Although many Algarve homes have large areas of garden and land surrounding buildings, there are also some lovely small spaces for us to garden. Courtyards, large terraces and spaces created inside buildings as smaller atrium areas.
Small spaces can provide sheltered spots for colourful impact all year round. These spaces have their own challenges, so carefully consider the planting. On large terraces, you can think about a “terracotta garden” made from a selection of containers for a variety of plants but consider drying winds and shade.
- Add depth by planting small trees and shrubs in the centre of the space. This can add an air of mystery as any space can feel bigger if not seen all at once. The small-to-medium native shrub Coronilla glauca is evergreen with yellow flowers around Easter time.
- Include a water feature. A simple water bowl will attract some wildlife, add a sense of calm, and give interesting reflections of the sky above.
- Don’t be afraid to go big and bold, especially with containers. Lots of small pots can look too fussy in a small space, but a large architectural plant in a big container has real impact.
Aeoniums, such as “Schwarzkopf” with its black foliage, are tough plants for full sun.
- Keep to a simple scheme for any hard landscaping. Choose a material that fits the space and make patterns with either limestone blocks, pebbles or pavers. You will need some access by foot for maintenance.
- Think about the vertical space as well as the ground level area. There are evergreen climbers which will add to the overall green aspect. Trachelospermum jasminoides grows well here and has lovely, scented, white-star-shaped early summer flowers. The native species evergreen clematis would work well, for example, the winter flowering Clematis cirrhosa.
- Get rid of any lawn – use hard landscaping for any seating area and footpath access. This will be much easier to maintain and gives more space for a variety of plants.
- Foliage texture and colour is great fun to play with and provides long-lasting contrast and shadow. Taller plants provide shade for smaller understorey plants. Using succulents as both architectural focus and ground cover works well as a theme. Even good old-fashioned Aspidistra can add to the jungle feel.
- Choose the garden furniture as part of the design for the space – you will be looking at the seating as well as using it.
- Look at the space at different times of the day, and night. If the space can be seen from inside the house, consider installing lighting. The larger plants can be lit from below for a very dramatic evening view.
- For some seasonal colour, consider adding some bulbs to the mix. For example, Sternbergia lutea flowers in September after the first rains, Scilla peruviana (native) flowers in the late spring and Paperwhite narcissus flowers in mid-winter.
An aspect often overlooked are scented plants. It would be a great place to grow some aromatic herbs for the kitchen. Herbs need good drainage so check that rainfall can drain away from any enclosed spaces open to the weather. An enclosed area will concentrate aromas.
The space might benefit from a sculpture to add interest. Maybe you already have some interesting rocks … have some fun!
Rosie Peddle mgapsec@gmail.com
