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Creating a Native Algarvean Garden

by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro

Hapimag Resort Albufeira, a four-star resort in southern Portugal, consists of 11 hectares of low-rise apartment buildings, lawns and subtropical shrubs. However, all this is changing: we have just embarked on a project to transform the water-hungry landscaping into a drought-resistant garden, using only native plants and sustainable maintenance methods. With thousands of square metres winter-planted with shrubs, perennials and climbers alongside mature olive trees (transplanted), carobs and umbrella pines, the garden is well on its way to establishment. Once the plants are established, they will rely solely on the winter rainfall, with no summer irrigation.

Shortly after planting,
photograph by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro..

Seeds,
photograph by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro.

Seedheads of Santolina chamaecyparissus,
photograph by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro.

Rosemary,
photograph by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro.

Young pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) and lavender
(Lavandula stoechas ssp. luisieri),
photograph by Giles Kent

Planting Pallenis maritima (syn. Asteriscus maritimus),
photograph by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro.

Phlomis purpurea and Pallenis maritima (syn. Asteriscus maritimus),
photograph by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro.

Herb Garden planting,
photograph by Marilyn Medina Ribeiro.

A dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis) and rosemary,
photograph by Giles Kent.

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