Javier Mariátegui Knihy

Javier Mariátegui's dedication to gardening stems from a rich familial background steeped in horticultural enthusiasm. Growing up with gardening grandmothers, one of whom authored the influential book *Spanish Gardens*, he inherited a passion for this art form. His early experiences involved creating gardens from discarded plants, fostering a lifelong connection to nature. Mariátegui pursued formal education in landscape gardening at the Escuela de Paisajismo y Jardinería Castillo de Batres in Madrid, later honing his skills in England. Upon returning to Spain, he founded the Jardines de España nursery, which employs and supports handicapped children in gardening projects. Over three decades, he has designed numerous gardens across Spain and Europe, contributing articles to specialized magazines and authoring a book on one of his gardens, *El Jardín de los Tapices*. Renowned among Spain's garden architects, his work has even been featured in a dedicated TV program. Mariátegui's gardens are characterized by their diverse styles, blending order with chaos, straight lines with curves, and various plant species. His unique approach incorporates contrasting elements that ultimately achieve harmony. A key feature of his gardens is the use of water, inspired by Andalusian Moorish gardens, which he employs in various forms to enhance the magical quality of his designs.