Editor’s Word: In the Garden

“… the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”

These lines are from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s famous book The Secret Garden, a classic tale spun around a locked garden where 10-year-old Mary, an initially sour and neglected child, experiences profound transformation and growth. As the garden blossoms and flourishes under Mary’s care, so does her spirit.

Gardens, ever-changing throughout the four seasons, never fail to ignite our creativity, captivate our senses, and nurture our souls. In our “In the Garden” edition we’ll take you on a visual journey of some of the world’s most gorgeous gardens, spanning both Eastern and Western traditions.

We venture into the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, hailed as the “Gems of the East,” where wonder awaits amid meandering streams, zigzagging bridges, and whimsical rocks. Each step reveals a hidden vista, where enchanting plays of light and shadow dance gracefully upon the white plastered walls. Here, the unity of heaven and earth is palpable, creating a harmonious sanctuary of natural and architectural beauty.

In France, we visit the fairytale-like gardens of the Château de Beauvoir. Tucked away among lush vegetation and blooming flowers, the once-dilapidated castle has been transformed into a cherished abode by French artist Claire Basler, who has devoted more than a decade to cultivating Beauvoir into a coveted garden, both in reality and through her artistic works.

Over four decades, another garden in the United States has undergone continuous growth and transformation, bringing a transcendent sense of leisure to award-winning designer Bunny Williams. She now shares this experience with readers in her new book, capturing idyllic snapshots of her cherished home and garden.

In the depths of our memories may reside vibrant moments we have captured in gardens, reminding us, among others, of the unfurling renewal of spring buds, the bustling chorus of summer insects, the gentle whispers of autumn winds, and the silver blanket of winter snow. With these treasured moments in mind, this edition witnesses the creative blossoms of four remarkable artists within the lush landscapes of imagination.

Drawing inspiration from ancient poetry and beauty, the Magnifissance creative team has also produced a fashion showcase of style and artistry. Every image is a collectible work of art celebrating the delicate allure of flowers and the timeless grace of women.

There are more captivating stories awaiting you, each revealing the enchanting charm of gardens. From jewellery to textiles, from fragrances to works of art, gardens weave their magic into every aspect of our existence.

With a plethora of carefully curated stories and immersive visuals, I hope this edition will evoke the same sense of miracles, wonder, and hope as described in Hodgson’s The Secret Garden.