The Jardin des Plantes at the University of Montpellier has been officially designated a "Remarkable Garden" by the Ministry of Culture.
The "Remarkable Garden" label has been awarded to the Jardin des Plantes at the University of Montpellier for a period of five years. It was on the recommendation of the regional director of cultural affairs that the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier, which is of real interest to the public, was awarded this distinction. Established in 2004, it distinguishes gardens and parks, whether public or private, that are of cultural, aesthetic, historical, or botanical interest. This label recognizes the work undertaken by the teams at the University of Montpellier and the Faculty of Medicine, to which the Jardin des Plantes is attached. Today, 42 parks and gardens in Occitanie have been awarded this label.
What is the "Remarkable Garden" label?
Established in 2004 by the Ministry of Culture, the "Remarkable Garden" label responds to the desire to raise awareness and promote parks and gardens open to the public, both old and contemporary, that are particularly well maintained. This label is intended as recognition for exceptional sites, whether or not they are protected as historic monuments. It is awarded to gardens of cultural, aesthetic, historical, or botanical interest.
This ministerial label meets six criteria: composition, integration into the site and quality of the surroundings, presence of remarkable features, botanical interest, historical interest for ancient gardens, and quality of maintenance. It is also desirable that maintenance be carried out as part of a management plan and with respect for the environment (no phytosanitary products, water and resource conservation, etc.). This label takes into account parks and gardens in all their diversity (small or large, historic or contemporary) and in all styles.
The Jardin des Plantes at the University of Montpellier, with its educational and scientific value and meeting all these conditions, now benefits from this certification, which took effect on May 11, 2022, for a renewable period of five years.
What are the advantages of the "Remarkable Garden" label awarded to the Jardin des Plantes at the University of Montpellier?
Given its exceptional status (listed as a Site in 1982 and a Historic Monument in 1992), this certification will further enhance the reputation of Montpellier's Jardin des Plantes within national and European networks. Created in 1593, the Montpellier Botanical Garden boasts a diversity and richness of collections that make it a valuable resource for doctors, botanists, and humanists. Covering 4.5 hectares, it now has more than 2,000 plant species grown outdoors and more than 1,000 species grown in greenhouses. For the University of Montpellier, all institutional recognition by the State is invaluable in helping to develop, protect, and promote the garden.
There is a real buzz of activity around the Jardin des Plantes. Following the restoration of the Martins Greenhouse and the renovation of the Orangery and the systematic school, the garden's "Intendance" building, recently designated an "emblematic site of Occitanie" by the Mission Patrimoine, will soon be restored thanks to the 2022 heritage lottery, in addition to support from the Jardin des Plantes foundation and CPER funding. The UM is thus continuing its commitment to the university's historical heritage.
This "Remarkable Garden" label offers various advantages, such as the possibility of signage in public spaces, following the same process as for buildings protected as historic monuments, or even consideration in the definition of local urban planning. A specific guide to labeled gardens is published and widely distributed.
"The University of Montpellier is very proud that the Jardin des Plantes has been officially designated a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden) by the Ministry of Culture. This designation rewards all the efforts made in recent years, as it is an iconic place for many Montpellier residents, a place of knowledge and centuries-old research for researchers and students, and a true showcase of nature and biodiversity in the heart of Montpellier's historic center," said Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier.