Real Life Stories Creating A Garden In Portugal

Date Published:

09/07/2008

Gardening guru Diarmuid Gavin tells us about his new Portuguese project, what plants are in vogue and how to strategically apply a dollop of magic...
Interview by Matt Havercroft

Tell us about your new project at Vilamoura Golf & Garden Resort...

I was asked to be involved in Vilamoura by Oceanico, the developers. I was familiar with their work – when they do a project, they do it very well. Most of the developments to date have been based around golf courses, but Vilamoura is to be entirely linked by its new gardens, which excited me.

What was it that appealed to you about this particular project?

Portugal is like Ireland in the sun. The people are very similar to the Irish and the Algarve is where generations of Irish and Brits have holidayed. I’ve visited many times and have always found the country an inspiration.

Did you go into the project with a specific concept?

I didn’t arrive with a concept. With each job it’s important to look and listen, gather as much information as possible about the landscape, climate, clients and (in this case) potential users of the site. Understanding what people are looking for and trying to find the secret of the site – there is one – is central to the way I work.

So, should we expect ultra-modern, off-the-wall or traditional?

I hope it’s magical. I hope it’s tradition mixed with a dollop of magic. The homes will be fairly contemporary but the gardens are going to be Moorish, with some of the excitement you’d find in a Marrakech souk.

What makes a good garden?

You have to have an understanding of your surroundings and your brief. You have to know who is going to use the garden and what they require from it. Nature does most of the work: plants are extraordinary. The range of plants that us gardeners get to work with is so vast that we can paint different pictures according to the seasons. A good garden involves getting the right mix between hard and soft landscaping and achieving some magic.

Does designing a garden abroad differ from doing one in the UK?

My company, www.diarmuidgavindesigns.co.uk, do lots of gardens abroad. We are currently working on projects in Dubai, America and South Africa. The challenges are all to do with climate. It’s important to examine the potential of plant material that doesn’t grow so well at home. We acquire local knowledge along the way.

When is the work due to start and finish on the gardens?

Work will start soon. We are planning a good deal of hard landscaping, so we will have exploratory trips to Marrakech as well as quite a few nursery visits. I think completion will be in about 18 months.

What plants are in vogue right now?

Fruit and vegetables – a lot of people are trying to grow their own at the moment. If you were to believe the newspapers, gardening magazines and TV shows, the whole country is out there growing organic vegetables. I don’t think this is entirely true – but we’d all quite like to.

What advice would you give to a budding gardener abroad?

Try to go with the climate as much as you can. Water conservation is hugely important, so grow plants that can survive with as little interference from human beings as possible.

If you could buy a place anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Actually, I’d quite like a holiday home in County Kerry, Ireland.

If you are interested in buying into the Vilamoura Golf & Garden Resort, or would like more details, call 0871 990 3388 or visit www.oceanicogroup.com.

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