A Garden on the South Coast of Crete
Cretan Nature Garden
Project data;
- Project Location: Plakias region, Rethymno, Crete
- Plot size: ~2.226 m2
- Typology: Natural Garden
- Planning: 2019
- Construction: October 2020 and Spring 2021
- Altitude: 82-91m
- Annual rainfall: 574mm
The site offered us the perfect opportunity to capture the unique spirit of the south coast of Crete. We used the versatility of the local flora to create functional, self-contained garden areas with a strong sense of character – a garden that is interesting all year round, robust, sustainable and biodiverse.
The lower parts of the garden are designed to have a more free-flowing, natural aesthetic. Gravel paths wind between rocky ‘mounds’ planted with native Phrygana species. The vegetation is lush, green and colourful in the spring after the winter rains. Ornamental grasses provide interest, structure and flow throughout the summer and winter. A rustic, cosy seating area, surrounded by aromatic lavender bushes, is the perfect spot to enjoy the magnificent mountain views.
To keep the garden attractive also during the dry summer months, some Mediterranean plants that are more attractive in summer but require water are on a continuous irrigation. A seating area with natural seating stones and a sculptural fire pit for the winter months invite the owner to enjoy the outstanding sunset inside the garden.
The planting scheme centred on three main factors:
The lower parts of the garden are designed to have a more free-flowing, natural aesthetic. Gravel paths wind between rocky ‘mounds’ planted with native Phrygana species. The vegetation is lush, green and colourful in the spring after the winter rains. Ornamental grasses provide interest, structure and flow throughout the summer and winter. A rustic, cosy seating area, surrounded by aromatic lavender bushes, is the perfect spot to enjoy the magnificent mountain views.
To keep the garden attractive also during the dry summer months, some Mediterranean plants that are more attractive in summer but require water are on a continuous irrigation. A seating area with natural seating stones and a sculptural fire pit for the winter months invite the owner to enjoy the outstanding sunset inside the garden.
The planting scheme centred on three main factors:
- Capturing the natural beauty of the surroundings - the serene valley vista, framed by the Plakias mountains, leading the gaze to the blue expanse of the Libyan Sea. It was crucial for the garden to seamlessly merge with this picturesque landscape, inviting individuals to become immersed in its beauty. To achieve this, we selected plants in pastel and green tones, along with grasses, to harmonize with the valley and mountain backdrop.
- Prioritizing low maintenance, we used indigenous plants from local gorges and mountains, incorporating rock gardens and drought-resistant species.
- Ensuring year-round appeal, watered garden areas with summer-blooming plants were strategically placed along the winding pathways. Adjacent to the existing palm garden by the pool, we introduced a vibrant subtropical garden, serving as a striking contrast.
The garden after one year in spring with flowers in bloom
Fast motion films were made during the garden construction
Customer Appreciation
"Dear Mrs. Kyparissi!
Thank you for the perfect planning and execution of our garden remodelling!
Thanks to the detailed planning documents, we were already able to imagine in the planning phase how our garden will look like later. Their imaginative skills paired with in-depth specialist knowledge have turned the existing monotonous lawn landscape into a tropical and at the same time typical landscape garden.
Due to the detailed list of all works and plants, your calculation and your offer were very transparent and comprehensible right from the start. We felt immediately in good hands! The work was then started on schedule and continued quickly without major interruption. That it took 4 weeks anyway, shows the magnitude of the transformation! The coordination with the required external work has worked smoothly.
The garden is now ready and we are looking forward to the next spring and the colourful flowers of the many tropical and native plants! Many thanks for everything!"
Due to the detailed list of all works and plants, your calculation and your offer were very transparent and comprehensible right from the start. We felt immediately in good hands! The work was then started on schedule and continued quickly without major interruption. That it took 4 weeks anyway, shows the magnitude of the transformation! The coordination with the required external work has worked smoothly.
The garden is now ready and we are looking forward to the next spring and the colourful flowers of the many tropical and native plants! Many thanks for everything!"