n Uniform
n Lanzarote
Here on Lanzarote, the landscape, plants and
materials available for gardening strongly favour a
more minimal, simple approach. This is an island
marked by stark contrasts, sea and sky, black
volcanic rock and pale
sand, white houses and
green and blue doors,
subdued green plants
and violent outbursts of
coloured
flowers, all of which is
bad news for anyone
trying to recreate a
classically subtle British
cottage garden here, but
good news for those who weant to make simple,
bold statements. In fact, the main problem is that
you can go too bold.
Remember that the key to minimal design is
neutrality. Neutral colours allow the eye to pass over
what is not necessary and focus on the really
important elements of your Lanzarote garden –
{
style
pleasing lines, showcase items of furniture or
ornamentation, and, of course, the plants.
Modern garden designs on Lanzarote
embrace indoor/outdoor living, adding practical
components to
the landscape
such as an
outdoor patio
for dining and
“This island
is perfect for
simple, bold
statements”
entertaining, or
built-in seating
for reading,
quiet
contemplation
and reflection. Spaces should generally be kept
neutral for a modern aesthetic with natural
finishes such as wood or stone. Lines should be
predominately clean and straight with an
occasional introduction of a fluid or curved line,
perhaps in a garden bed border, to introduce
some movement into the space.
• Maintenance for communities, hotels, private homes, etc.
• Design, creation and maintenance of all types of garden
(small and large)
• Natural or artificial grass
• Swimming pools maintenance
}
Planting
Garden plants in a modern, minimal garden
need not be simple or basic but shouldn't
compete too much with each other. One
technique when working within a modern
design is choosing uniform plantings with a
simple color palette. Bright flowers should be
limited to one or two colors to avoid a
cottage or eclectic style. Introduce interest by
varying the height of the plants using different
size plantings or raised planting beds. Plants
with geometric features in their profile or leaf
shape are especially prized in this type of
garden. Take a look at the distinctive form of
the Canarian pine tree, and other local plants
such as agaves and cacti which provide bold,
dramatic statements.
On Lanzarote the predominant colour of
local plants is the iced, pale grey-green, with
fresher, more verdant shades showing
through. A skilled gardener can work within
this more limited palette to create colour
contrasts and textures that can be far more
effective in their simplicity than the more
popular ‘riot of colour’. When gardening
remember that less can, very often, be more.
• Tree and palm pruning
• Installation of automatic watering system
• Low maintenance gardens
• Cleaning of fincas and garden maintenance
• Construction and design of barbeques,
Thai beds, benches, paths, entrances,
fountains, terraces, etc.
www.mandragoragarden.com • [email protected] • Tel.: 659 81 27 53
The Gazette | January 2015 | 111