Welcome to the Jungle

Interior stylist Emilie Jacob on designing a lush oasis in the city

Photographs by: Muthu Kumar and Hiral Kapadia

“This 44th house I looked at,” says interior stylist Emilie Jacob, referring to the Umm Suqeim 1 villa that she shares with her husband, Pete, and two young children, Stella and Teddy. Having grown up in the south of France, Emilie’s top priority was being located close to the beach, and despite the space consisting of a building site during her first viewing over two years ago, it was love at first sight.

“Most of the trees that you can see in the front garden, including the frangipani, Washingtonia palms, banana, flame and bourgainvillea, were already there,” she says. “I could see the walk to the beach; the openplan, loft-like, bungalow-style layout of the interior with its skylight; plus the side and back outdoor spaces.”

The back garden, however, consisted of some brown tiles, interlock bricks, sand and a stark white wall separating the garden from the neighbour’s. “It was a little bit depressing,” Emilie admits.

A lonely banana tree in the corner provided the only life, and Emilie ensured its survival during the home’s three-month refurbishment before she moved in with her family. Since then, three more banana plants joined the first; two of which bore so much fruit that they collapsed under their weight. These are surrounded by the garden’s only stretch of real grass, as it’s the only area that receives enough sunlight for it to thrive.

The starting point for the back garden was creating privacy, so Emilie sought advice on creating a tropical bed along the wall. “When you consider living in Dubai, lush plants don’t naturally spring to mind but, with a little guidance, I have created a mini jungle in my backyard that I never tire of.”

In Dubai, we have access to so many amazing plants that you just wouldn’t find in Europe”

BOURGAINVILLEA PROVIDES A FLASH OF BRIGHT PINK, AS DO THE PRETTY FLAMINGOS

EMILIE’S TOP TIPS FOR CREATING A LUSH GARDEN IN THE UAE…

If you are working with a tight budget, plant and furnish your garden gradually so that you invest in quality pieces that withstand the UAE climate.

Get advice on what to plant in different areas of your garden, so you know what thrives in direct sunlight and what flourishes in shade.

Shop around. There are plenty of lovely shops but it pays to do your research and negotiate.

Have fun. The majority of suppliers will try to sell you what everyone else already has in their gardens but we live in a place where we can get so many amazing plants that you just wouldn’t find in Europe.

FROM DRAGONMART, THE STRING OF LIGHTS CAST A WARM GLOW IN THE EVENINGS | THE BANANA PLANTS ARE THRIVING, RICH WITH DELICIOUS FRUIT | “THE PLANTS PROVIDE VIBRANCY, SO I’VE KEPT THE FURNISHINGS NEUTRAL”