Gardens in the Middle East are traditionally highly structured, but also places of tranquillity and contemplation, climate-adjusted plants creating a sense of escape. This is an idea that never goes out of style, and thus, a good starting point for any design. However, gardening in hot, dry conditions presents specific challenges.
“One client asked us to create a garden that conjured a spirit of adventure,” says Will Bennett, founder of Dubai landscape designers Wilden. “The flat, dusty site already had a sprinkling of native plants, so we worked around them, adding simple family spaces amongst wild, salt-tolerant species and native trees. It teems with wildlife and doesn’t jar with nature. Because it’s familiar, it’s relaxing.”
Bennett’s top piece of advice for arid plots is to build adaptive outdoor spaces. “This allows you to move furniture around and chase the shade to keep cool,” he says. “Position trees for shade on the south side of spaces you use most. A simple awning extension can increase usability near the house.” Lighting extends functionality at night, when it’s cooler. “Turn trees into sculptures with glowing uplights, or illuminate a dining area for eating outdoors,” Bennett suggests.
He also loves water features for coolness. “Choose deep or low designs; shallow or tall fountains lose water more quickly,” he advises. Duncan Denley, founder of Dubai landscape architects Desert Ink, concurs, but cautions mindfulness of water scarcity. “Pools should be strategically placed, and shaded to reduce evaporation,” he says. “We often create swimming pools that double as water features. Placed close to your living space, they’re a versatile, cooling retreat.”
With planting, think tactically. “Creating microclimates via strategic planting of hardy species, such as date palms, offers shelter to more sensitive plants,” says Denley. “This natural layering diversifies ecology and looks good. Avoid tropical plants, which need more water, and seek out either native species or those from arid climates like Australia and Arizona. I recommend Vitex agnus-castus, which has lovely purple flowers and thrives in poor soil, and Aerva javanica, or desert cotton, for its silvery flowers. Both need little water.” The Middle East’s sandy soil, he adds, needs plenty of organic matter “to support life, improve water retention and reduce erosion”.
Bennett designs lush planting close to paths and seating areas, and keeps drier zones further from the house, using native plants wherever possible to save water. He also likes to incorporate scent. “Jasmine or Quiscalis indica, climbing liberally over walls and pergolas, smell heavenly when dining outdoors. They also green walls quickly and soften hard surfaces.”
Minimising the latter is wise – not only for the environment, but also to keep the temperature down. “Darker, denser materials hold heat,” says Bennett. “Prioritise light colours, sand, gravel and decking rather than concrete and stone.” He recommends furniture in organic, local materials and earthy hues, which will last longer as they’re naturally suited to the climate. Denley also likes Moroccan-style tiles and sculptural stones as a counterpoint to greenery.
Simple tricks can reduce day-to-day upkeep. “Rainfall in this region is often a deluge, and gardens get inundated because drainage is an afterthought,” says Bennett. “An efficient drip irrigation system is essential.” Greenery grows quickly here, so you can afford to plant less densely; resist the need to over-prune. “Trimming plants every month is commonplace here, but mature, bushy plants look better, add more height and drama, and need less work.”
