Features of the management structure and routine management of the Gardens of Versailles

The Gardens of Versailles face significant challenges in maintaining their traditional landscaping techniques while adapting to modern environmental and budgetary constraints. A key finding is that patronage has become a crucial income source, allowing the gardens to avoid reliance on chemical products by proactively adopting large machinery for efficient management. However, this shift risks compromising the inheritance of traditional skills, particularly in topiary shaping and the repair of old lead pipe canal networks, where specialized training is scarce. The study highlights the tension between preserving heritage techniques and embracing contemporary sustainability practices to ensure long-term viability.

HIRAOKA, N., & MIZUMA, Y. (2021). Features of the management structure and routine management of the Gardens of Versailles. Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture, 84(5), 559–564. https://doi.org/10.5632/jila.84.559