Sustainable gardens in Vale Da Lapa, Carvoeiro 2024
The design of this garden is based on the premise of efficient water use and a minimal maintenance requirement, without losing any of its aesthetic appeal.
When selecting plants, attention was paid to Mediterranean plants, as these plants are extraordinarily well adapted to the prevailing climate conditions here. The use of a large number of large solitary plants made it possible to give structure to the garden from the very
beginning.
Olive trees
Phoenix palms
Pomeranian oranges, orange trees
Pomegranate
Callistemon
The following were used as accompanying plants:
Nerium oleander along the anterior border
Cupressus totem on both sides of the curved driveway
Pittosporum tobira nana
Rosemary prostatus
Santolina
Viburnum tinus
Chamaerops humilis
A drip system was chosen for irrigation, which was heavily modified according to the conditions. Standardised drip hoses, such as those offered by retailers, were not used here, as they distribute the water even where the roots cannot reach it, namely between the plants, as long as they are one metre or more apart from each other. We used a normal polyethylene hose 17mm, into which we inserted the droppers as needed. These are pressure-compensating drippers of 2, 4, and 8 l/h. The laying of hoses laid lengthwise or in a circle around the plant ensures water-saving – and plant-friendly irrigation. Dividing the irrigation system into several zones also allows for more efficient control.
In the last phase of the garden construction, all areas were covered with light-coloured broken pebbles (Brita 1), with an anti-herb film being installed beforehand A garden of this type, which does not have a lawn, requires minimal maintenance with extremely low water requirements and can therefore be classified as sustainable.