Magnolia Welcomes Gabriel Gugen from Brittany, France!
This summer, Magnolia is proud to host Gabriel Gugen, a dedicated landscape engineering student from Brittany, France, in partnership with the French Heritage Society. Currently pursuing an associate degree at Saint Ilan in northern France, Gabriel brings a rich background in managing his family’s estate as a fifth-generation steward, driven by a passion for landscaping and the preservation of family heritage.
Gabriel’s interest in Magnolia stems from his desire to explore the contrasts between Brittany’s climate and the humid wetlands and marshes of the Lowcountry. His time at Magnolia offers a unique opportunity to observe how American landscaping techniques are adapted to diverse environments and to learn about the area’s vibrant biodiversity.
During his stay, Gabriel has been working closely with Magnolia’s horticulture team, acquiring new skills such as plant care and watering techniques. Recently, he was entrusted with managing his own section of the garden, a milestone that highlights his growing expertise. One of his most memorable experiences has been discovering the Bromeliad, a plant species new to him. Gabriel also appreciates the tranquility of early mornings in the garden, using this peaceful time to prepare the grounds before visitors arrive.
Reflecting on his experience, Gabriel shared: “Working inside of this rich heritage, filled in history, encourages us even more to follow in the footsteps of those who came before us, to be a link in this continuity.”
The French Heritage Society expressed their enthusiasm for Gabriel’s participation, stating: “French Heritage Society is delighted that Gabriel, one of our horticulture students, is gaining valuable experience at Magnolia. This exchange perfectly illustrates our mission to foster cultural understanding and to support the next generation of heritage professionals — a mission we are proud to celebrate this year as our Education Program marks its 40th anniversary.”
Jim Martin, Director of Horticulture at Magnolia, also commented: “We are thrilled to have a phenomenal student from abroad. It's a great cultural exchange for us. It gives us, as well as the student, a chance to learn about what other people are doing in horticulture. We are thrilled that Gabriel has a chance to see how we do things in the south.”
We are grateful for Gabriel’s passion and perspective this summer and look forward to seeing how this exchange enriches both his journey and our community.
