Creating Your Dream Spanish Garden

Homebuyers often talk about what their dream Spanish home will look like, but give very little thought to the living space outside of their home. When you live in a warm climate, such as in Spain, your garden can become an extension of your home: somewhere to socialise, to relax, to dine and enjoy the views.

The good news is, creating a lush and green Spanish garden to be proud of doesn’t have to be hard work.

And, unlike in the UK, you won’t have to spend your days in a freezing cold potting shed to create something beautiful. With that in mind, here are our top tips for creating your dream Spanish garden:

Embrace the Climate

The first thing to note is that the flowers and plants that thrive in your garden in the UK are unlikely to experience the same success in your Spanish garden. The soil in much of Spain is largely made up of clay and, in conjunction with the warmer temperatures, this means that the ground will be very dry for several months of the year. The rainfall in Spain is also considerably less than in the UK and much of northern Europe, meaning that plants that need plenty of watering are unlikely to thrive. Embrace this change of climate, and look for plants that will flourish in it, even if they are examples you have never worked with before.

Succulents and vegetables are well-known for their ability to thrive in Spain’s Mediterranean climate: why not consider planting your own veggie patch and eating what you grow, as well as enjoying its visual spectacle. If you prefer to grow flowers then look to the Mediterranean Garden Society, which is a great source of knowledge and share a comprehensive list of the flowers that will grow best in a Spanish garden.

Work out your Water System

Because the climate in Southern Spain is so dry, it’s important that you work out a water system for your garden that will ensure all of your plants get the hydration they need. There are very few plants that don’t need regular watering, so even if you choose your plants wisely, this is still essential.

If you enjoy gardening, you may be happy with a system as simple as heading out with a hose every evening. If you would prefer to achieve a beautiful garden with minimal effort then why not look for an efficient hydration system that you can set to water your plants regularly and reliably without having to set foot out your front door, if you don’t want to. Garden sprinklers and simple irrigators are relatively inexpensive, making this an easy and straightforward option.

Prepare for Pests

Plants in warm climates are more susceptible to disease and damage by pests than those in cooler climates. This is particularly important if you have a small terrace garden with plenty of plants in pots: compost that hasn’t been decomposed properly often contains the larvae of the rose chafer beetle, and this can be very damaging to plants which are grown in pots.

Why not speak to other local gardeners or homeowner to get a clearer idea of the specific type of pests and diseases that affect plants in your area? You can then make better informed decisions about the kind of pest control that will work for you. Remember to consider organic and non-toxic solutions if you welcome other animals into your garden, and particularly if you have pets.

Look for Inspiration

Finally, if you’re still not sure where to start with your Spanish garden, why not visit some famous examples of beautiful gardens in the region for inspiration? The Alhambra Palace in Granada, for example, is famed around the world for its cultured Mediterranean gardens: whilst we’re not suggesting you recreate these at home, you may find some plant or flower specimens that you look, or growing patterns that would work in your own, smaller, space. Spanish gardens are world-renowned for their colour and clever use of space, so they are the perfect place to find inspiration for your own corner of paradise.

Now you can envisage what your dream Spanish garden will look like, are you ready to find your dream Spanish home? If you, why not get in touch with our property experts today. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect home to meet all of your needs.