Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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Hello all! We have recently moved into a new-build (in Madrid, Spain) and we have a small garden we don´t really know what to do with. I have asked a couple of companies for advice but they have only given me one specific idea and I was wondering what other options there are. So far:
A lawn and border of plants around the fence (not so keen on a lawn as Madrid is very hot and dry in the summer and it will require a lot of water).
Artificial lawn (hate this idea! I love plants and want everything to be real)
Paving with a raised bed border (love this idea of a Mediterranean style garden, but paving turns out to be really expensive) - I have added 2 photos of design ideas we were given
One slight complication is we need to be able to put my husband's golf net in the garden (as you can see in the designed photos).
I am not afraid of hard work and would actually love to do what I can myself, but I also humbly acknowledge that I am a gardening beginner and need some advice!
So I´m curious - what would you do in this space? Oh, we also have 2 young kids.
Best wishes,
Gemma
Hello all! We have recently moved into a new-build (in Madrid, Spain) and we have a small garden we don´t really know what to do with. I have asked a couple of companies for advice but they have only given me one specific idea and I was wondering what other options there are. So far:
A lawn and border of plants around the fence (not so keen on a lawn as Madrid is very hot and dry in the summer and it will require a lot of water).
Artificial lawn (hate this idea! I love plants and want everything to be real)
Paving with a raised bed border (love this idea of a Mediterranean style garden, but paving turns out to be really expensive) - I have added 2 photos of design ideas we were given
One slight complication is we need to be able to put my husband's golf net in the garden (as you can see in the designed photos).
I am not afraid of hard work and would actually love to do what I can myself, but I also humbly acknowledge that I am a gardening beginner and need some advice!
So I´m curious - what would you do in this space? Oh, we also have 2 young kids.
This falls into full design, which is a paid for service I offer (see the disclaimer on the forum rules). You can book an online consultation here.
What I would advise though is to avoid artificial turf at all costs. Not only is it incredibly damaging to the environment but it also gets incredibly hot especially in Spain. You can read far more on this in my detailed why we should ban fake turf article here.
I'd advise permeable or natural paving materials which are cool underfoot and will tolerate the occasional downpour without the patio flooding, and the use of plants that like the hot and usually dry conditions of Madrid. Meditteranean garden design styles can be found here to assist you!
This falls into full design, which is a paid for service I offer (see the disclaimer on the forum rules). You can book an online consultation here.
What I would advise though is to avoid artificial turf at all costs. Not only is it incredibly damaging to the environment but it also gets incredibly hot especially in Spain. You can read far more on this in my detailed why we should ban fake turf article here.
I'd advise permeable or natural paving materials which are cool underfoot and will tolerate the occasional downpour without the patio flooding, and the use of plants that like the hot and usually dry conditions of Madrid. Meditteranean garden design styles can be found here to assist you!
Quote from firedance on 18th January 2024, 10:24 am
For the aesthetic part, given your interest in Mediterranean style, how about incorporating gravel paths with stepping stones? They can meander through areas of hardy shrubs and perennials that are well-suited to arid conditions - think lavender, rosemary, and other herbs that smell divine and thrive in your local climate. For the practical part of the garden, you might consider a modular approach. Create a space that can be easily adapted, maybe using decorative screens that blend with the garden but can be moved when it's time to practice golf. And for family-friendly seating, I'm partial to the idea of durable rattan furniture - it stands up well to the heat and is easy to maintain. Consider something like this dining set. It's practical, it looks great, and it's a wonderful place for family meals outdoors. Plus, it's pretty sturdy, so a little rough and tumble from the kids won't be an issue.
For the aesthetic part, given your interest in Mediterranean style, how about incorporating gravel paths with stepping stones? They can meander through areas of hardy shrubs and perennials that are well-suited to arid conditions - think lavender, rosemary, and other herbs that smell divine and thrive in your local climate. For the practical part of the garden, you might consider a modular approach. Create a space that can be easily adapted, maybe using decorative screens that blend with the garden but can be moved when it's time to practice golf. And for family-friendly seating, I'm partial to the idea of durable rattan furniture - it stands up well to the heat and is easy to maintain. Consider something like this dining set. It's practical, it looks great, and it's a wonderful place for family meals outdoors. Plus, it's pretty sturdy, so a little rough and tumble from the kids won't be an issue.
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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