This conceptual garden design was prepared for a private villa in Dubai, UAE. The client wanted a garden that felt like an oasis in the desert, with planting that would be relatively easy to maintain. Dubai's hot, dry climate shaped the plan, particularly the need for shade and comfortable places to spend time outdoors.
The garden is divided into several areas: a fire pit with curved benches, a swimming pool and outdoor shower, a shaded gazebo, a barbecue dining area, and planted areas. Winding paths connect the different spaces.
The layout is asymmetrical, with decorative rocks along the edges of the paths. A classical gazebo forms the centre of the composition. Around it, I used Sedum nussbaumerianum, Senecio mandraliscae, Euphorbia tirucalli and Agave ‘Blue Glow’. Together, their forms and foliage bring blue, green, yellow and red tones to the planting.
The barbecue dining area sits on a raised timber deck with views across the garden. The oval pool is part of the same composition. Around the fire pit, Cordyline ‘Pink Passion’ and Phormium ‘Amazing Red’ bring darker red tones. Bougainvillea × buttiana ‘Afterglow’ adds a final accent of pink, orange and pale colour.
