The Marina Alta, with its breathtaking Mediterranean coastline and sun-drenched landscapes, offers a unique canvas for creating your dream garden. However, the region’s specific climate and soil conditions require a thoughtful approach to landscaping. At Mascarena Garden Centre, we’re passionate about helping you cultivate a thriving and beautiful outdoor space that harmonizes with the local environment. Here’s our guide to successful landscaping in the Marina Alta:

Understanding the Marina Alta Climate:

Before you even think about planting, it’s crucial to understand the local climate. We experience hot, dry summers with intense sunshine and mild, relatively wet winters. Rainfall can be unpredictable, and periods of drought are common. The strong llebeig wind, blowing from the southwest, can also impact plant choices and garden design.

Key Considerations for Your Landscape Design:

• Embrace Xeriscaping: Water conservation is paramount. Design your garden with water-wise principles in mind. Group plants with similar water needs together and consider using gravel mulch, which helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harness the Sun: Make the most of the abundant sunshine by positioning sun-loving plants in open areas. Consider providing some shade for more delicate plants during the hottest parts of the day.
• Windbreaks: If your garden is exposed to the llebeig, think about incorporating natural windbreaks using taller, robust shrubs or small trees.
• Soil Matters: The Marina Alta generally has alkaline, often rocky soil. Amend your soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. We can advise you on the best soil amendments for your specific needs here at Mascarena.
• Terracing: If your garden has slopes, terracing can help prevent soil erosion, create planting pockets, and add visual interest.

The Beauty of Native Plants:

Choosing native plants is not only an environmentally responsible choice but also a practical one. These plants are perfectly adapted to the local climate, requiring less water, fewer fertilizers, and are more resistant to local pests and diseases. They also support local biodiversity, attracting native pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Caring for Your Native Treasures:

• Water Wisely: While native plants are drought-tolerant once established, they still need regular watering during their first year. After that, reduce watering significantly, especially in summer.
• Minimal Fertilizing: Native plants thrive in the local soils and generally don’t require heavy fertilization. Excessive fertilizing can actually weaken them.
• Pruning: Prune native plants lightly to maintain their shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time for pruning varies depending on the species, so feel free to ask us for specific advice.
• Embrace Natural Processes: Allow leaf litter to remain under shrubs and trees as a natural mulch and source of nutrients.

Plant Recommendations for a Thriving Marina Alta Garden:

Here are a few native and well-adapted plants that flourish in our region:

• For Vibrant Colour:
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas): Fragrant, drought-tolerant, and attracts pollinators.
  • Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis): Aromatic, culinary uses, and thrives in dry conditions.
  • Bougainvillea: While not strictly native, it thrives in the heat and provides a spectacular display of colour. Choose varieties suited to the local climate.
  • Gazania: Cheerful, daisy-like flowers that love the sun and dry conditions.
• For Structure and Texture:
  • Olive Tree (Olea europaea): Iconic Mediterranean tree, drought-tolerant and provides shade.
  • Cypress Tree (Cupressus sempervirens): Elegant and wind-resistant, ideal for creating natural screens.
  • Juniper (Juniperus species): Various forms and textures, many are native and very drought-tolerant.
  • Rock Rose (Cistus species): Hardy shrubs with attractive flowers and grey-green foliage.
• For Ground Cover:
  • Thyme (Thymus species): Aromatic and drought-tolerant, forms a lovely carpet.
  • Sedum (Stonecrop): Succulent varieties that thrive in dry, sunny spots.
  • Gazania: As mentioned above, some varieties make excellent ground cover.

Let Mascarena Garden Craft Your Dream Landscape:

Beyond providing a wide selection of healthy plants and expert advice, Mascarena Garden Centre also offers comprehensive landscaping and garden construction services. Our experienced team can help you design and build the garden you’ve always envisioned, taking into account the specific conditions of the Marina Alta. From initial concept and planting to the creation of features like terracing, irrigation systems, and pathways, we’re here to bring your garden dreams to life.

Your Partner in Creating a Beautiful Garden:

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Mascarena Garden Centre is your trusted partner in cultivating a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space in the Marina Alta. Visit us today to explore our extensive plant selection, benefit from our expert advice, and discover how our landscaping services can transform your garden. Let’s cultivate your dream landscape together!

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