Behind every Atelier Symbiose plant composition lies much more than a simple assembly of plants. There is an intention, a reflection, sketches scribbled on paper… and above all a deep conviction: our gardens can once again become refuges for biodiversity, without giving up on aesthetics.
A frustration turned project
Before Atelier Symbiose, there was an observation.
As a landscape architect, I participated in many outdoor development projects. Elegant terraces, highly designed contemporary gardens, carefully thought-out spaces… but often strangely silent.
Few insects. Few nectar-rich flowers. Little life.
Nature was present… but rarely welcomed.
Many modern developments favour lines, materials and ornamental plants, sometimes to the detriment of biodiversity. Yet it often only takes a few well-thought-out square metres to change things.
It was from this reflection that Atelier Symbiose was born.
The idea was not to transform every garden into a nature reserve. But rather to offer something simple: to allow everyone to easily integrate a small refuge for biodiversity at home.
- On a balcony.
- In a container on a terrace.
- At the edge of a flower bed.
Because every space counts.
Rediscovering the beauty of local plants
There is a persistent misconception: native plants are supposedly less spectacular than horticultural varieties.
In reality, it's quite the opposite.
Natural meadows, wild edges or flowering banks are often of incredible aesthetic richness: varied textures, graphic silhouettes, light and changing blooms throughout the seasons.
Atelier Symbiose draws inspiration from these living landscapes.
Not to copy them identically, but to capture their spirit: a natural, spontaneous beauty, but always structured.
The goal is not to use exclusively native plants at all costs. Integrating a few local species into an existing garden is already a step in the right direction.
But these plants have an essential advantage: they are perfectly adapted to our climate and local wildlife. They feed pollinators, welcome beneficial insects and help recreate living micro-ecosystems.
Everything starts with a blank page
Every Atelier Symbiose kit starts the same way: with a pencil and a sheet of paper.
Before even choosing the plants, I draw. I need to visualise:
- the general structure
- the shapes of the plants
- the heights
- the balance between verticality and lightness
These first sketches allow building a harmonious composition, almost like a small landscape scene.
Then begins the longest work: species selection.
Each plant must meet several criteria:
- match the structure of the drawing
- adapt to the kit's exposure
- offer nectar and pollen to pollinators
- participate in staggered flowering over time
- remain balanced in a container or small space
It's a meticulous step. Every detail is weighed, tested, considered. Some plants are set aside. Others naturally take their place in the composition.
This invisible work is what transforms a simple selection of plants… into a coherent landscape composition.
Between natural meadow and contemporary garden
The Atelier Symbiose universe sits somewhere between two inspirations.
On one side: natural meadows and cottage gardens, rich in flowers and movement.
On the other: contemporary landscape design, with its clean lines and controlled compositions.
The goal is to find the balance between natural and intention.
A living garden, but not chaotic. A free composition, but structured.
Thus, even in a small container on an urban balcony, plants can create a mini living landscape.
Gardens for ordinary people
Atelier Symbiose is not designed for large estates or spectacular gardens. On the contrary.
The compositions are designed for everyone:
- a city balcony
- a small terrace
- a corner of the garden
- a flower bed border
For all people who are sensitive to nature, but who don't necessarily know where to start.
Many people want to act for biodiversity. But between contradictory advice, hundreds of possible species and space constraints… it's easy to feel lost.
Atelier Symbiose kits are here to simplify all that.
- A coherent plant palette.
- A clear planting plan.
- An already thought-out composition.
- A simple solution to implement.
Small refuges that change a lot
A flowering balcony can become a stop for wild bees. A flower container can feed butterflies. A small flower bed can shelter an astonishing diversity of insects.
Taken in isolation, these spaces seem modest. But put together, they can form a network of micro-refuges for biodiversity.
This is the vision that drives Atelier Symbiose.
Showing that ecology can be beautiful, accessible and desirable. And that sometimes just a few well-chosen plants are enough to transform a simple green corner… into a small living ecosystem.