"I feel like exploring new things... My position is to explore. I go to the gardens to be inspired. I go to the nurseries to inspire myself" says Manuel Silva, owner of a sublime business, that previously had this name, but now undergoing a process of changes, Sublime Garden, now in another place, appears as Manel Jardineiro. In the middle of his greenhouse / workshop / gallery, Manuel Silva received Porto Gardens to talk about his love for the romantic gardens of Porto, the search, the meeting of his roots and his thirst for innovation.
Brazilian, born in São Paulo, Manuel is the grandson of an agronomist engineer. He tells us that he always had and liked the contact with nature: "My roots are in Porto, and I had to move away from here, to live in Canada, to rescue these roots. I have always had this contact with the flora. Now with the urbanizations the fauna that I liked in Porto no longer exists. “Saudades” is the only thing left. Now I deal with with the seagulls, because I live on the sixth floor... Or a swarm of bees. "
Manuel is responsible for a type of urban and alternative gardening: the so-called kokedamas. Using a Japanese ornamental technique, developed like bonsai, in which the roots of the plant are wrapped around a ball. The funny thing is that he does not consider himself a lover of Japanese culture, he only uses the technique for his work, which is seen favorably by all who pass by the Bombarda Shopping Centre.
Everything is done in his workshop, which is also used as a gallery. The place used to be known as a shack of sorts, however, it is now seen as a luxurious establishment that allows Manuel to continue his work, which became known while he was still settling in Conceição Street.
In addition to Kokedamas, which are taken almost as pets by the customers, another well-known work of Manuel’s, especially during St. John’s day (a very popular celebration in Porto), is the Kokerico, a hybrid with Manjerico. These adaptations, he says, are inspired by Little Prince’s aesthetics; "I pursue this in my works."
Passionate about the romantic gardens of the city, Manuel stated that these are the places he seeks to relax and inspire himself with ideas for his work. In one of his most recent pieces, he used typical Portuense plants, such as venoms, along with Portuguese income and Molambeckia, a plant that is used next to the venoms in grotto simulations. "It has disappeared. It is an interesting plant that I cultivate. Unlike avena, it is more persistent, "he says when asked about the use of molambeckia.
For taking inspiration in various gardens, Manuel gave Porto Gardens some examples of his favorites: "Jardim das Virtudes and its panoramas are fantastic, its flora has the largest ginkgo biloba in Portugal. There are incredible species in the Crystal Palace, which was far richer in the past. The Botanical Garden has a special space, it is also very beautiful. We cannot forget about the City Park. Quinta de Villar D`Allen is an incredibly romantic space, with a large collection of camellias; a garden to relax! Another one that is very well treated is the house of Serralves"
He never recognized himself as a Sublime Jardim (EN: Sublime Garden), stating that his new identity, which will be made from a photo of him on a day’s job at the Carlos Alberto Square, Manuel surprised us with his talent and simplicity, exhilarating his love for gardening. "Who is Manuel? He is the gardener of bad habits, studied social communication and began to be treated as such. The old gardener ... Old people are the keepers of wisdom, in my opinion. "
Written by: Matheus Rabelo
Photos by: Matheus Rabelo
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