© Mingzhu Nerval

Mingzhu Nerval, Living wall maintenance at Solvay

Solvay-Rhodia’s green vertical garden wall is 12-years old today!! Happy Birthday dear green wall! As birthday presents, it received a soft and delicate maintenance session by our greenest fingers Garden Master Susan, and a good fern cut.

Gazing at the huge, long fronds of some wild Blechnum sp. ferns bring back so many good memories of ten years ago when we were so passionately and hard-working collecting seeds all over China, building our company!

Mingzhu Nerval’s vertical gardens have the great fortune to get better looking with time… Stay close to them and learn their secrets!

Mingzhu Nerval, garden cultivation in Kenting, Taiwan

Kenting National Park, located at Taiwan’s southernmost tropical tip, is a breathtaking haven of biodiversity, boasting vibrant ecosystems with a rich variety of flora and fauna. However, this natural paradise faces significant threats from invasive species, which locals have aptly nicknamed the “green cancer.” These non-native plants and animals disrupt the park’s delicate ecological balance by outcompeting native species and damaging habitats.

Mingzhu Nerval, garden cultivation in Taiwan

River tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species by the Invasive Species Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

The plant was first introduced to Taiwan to make paper. However, this fast growing plant expanded quickly and forms dense thickets that crowd out all native vegetation.

Mingzhu Nerval, battling invasive species in Kenting, Taiwan
Mingzhu Nerval, battling invasive species in Kenting, Taiwan

In the fight against invasive species, the local government and dedicated community volunteers have taken steps to manage the spread of river tamarind groves in Kenting National Park. These fast-growing plants are regularly removed, with efforts focused on cutting them down while still in their juvenile stages to prevent further dissemination. However, dealing with the aftermath presents a unique challenge—the thin trunks and twigs of the removed plants offer limited opportunities for reuse.

In Southern Taiwan, Mingzhu Nerval works with local government’s eradication plan along side community volunteer and carpenters to design a garden structure

As part of the creation of the Hengchun Botany Academy Garden, Mingzhu Nerval collaborates with local environmentalists and carpenters to design an innovative garden structure that incorporates the river tamarind’s twigs. This creative initiative not only addresses the environmental challenge posed by these fast-growing plants but also explores exciting possibilities for upcycling. By transforming what was once a problem into a sustainable solution, the project highlights community collaboration and eco-friendly practices. It’s a beautiful step forward in showcasing how even nature’s challenges can inspire meaningful change.

Mingzhu Nerval, garden cultivation in Kenting, Taiwan
Mingzhu Nerval, garden cultivation in Kenting, Taiwan

The twigs have been put to creative use, forming a garden shade structure that will provide shelter for the future outdoor classroom. They’ve also been repurposed as decorative elements on a blank wall, adding a touch of natural charm. To top it off, the twigs have been crafted into an “insect hotel,” offering a cozy habitat for local bees and butterflies to thrive. This craftsmanship and artful expression give new life from a environmental crisis.

In Southern Taiwan, Mingzhu Nerval works with local government’s eradication plan along side community volunteer and carpenters to design a garden structure
In Southern Taiwan, Mingzhu Nerval works with local government’s eradication plan along side community volunteer and carpenters to design a garden structure

While the planting installation is still on its way, the space has already been transformed and looks so much better. We’re loving the interplay of light and shade created by the filtered sunlight—it brings such a serene and inviting atmosphere. The anticipation for the planting to arrive and complete the garden is growing, and we can’t wait to see the final vision come to life!

Mingzhu Nerval, garden cultivation in Kenting, Taiwan
Mingzhu Nerval, garden cultivation in Kenting, Taiwan

Chih-Wei took an inspiring step further by organizing workshops that brought local carpenters together with teachers and students. These sessions not only served as a platform to preserve and pass down traditional craftsmanship but also nurtured a stronger sense of responsibility and connection to the future garden. This collaborative effort beautifully bridges generations and fosters a deeper appreciation for the space they are creating together.

By transforming what was once a problem into a sustainable solution, the project highlights the power of ingenuity and community collaboration in promoting eco-friendly practices. It’s a beautiful step forward in showcasing how even nature’s challenges can inspire meaningful change

Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai

Over the past couple of months, we have been collaborating with Loewe for the opening of Loewe Casa Shanghai. Despite the challenges posed by launching in the coldest month of the year, the planting design and installation were executed with precision and creativity. Our team worked closely with the project architects and the Loewe store to orchestrate a two-phase installation. From dormancy to blossoming, we meticulously selected plants that align with Loewe’s branding and timed their presentation to match the campaign.

We are thrilled to announce the successful grand opening of Loewe Casa Shanghai and are eagerly anticipating the continued growth and thriving of the plants as spring approaches.

Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai

To meet the deadline of the opening event, sometimes working day and night is inevitable. Being in the most visible corner of Shanghai, Jing-An Kerry Center also has strict rules in working hours and hoarding schedule to ensure the public image and safety.

