This full garden makeover is one of our firm favourites, consisting of the driveway, terraces, lawn, outdoor living spaces and even a putting green!
THE CLIENT BRIEF
The client brief required that the entrance driveway and terraced areas be reconfigured onto one level, not only for child friendly purposes but so that a lawn could be included. All Outdoor living spaces needed to be increased, free
flowing and accessible from one another for ease and entertaining.
Paths and natural steps subtly lead around the garden incorporating plants through the rear to the front of the property for seamless continuity. Samuel also wanted the garden to not only complement the views to the surrounding golf course and sea, but bring the vista into the outdoor living areas.
Focal planting with mature specimen Olive Trees, Coconut and Phoenix Roebelenii Palms and a lower level sundowner area were also included, and for fun, a synthetic putting green was added in the basement area. At the entrance, the new water feature in the form of a large vase, makes an instant impact, adding to the curb appeal.
What makes this project stunning is our use of multiple contrasting hard landscaping materials to provide texture and colour. Natural Lage stone steps and retaining walls and the rustic ‘Bordeira’ stepping stone path, interspersed with reclaimed railway sleepers are adjacent to contemporary grey metal work, rose calçada to compliment the house, bright white rolled stones and crisp metal lawn edging bringing the garden to life.
The rear of the villa faces onto the golf course with a stunning sea view. Sub-tropical planting has been used to compliment the lushness of the golf greens and azul blue of the sea, being cautious not to detract from the magnificent vista itself.
Pool-side Coconut Palms, Yuccas and Strelitzia Nicolai provide form, structure and height leading the eye around the garden. An existing lower level hedge was removed and replaced with the rose calçada sundowner terrace which leads into the rustic pathway planted either side with Phormium’s and ornamental grasses for movement, Lavenders and creeping Rosemary for rich colour. 
For the roadside, a Mediterranean planting theme was kept with evenly spaced mature Olive and Cypress trees alongside a new pergola carport, blending in with neighbouring properties. A simple scheme of classic colours incorporates blues, reds and white flowering adapted Mediterranean plants including Echiums, Lavenders, Lantana Montevidensis, Creeping Rosemary and Plumbago.
Screening from neighbouring properties is provided by using Oleanders and Eugenias to provide a back-drop with the lush foliage planting of Canna Indica, Helichrysum, Pennisetum Grasses and Gaura Lindeheimeri in front. Irrigation throughout the garden is economical with the zones divided to reflect areas of shade and sunlight. Drip tubing has been used in the ‘floreiras’ and the lawn popups installed with correct trajectory nozzles.
Drainage was an important issue within the garden as the lawn area is enclosed by both the house and pool. Drainage tubes were laid across the lawn in a herringbone formation to alleviate the excess rain water from the roof and terraces.
Lighting has played an important part in creating the atmosphere of the garden. Spotlighting and accentuating the specimen trees and palms whilst at the same time allowing for the garden to be used for entertaining at night.
Project management was key at each stage of this project from the construction of retaining walls, drainage, irrigation, lighting and planting. All ideas and any changes such as the natural shape of the infinity pool to blend in with the land and seascape, rose calçada, the addition of a shaded car-port were discussed with the client.
We removed, stored and re-used several of the established shrubs and trees, irrigation controller, valves and boxes. As is usual for any project post handover, we continue to monitor the garden and provide a garden maintenance proposal ensuring that the garden matures as envisaged by the client and adding value to their property.
To see this landscaping project from start to completion please take a look at our Photo Galleries on our website.
About Arquiscape
Arquiscape was established in 1994 by Samuel Padfield, founder and multi disciplinary landscape designer. With his team of expert gardeners, Samuel has been designing, building, and maintaining gardens throughout the Algarve, for architects, management agencies, private individuals, developments and hotels for 20 years.
In 2008 he was joined by his sister Della, who administrates the workload and generally making sure that everyone is where they should be at any given time. She is also the Centre-Point for Clients and all their queries! Arquiscape have built a solid reputation for bespoke personal landscaping, providing landscaping excellence and adding value to properties. They offer an efficient and organised service from the initial Design Stage (new or remodelling) into Construction and finally at the Handover of their Client’s Dream Garden.
In addition their Monthly Garden and Pool Maintenance Service, Arquiscape offer tailored “One-Off and Seasonal Garden Packages”. Or for gardeners whom wish to maintain their own gardens, but need a little help or advice you can take advantage of their Garden Consultancy Service. Samuel will visit your garden and afterwards provide a full report with a step by step guide to solving any problems!
To compliment Arquiscape’s Garden and Pool Maintenance Service a “Monthly Report” is provided including diagnostics, photos and seasonal recommendations. Clients look forward to these updates and the peace of mind they bring.
If you would like to know more about Arquiscape’s Landscape Design or Maintenance Services, or would like a visit from Samuel, call 962 409 549 or send an email to samuel.padfield@arquiscape.com.
