Meeting with Pierre Lavalée, creator of the Beau Pays garden
Can you tell us about yourself, your professional background, and what inspired you to open the Beau-Pays garden?
I started gardening at a very young age, a real passion that began around the age of 10-12. It was passed on to me by my grandfather, with whom I used to grow vegetables, and by my mother, a plant lover, It's a real family story. I gradually deepened my knowledge, by arranging outdoor spaces. I started with annual plants, then moved on to shrubs, and then to more varied atmospheres.
Can you tell us the history of this place?
The garden dates back to three generations. I have always lived on the property, which was first a farm, initially dedicated to raising laying hens, an activity set up by my grandparents and continued by my parents. I chose to turn to gardening and plants. We stopped breeding in 2011 and opened the garden to the public the same year. This allowed me to reuse the livestock buildings to develop the interior spaces and greenhouses. For 20 years, I have been working on this garden, constantly renewing and innovating..
If we had to summarize the evolution of the garden, what are the main stages?
- The garden opened to the public in 2011, supported by the Parc et Jardins du Nord-Pas-de-Calais association.
- In 2015, it received the “Remarkable Garden” label, a distinction shared by only six or seven gardens in the region.
- In 2016, we inaugurated the butterfly greenhouse.
- Between 2017 and 2018, we created the desert area. Every year, we strive to renew some parts of the garden and renovate the old ones. (For example, the Australian part, started in 2012, should reopen next year)
What spaces/atmospheres can we find?
- Tropical Space : A greenhouse of about 600 m² with tropical plants useful for butterflies, such as water lilies, coffee and vanilla. It houses about 600 butterflies with daily births.
- Desert Space : Housed in a former chicken coop, this space is characterized by rocks and desert plants such as cacti, agaves and yuccas. The visit ends with a “gold mine” with minerals.
- Nursery Part : Here, we have a pulmonary collection. We are also a "national collection" with 85 specimens that is managed by the conservatory of specialized plant collections. There are only three gardens in Hauts-de-France that have this opportunity. Each garden has its own collection, and our goal is to preserve it and perhaps discover an interesting molecule. We sow seeds, observe and select the plants. It is possible that we could use them to create perfumes.
- South Africa part : This area has about 60 species of aloe, including aloe vera, as well as other Canarian plants and succulents.
- English Garden and Oval Garden : The English garden requires special care. We all know the reputation of these gardens which are of impeccable beauty.
- Australian Space : Currently under renovation, it should reopen soon.
All the decorations, such as rocks and small constructions, are homemade. We make a point of making the garden accessible, with paths of at least 1 meter, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
The garden is also home to various animals, including butterflies, hawk moths and bees.
When I was young, my parents were not always in favor of the idea of me expanding and developing the garden. You should know that I started with a very small vegetable garden. Today, the garden extends over one and a half hectares!
Are there any famous gardens or gardeners who have particularly influenced you?
I am not trying to reproduce a particular style of garden. The garden is in my image, with dedicated spaces, the idea is to create a coherent garden, in particular with metal statues and many circles, as well as a harmony in the colors and shades.
But I must admit that the English influence is perhaps present, because I really appreciate their gardens which are very beautiful and carefully maintained!
We imagine that you certainly have plants/flowers that you appreciate more than others?
I am very proud of the tropical part. This is the most demanding area of the garden, requiring constant control of temperature and watering. It is a real challenge to maintain this ecosystem in our climate! There is a titan arum native to Sumatra, one of the hottest areas on the planet. Its bulb is nicknamed “corpse flower” because it can smell rotten meat from 800 meters away and only flowers every ten years. It is an extraordinary plant because it can reach 3 meters high and weigh up to 130 kg!
There is also vanilla, which I am very fond of, a common plant but difficult to grow. We also have a giant water lily, a Victoria Longwood Hybrid, which can reach a diameter of 1 m. It is a delicate plant, because the water must be heated to 50°C.
What are your plans for the garden?
Creating this garden is already a crazy project in itself! I never thought I could live off my passion and create this space that suits me. Currently, our garden has obtained the “Remarkable Garden” label, which is a great recognition for all the work accomplished!
We are the only ones to have a butterfly house with over 600 butterflies of different species in the area. I always have some pretty crazy projects that I would like to implement but our priority will be to reopen the old parts of the garden. And in the long term why not create an Australian greenhouse?
Living here is a real blessing. I really enjoy sharing my passion with visitors and going to meet them or being present in the garden to chat.
A final word?
You have to believe in your dreams, show perseverance and patience, because nature is often unpredictable!