A Gardener’s Sensitivity to Trees: Interview with Miguel Gicquiaud
An unusual encounter…
I remember very clearly the day I met Miguel. It was a Sunday morning during one of my forest therapy walks in Nantes. I immediately realised how passionate he was about plants—and with good reason: Miguel is a gardener. Throughout the walk, he enriched our encounters with trees with stories and observations from the plant world, always with humour, knowledge and delicacy.
I met Miguel again many times and watched this sensitive, sociable man—while carrying wounds of his own—gradually reveal more of himself through his relationship with trees. Over time, we got to know one another.
Miguel is an extraordinary person, but you have to get to know him gently. Like a wild animal, he observes, listens, plays with nature and seems to understand trees instinctively. I feel the relationship between them is closer to communion than to a simple connection.
Today I’m delighted to introduce you to Miguel Gicquiaud, a gardener with a very big heart.
Clotilde Rolland: Hello Miguel. First of all, a huge thank you for agreeing to this interview about your relationship with plants and nature.
To begin, could you tell us how you came to work as a gardener?
Miguel Gicquiaud: Hello Clotilde. THANK YOU for this interview.
My family background was rooted in agriculture—my maternal grandparents, my uncle and my father all had connections with farming.
When the Common Agricultural Policy was reformed in the early 1990s, I turned towards landscaping and horticulture, including work experience in a nursery.
CR: As a gardener, what do nature, trees and flowers represent for you? Is there a purpose or mission you try to fulfil through your work?
MG: After training in nursery work through alternating education and continuing learning between 1993 and 1997, I wanted to understand WHAT BECOMES OF A PLANT—so becoming a GARDENER felt like the natural direction.
This work is creative, requires imagination, an eye for beauty and great versatility. It is a wonderful profession for people who love working outdoors and especially for those passionate about plants—trees in particular.
The job covers many tasks: creating, designing and maintaining green spaces in rhythm with the seasons.
CR: I’ve never seen you unhappy in nature. I’ve seen you experience emotions, yes, but among trees you always seem relieved and calmer. Is that how it feels for you?
MG: Oh YES, absolutely!
For me, nature helps cultivate a balanced life. Hearing birdsong, looking at a blue sky and feeling connected with nature all contribute to my sense of mental wellbeing.
Regular connection with nature helps me feel happier.
CR: You’ve described yourself as having very high emotional sensitivity. Do you feel this sensitivity helps you in your relationship with trees and plants?
MG: Yes. I often feel a strong sensitivity to nature and to environmental protection.
The plant world is incredibly diverse in form and structure.
CR: You joined several of my forest therapy walks in and around Nantes, and in spring 2025 you also completed my Spiritual Forest Therapy & Plant Consciousness training. Thank you again for your trust 😊
How do you think forest therapy can complement the work of a gardener, landscape professional or nursery grower?
MG: PLANTS ARE LIFE!
Forest therapy stimulates our senses and attention through direct experience of the forest—sight, smell, hearing, touch and sometimes taste—alongside practices such as meditation, walking and hiking.
CR: You went through a long period of reflection about work and even moved to Côtes-d’Armor in Brittany for a new beginning. What are your professional plans today?
MG: After working in nurseries and as a gardener, I’d now like to move towards becoming a…
NATURE EDUCATOR! So I can share my passion.
CR: Last question: if you could be reincarnated as a tree, which species would you choose? 😉
MG: A MAPLE.
It is incredibly beautiful, and maple wood is also valued for its durability and use in woodworking.
I especially love the palette of autumn colours in its leaves—red, orange, brown and yellow, like a living painting. Some maple species are also famous for their sweet sap, used to produce maple syrup.
Beautiful, useful and delicious in its own way, the maple easily belongs among the trees I find most beautiful.
CR: I completely agree! Thank you so much, Miguel, for all the moments shared and for this interview.
I’m sure your story will inspire others. It reminds us that even when our professions in nature differ, we may share much more than we realise.
🌳 If you would like to contact Miguel Gicquiaud:
Email: mig44bzh@hotmail.fr
Or find him on Facebook
🌱 Do you work with trees, forests or the Living World and have a professional perspective you would like to share? Whatever your profession or country, write to me at clotilde.naturo@gmail.com
🍃 Would you like to breathe, feel and reconnect?
Join me for tree connection, sensory experiences and other forest therapy practices during my public Sunday walks in the Pays d’Ancenis area (see the Forest Therapy Walks & Training section).
And what if nature became the most beautiful gift? Forest therapy gift cards offer a restorative experience to enjoy alone, as a pair or with family.
See you soon for another meeting with the plant world—or another inspiring interview 🌲💚
Clotilde
Comments