to take a clear-sighted look at her professional destiny and realise that the world of plants, combined with that of the arts, would make sense for her. By enrolling at the École Nationale Supérieure de Paysage in Versailles, where her 4-year course was filled with encounters, doubts, travel, workshops and projects that took her to universes both singular and extraordinary, the world of gardens became the world of landscaping, and the world of landscaping became hers. After graduating in 2011, she decided to cross the Channel to find out what our English neighbours, renowned experts in the world of garden design, had to offer and teach her. Kew Gardens was a revelation... After returning to Paris for a few months, where the position of gardens seemed increasingly complicated, she set off to South America, more specifically, Uruguay, where Julie believed in herself for the first time, creating her own company. This was followed by years of design, teamwork and exchanges with professionals, enthusiasts and committed customers. This experience, both human and professional, was a real turning point in Julie's career, and it was there that she realised the impact she could have on the region as a whole. Returning to France after almost 4 years in the southern hemisphere, she pursued her path in the world of gardens in Toulouse.  She first worked for herself, wandering up and down the coastline in Landes and Basque Country. This period gave rise to some real botanical experiments: a barefoot garden, a vertical garden... perfecting her botanical knowledge and ingenuity in creating zany structures. She now works in Toulouse as a design office manager for the Languedoc nurseries, where she is trying to meet the challenge of thriving in the strange world of public procurement...

 

François Cereza is passionate about nature. After completing his studies in landscape design, his life took an unexpected turn when he embarked on a military career. This experience instilled in him the values of discipline and organisation, which he subsequently applied in landscaping. Wishing to work more closely with his passion, he decided to go back to school to obtain a vocational qualification (BTS) in landscaping. This course enabled him to perfect his technical skills and acquire solid knowledge of garden design and creation. Armed with this expertise, he set up his own company, which he ran for five years. Specialising in creating private gardens and wooden elements, he transformed outdoor spaces into true havens of peace. Today, he has moved on to a new chapter in his career, becoming a project manager in the design office for the Languedoc nurseries. In this role, he oversees the development of timber constructions on the company's sites. His knowledge of plants and experience in landscaping ensure that each project is both aesthetically successful and environmentally friendly.

 

Milan Markovic grew up on the verdant coast of the Basque Country, a place where majestic palm trees mingle with lush vegetation. Botany has always been part of his daily life, with a particular interest in gardens. However, Milan was slow to turn to the world of landscaping, despite his environment making it an obvious choice. After exploring a number of roundabout routes, from a vocational baccalaureate in aeronautics to a Bachelor's degree in geography, he finally found his calling. At present, he is in the second year of a vocational qualification (BTS) in landscaping. Through his experience and professional placements, Milan has made it his mission to restore nature to its rightful place. He devotes much of his time to deepening his knowledge of botany, perfecting his drawing techniques and exploring other fascinating areas linked to the plant world. Alongside this, he feeds his passion for travel, which he sees as a constant source of inspiration. By visiting various remarkable gardens, botanical or ephemeral, he seeks to understand the techniques and practices specific to each site. For Milan, a young man of Serbian origin, travelling is a different way of learning, opening his eyes to new perspectives and redefining the way he sees, believes and conceives the world.