In Finistère, two years after the devastation of Storm Ciaran, Batz Island and its lush botanical garden have been rejuvenated, offering a revitalized experience for tourists to enjoy
A Tropical Oasis in the Heart of Brittany: The Enchanting Story of Georges Delaselle's Garden
In the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Finistère in Brittany, France, lies a unique island paradise - the Île de Batz. At the heart of this island, there's a hidden gem: Le Jardin Georges Delaselle, an exotic garden that transports visitors to a world far removed from the Breton climate.
The garden's origin dates back to the late 19th century when Georges Delaselle, a wealthy Parisian insurance agent, fell in love with the island's rugged landscape. He purchased a nearly deserted piece of land and embarked on a lifelong mission to create an exotic garden, showcasing a diverse collection of subtropical and exotic plants from around the world.
Delaselle's passion for botany and architecture led him to transform the island, planting thousands of exotic species such as palms, agaves, and cacti. To protect his precious plants from the island's relentless winds and salt, he designed gardens in steps and created a palm grove. His innovative garden design continues to captivate visitors today.
The garden's success can be attributed to the island's unique microclimate, influenced by the Gulf Stream. Despite the harsh Atlantic conditions, the garden thrives, making it one of Europe’s rare subtropical gardens. Over time, it has become a botanical and cultural heritage site, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually.
However, the garden faced a significant challenge in 2023 when a storm ravaged the island, causing 130 century-old cypress trees to collapse. The garden's heir, Benjamin Klein, continues to nurture and shape the garden, carefully selecting each variety present.
Guenaëlle Daujon, who lived on the island for six years, knows the garden and its creator's story intimately. She marvels at the garden's resilience, as certain plants seem to thrive despite the climate. Even a previously unbloomed cactus from California brought its first flowers following the 2023 storm.
In essence, Georges Delaselle's legacy lives on in this enchanting garden, a testament to his vision and passion for botany. His exotic garden oasis on the Breton island continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into a world far removed from the everyday.
The garden's unique microclimate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, not only mirrors the climate-change impact, but it also contributes to the survival of exotic plants like the California cactus that bloomed following the 2023 storm, showcasing the resilience of environmental-science. With the heir, Benjamin Klein, carefully selecting each variety, it's evident that Georges Delaselle's vision for the garden transcends generations, their influences extending to lifestyle choices, even in home-and-garden and gardening practices.
