Exceptionally charming Mallorcan garden crafted by Tom Stuart-Smith entices travel longing with its sunny vista
In the picturesque eastern side of the Balearic island of Mallorca, a remarkable garden transformation is underway. Renowned landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, known for his emphasis on sustainability and organic practices, has redesigned the garden of a local finca.
Initially, the garden was mainly lawn, heavily irrigated and demanding a significant amount of water. However, the client sought a more sustainable approach and reduced reliance on water, prompting a complete overhaul of the garden's design.
The garden is now a little over an acre, featuring plants common to the Mallorcan landscape. It boasts drifts of grasses, Agave attenuata, Aloe arborescens, and resinous-scented Salvia leucantha. Unique species from Mediterranean climate zones, such as Eremophila nivea and Lomelosia cretica, have been incorporated into the design, creating a vibrant and diverse ecosystem.
The garden was planted in 100-120mm of grit, requiring very little water and little weed management. To combat compaction caused by heavy machinery, the soil was de-compacted using a drill to bore holes. This careful approach has been crucial in minimizing plant losses and ensuring the garden's success.
The garden's development is being closely monitored by Nick Pusterla, a director from Tom's studio. Some species, like Stachys byzantina, Hyparrhenia hirta, Lavandula dentata, rosemary, Russian sage, and euphorbias, are moving around more dynamically, adding to the garden's charm.
Areas close to the edges of paths are showing signs of plant growth due to dust and organic matter accumulation. This natural development is a testament to the garden's thriving ecosystem and the careful observation and understanding of the location's specifics that underpin Tom Stuart-Smith's designs.
The garden, best explored on a warm, sunny afternoon, is a masterpiece that embodies sustainability and local flora. It serves as a model for other gardens in Mallorca, demonstrating that with careful planning and organic practices, a beautiful and eco-friendly garden can flourish even in a Mediterranean climate.
- Tom Stuart-Smith's redesign of the finca's garden in Mallorca, focusing on sustainability and local flora, is a prime example of horticulture that emphasizes organic practices and lifestyle.
- The new garden, a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, boasts plants like Agave attenuata, Aloe arborescens, and Salvia leucantha, all common to the Mallorcan landscape, as well as unique Mediterranean species.
- The garden, best enjoyed on a warm, sunny afternoon, is not just a home-and-garden project, but a significant contribution to the landscape and gardening community of Mallorca.
- Through careful water management, use of grit for planting, and de-compaction techniques, this garden serves as a testament to the power of gardening as a tool for preserving resources and promoting eco-friendly living.
