Jardin Japonais Minéral
Overview
The Jardin Japonais Minéral is a contemporary dry landscape garden surrounding the entrance to the Pharmacie de Mercurol in Mercurol-Veaunes, southeastern France. Constructed in autumn 2024 and inaugurated on 27 January 2025, it consists of two interconnected rock-and-plant compositions representing the contrasting landscapes of the Drôme hills and the Ardèche mountains. The garden guides visitors towards the pharmacy while also framing views of the surrounding countryside from inside the building.
History
The garden was commissioned as part of the relocation and redevelopment of the Pharmacie de Mercurol. The pharmacy transferred its registered premises to 890 A Route des Alpes in December 2024, and the new entrance landscape was completed during the same period. It was formally inaugurated on 27 January 2025 in the presence of pharmacy owner Caroline Le Bras, the mayor and local elected representatives.
The project was designed and implemented by Grimaldi Jardins Paysages, led by Joseph Grimaldi, in collaboration with Japanese landscape architect Masao Sone. Sone was specifically responsible for the placement of the principal stones, giving the composition a direct connection with professional Japanese garden practice.
Design features
The garden is divided into two related dry landscapes positioned on different sides of the pharmacy building. On the western side, rocks and planting evoke the scrub-covered lower slopes of the Ardèche. On the northern side, the composition refers to the softer hills and cultivated landscapes of the Drôme. Together, the two sections connect the building symbolically with the regional landscape surrounding Mercurol-Veaunes.
The principal elements are carefully selected rocks, gravel surfaces and restrained planting. No actual pond or stream is used; instead, the relationship between stone, ground surface and empty space produces an abstracted natural landscape characteristic of a contemporary karesansui-inspired dry garden.
The entrance path passes between the compositions, creating a short contemplative progression before visitors enter the pharmacy. From inside the building, the rocks and planted masses frame longer views towards the surrounding countryside, linking the small foreground garden with the wider regional landscape.
Current status
The garden remains in maintained condition around the entrance to the Pharmacie de Mercurol. It is visible and accessible as part of the pharmacy’s approach rather than operated as an independent visitor garden.