Many thanks to the client and the team members’ tireless coordination, the construction progression was intense but smooth. Each hand-picked plant was carefully placed in perfect condition without rushing.

Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai
Mingzhu Nerval, garden for LOEWE casa in Shanghai

Happy Birthday!

2025-02-19
Mingzhu Nerval, Living wall maintenance at Solvay

Solvay-Rhodia’s green vertical garden wall is 12-years old today!! Happy Birthday dear green wall! As birthday presents, it received a soft and delicate maintenance session by our greenest fingers Garden Master Susan, and a good fern cut.

Gazing at the huge, long fronds of some wild Blechnum sp. ferns bring back so many good memories of ten years ago when we were so passionately and hard-working collecting seeds all over China, building our company!

Mingzhu Nerval’s vertical gardens have the great fortune to get better looking with time… Stay close to them and learn their secrets!

Mingzhu Nerval, building a garden for LOEWE in Chengdu, 2024
Mingzhu Nerval, building a garden for LOEWE in Chengdu, 2024
Mingzhu Nerval, building a garden for LOEWE in Chengdu, 2024
Mingzhu Nerval, building a garden for LOEWE in Chengdu, 2024
Mingzhu Nerval, building a garden for LOEWE in Chengdu, 2024
Mingzhu Nerval, building a garden for LOEWE in Chengdu, 2024
Mingzhu Nerval, building a garden for LOEWE in Chengdu, 2024
Mingzhu Nerval, morning workshop at our Paris construction site

Can’t wait to start our brainstorming day, right from breakfast time!

Our new showroom in Paris is under construction, but we are already able to host our Partner, Chih-Wei, for a productive morning workshop.

Ferns ferns ferns!!

2024-11-02

New baby fern leaves/fronds look so beautiful!

To us, this is a symbol of the freshness of nature… We can’t stop looking at them in enchantment.

Mingzhu Nerval, Fern cultivation
Mingzhu Nerval, Fern cultivation
Mingzhu Nerval, Fern cultivation
Mingzhu Nerval, Fern cultivation
Mingzhu Nerval, Fern cultivation

Mingzhu Nerval, small vertical garden, Private Apartment in Paris, 2024

Mingzhu Nerval, small vertical garden, Private Apartment in Paris, 2024

Mingzhu Nerval in Paris, 2024

Cette semaine, Francesca Cosmai, architecte-paysagiste associée de Mingzhu Nerval était à Paris pour une intense semaine de création, et rencontrer nos chers Clients.

Le reste du temps, Francesca travaille depuis les Alpes italiennes, dans une grande maison de pierres, dans un tout petit village, face aux sommets escarpés et neiges éternelles…

Minzhu Nerval, Workshop with the China Academy of Art, 2024

Minzhu Nerval, Workshop with the China Academy of Art, 2024

Minzhu Nerval, Workshop with the China Academy of Art, 2024

Tous les ans, l’Académie des Beaux-Arts de Chine (中国美术学院) invite Mingzhu Nerval pour organiser un séminaire de rentrée.

Cette année,  une cinquantaine d’étudiants de première année ont travaillé, pendant une semaine à temps plein, sur le thème de “l’Art et la Technologie”, appliqué aux projets en court de Mingzhu Nerval.

L’édition 2024 fut sous le signe de la coopération franco-chinoise, car c’est une équipe de professeurs de l’Ecole de Design de Nantes qui a encadré avec nous cet intensif workshop.

La fin du printemps (juin) est la période idéale pour admirer les paysages de montagne. Les températures y étant encore fraiches (de part l’altitude). les feuilles sont encore toutes vertes-fraîches. Le vert est intense, et décliné en de nombreuses tonalités. Nous y puisons de nouvelles idées pour enrichir nos jardins..

Nous nous sommes promenés aujourd’hui dans les Vosges…

Mingzhu Nerval, Plant inspiration and spring hiking
Mingzhu Nerval, Plant inspiration and spring hiking
Mingzhu Nerval, Plant inspiration and spring hiking

Ce matin, notre équipe de jardiniers a eu la joie de voir ces bébés oiseaux, lors de l’entretien d’un mur végétal !

Le feuillage de nos murs végétaux est si épais (1,5m d’épaisseur de feuillage en moyenne, avec des arbres de 5-8m à certains endroits), que cela offre beaucoup de place et de confort aux oiseaux pour nicher  en toute sécurité. Sur cette vidéo, il s’agit d’une façade végétale créée en 2014 pour la municipalité de Shanghai (lien).  Les végétaux sont donc âgés de dix ans, d’où leur profusion et luxuriance.

This morning, our gardening team had the pleasure of seeing these baby birds while maintaining one of our living green walls!

The foliage of our vertical gardens is so thick (an average of 1.5 meters in depth, with trees reaching 5-8 meters in certain spots), that it provides plenty of space and comfort for birds to nest safely. In this video, we see a green façade created in 2014 for the municipality of Shanghai (link). The plants are therefore ten years old, which explains their abundance and lushness.