Surrounded by a myriad of green leaves stretching far into the sky, you take a deep breath and inhale the fresh scent of nature. In amongst a city of dusty roads and buildings of red ochre lies an oasis of luscious green. The Jardin Majorelle, formerly owned by Yves Saint Laurent, is not only a beautiful garden in the heart of Marrakech, but a site with an intriguing history.<br><br>The garden was originally constructed by Jacques Majorelle, a French painter known for his depictions of North Africa. After emigrating to Morocco in 1919, he first commissioned an art deco style gallery and studio, which he painted in a bright blue known as Majorelle Blue. In the surrounding land, a magnificent garden was planted and nurtured, filled with exotic and rare species that he collected from around the world. Jardin Majorelle was opened to the public in 1947.<br><br>After Majorelle’s death in 1962, the garden fell into disrepair until its acquisition in 1980 by Pierre Bergé and Saint Laurent, founders of the Yves Saint Laurent fashion label, who carefully restored the garden. In 2011, the original art studio was converted into a museum dedicated to the indigenous Berbers of Morocco.<br><br>Saint Laurent (2008) and Bergé (2017) are no more. However, if not for their vision, this land would probably have become commercial real estate following its degradation. Since its restoration, it has been the source of enjoyment for many.<br>