Construction Trends: Mediterranean gardens

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

Article supplied by Atlas Group

Your home garden should be a functional sanctuary, an extension of your property where you can relax and enjoy its comfort in equal measures. Where better to embrace the great outdoors than the Costa del Sol, which enjoys over 300 days of sun each year and an enviable climate that entices many people from all over the world to live or holiday here. Since the pandemic, there has been greater demand by people wanting to create a retreat in their garden, with a nicely designed space for the whole family to enjoy all year round but also suitable for this Mediterranean climate, which is highlighted by milder winters and hot, dry summers. Whether you have several hundred metres of open space or a small terrace area, there are plenty of options to turn your garden into the perfect space. Feel inspired to invigorate your outdoors with some tips from the experts at Atlas Group.

What is trending in Marbella in terms of modern gardens? A good proportion of luxury properties in the Marbella area feature a modern architectural style. These can be striking to the eye, so gardens can be used to complement and soften, with moving grasses or flowering plants. Using the garden more effectively to ensure every space is taken advantage of, and that it is an extension of the home, is a popular trend. Barbecue and dining areas are common, for obvious reasons, while many families consider the needs of their young members by having play areas and children’s pools.

I want to create a beautiful garden but not spend a fortune on the maintenance. How can this be done? Choosing the right plants is key. Native plants to Spain are an obvious choice, due to their general hardiness for the climate. Seek foliage that requires minimal watering over the summer months, such as grasses, cacti and succulents, and ensure you have a good irrigation system able to be controlled via home automation or your mobile phone. For larger gardens, palm and olive trees are the typical choice and, with a little maintenance from professionals, they will remain pest-free and healthy all year round.

My outside space is limited. How can I make the most out of it? If you have a terrace only, or a smaller garden space, there is still plenty that can be achieved to make it a pint-sized retreat during the hot summer months. Plunge pools are vertical bodies of water that can be a couple of metres in length and height but deep enough for a cooling soak in July and August. These are ideal on terraces too, as they take up little space and can have glass walls to create an eye-catching design feature. Consider creating a vertical garden as well, so that plants can creep up the walls rather than take over a sprawling flower bed. Equally, a smaller garden can be quite functional, with tiling on the floor and a mix of materials to ensure minimal maintenance while also leaving the environment perfect for potted plants that can add colour and movement. Flowing water features can also create a sense of calm and are easy to integrate into a small or large space.

My Costa del Sol property is a second home. How can I ensure the garden and pool are looked after when I’m not in Spain? Firstly, employing a maintenance company is essential. A professional and trustworthy company will keep the pool clean and working efficiently, ensuring healthy water quality, ready for your arrival to enjoy it. The team at Atlaspool and Atlasgarden work in harmony to maintain both the swimming pool and the garden, delivering adequate watering, overall care of the plants and the grass, as well as pest control tailored especially to the plants, taking into consideration the safety of children and pets.

Atlas Group CC Atenea, Estepona Tel. (+34) 951 272 140 www.atlas-group.es

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