Our planet has been shaken by wars time and again. And even today the war in Ukraine leaves deep wounds, destroying not only cities but the fates of millions. Honouring the memory of those who fell for freedom is not only our duty but also a way to show that their sacrifices were not in vain. In this context, the “Gardens of Peace” initiative, born in France, is a unique example of how the memory of the past can be turned into a space of hope and harmony.
In this article we look at an initiative launched in France called “Gardens of Peace” – an international initiative started in 2018 by the French cultural association Art & Jardins – Hauts-de-France in cooperation with the authorities. Its main goal is to create memorial landscapes in honour of those who fell in the First World War. The organisers sought to create not traditional but living memorials, where visitors can find peace while reflecting on the tragic events of the past.
The project brought together landscape architects from countries that were once enemies on the battlefield, thereby demonstrating how a shared history can become the basis for unity. The architects designed gardens beside historic memorials in northern and eastern France, as well as in Belgium. In this way, the “Gardens of Peace” became a kind of “green trail of remembrance”.
Each such garden is not just a green area, but a unique work of art combining landscape architecture, nature and deep symbolism. These gardens have become an example of how former battlefields, once associated with pain and destruction, can be transformed into places of harmony and calm. Unlike static monuments, the “Gardens of Peace” are living, dynamic spaces that change with the seasons, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the resilience of nature.
Since its founding, the initiative has developed actively, which confirms its success. In 2018, 12 gardens were created, and by 2022 their number had grown to 33. The organisers plan to create 40 gardens by 2025 and to expand the project beyond the Hauts-de-France region to Grand Est, integrating new gardens into historic locations in cooperation with local authorities and military experts.
Each garden has its own unique story. For example:
“Borderland” in Braine, designed by Danish architects. It features a path of 6,490 bricks, each honouring the memory of a Danish soldier forcibly conscripted into the German army.
“White Mist” in Vouziers, created by Czech and Slovak architects. In it, 282 birches form a “white haze” symbolising the blindness caused by poison gas on the battlefields.
The “Gardens of Peace” are an example of how one can not only honour memory but also combine history with the principles of sustainable development, in particular by using nature-based approaches. The project promotes biodiversity by using local plants and climate-resilient designs. The organisers also placed emphasis on sustainable management, water resource management, renewable energy and environmental protection. In addition, it has an important social dimension: thanks to financial support from the European Social Fund, the initiative creates jobs for the unemployed and young people, which fosters social integration and professional development.
The project is more than just an initiative. It is a unique combination of environmental and social objectives, realised through the active participation of the community. It gains particular relevance from the traditions of agricultural and workers’ gardens in the Hauts-de-France region, which serve as a source of inspiration and historical foundation.
One of the most important components of the project is job creation, which fosters social integration. It provides employment for the unemployed and young people who work on creating and maintaining the gardens. This not only helps people gain professional skills but also strengthens the community, turning it into a group that builds its future together.
Each garden in the project is a living work of art, where landscape architecture is combined with a deep artistic vision. The organisers have clearly proved that an ordinary park can become a place of remembrance and a reminder of the fragility of peace. The gardens turn historic locations into centres of remembrance for future generations, and the Path of Peace becomes living evidence that even after devastating events one can create something beautiful and full of meaning.
The project also has an artistic and social mission. The Art & Jardins | Hauts-de-France association played a key role in creating international garden festivals that combine contemporary landscapes and art with public spaces. This helps preserve the cultural heritage of the Hauts-de-France region while promoting the principles of sustainable development. Thanks to financial support from the European Social Fund, the project is successfully implemented in towns such as Péronne, Thiepval, Le Quesnoy and Craonne, providing opportunities for employment and vocational training.
The Gardens of Peace are an extraordinary example of how a single initiative can carry several powerful ideas: creating a memorial, demonstrating environmental sustainability and caring for the environment. Thanks to a unique combination of history, landscape architecture, a nature-based approach and social integration, the project goes beyond a traditional memorial. It becomes a living embodiment of the aspiration for peace, reflected not only in a historical context but also in respect for nature.
The initiative continues to develop, reinforcing the idea that remembering the past should be accompanied by an active aspiration for a better, more peaceful and balanced world.