Drought-tolerant garden | Oeiras, Portugal

Picture a serene Mediterranean garden in the heart of Oeiras, where drought-tolerant plants create a rich tapestry of colours, textures, and layers that evolve beautifully throughout the seasons.

After

When Sarah contacted us, her recently renovated house was surrounded by little more than construction debris in both the front and back gardens. During our first conversations, we discovered a shared admiration for Mediterranean landscapes and the inspiring work of renowned plantsman Olivier Filippi. With our vision perfectly aligned, we proposed a gravel garden designed to thrive with little to no irrigation, using carefully selected Mediterranean species perfectly adapted to Oeiras’ climate.

Today, the garden has become a vibrant extension of the family home. Rich in biodiversity, it provides an inviting outdoor living space where Sarah’s children and their dog play every day, while the planting continues to mature and evolve alongside the family.

The design features generous open areas for family gatherings and play, a sunny terrace for relaxing, a productive vegetable garden, and gently winding paths leading to peaceful corners for rest and contemplation.

Blending sustainability, beauty, and functionality, this Mediterranean garden demonstrates how resilient planting can create an outdoor space that is both environmentally responsible and deeply connected to everyday family life, offering enjoyment, inspiration, and lasting value throughout every season.

Drought-tolerant garden

Location: Oeiras, Portugal
Designer: loci_studio, Nuno Almendra
Photographer: Nuno Almendra

Project size: 300 m2
Completion Date: 2024

About Damian Holmes 4175 Articles
Damian Holmes is the Founder and Editor of World Landscape Architecture (WLA). Damian founded WLA in 2007 to provide a website for landscape architects written by landscape architects. He is a registered landscape architect and works as a strategy and marketing consultant.

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