The Lautaret Garden is Europe’s highest garden, situated at an altitude of over two thousand meters in the Alps. It belongs to the French National Institute for Higher Normal Studies (ENS), specifically its Plant and Flower Research Center. In this icy, snowy high mountain region, except for the sunny summers, it is almost entirely covered in ice and snow—a harsh zone where little can grow. Thus, only in summer can one see this vibrant, brilliant display of flora, a rare patch of lush greenery.

I captured these images in 2001 while accompanying my brother-in-law on a trip to the High Alps. He graduated from the Natural Sciences Department of ENS and is a plant expert with deep knowledge of flora; my own understanding of plants comes from him, as he introduced me to natural sciences. During the summer holidays, we often had opportunities for outdoor activities together, sharing wonderful vacations. These photos were taken when we attended the “Alpine Plant Study Camp.” The seminar’s theme was quite interesting: “Do plants have emotions?” and “How do plants survive in harsh climatic conditions?” It explored fundamental questions such as how plants endure strong daily temperature contrasts and thrive in such environments. The alpine wooden cabin seen in the pictures is a laboratory of ENS.

The Lautaret Garden features plants from high mountains around the world, not only local species but also those from the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees, the Caucasus, and more. It is the only alpine botanical garden of its kind in Europe. I took this opportunity to tour the magnificent scenery of the Alps with my brother-in-law, an experience unforgettable in my life, while gaining substantial knowledge of natural sciences and practical insights. I share these exquisite images with everyone.