When you step into the Oschmanns' garden you feel as if you have stepped into another world. This is a world where there is no traffic or pollution, but simply beguiling greenery and countryside and the sound of an occasional bird. As their large (15,400 square feet) plot overlooks a nearby golf course, the views from this tranquil oasis complement the garden with the wide reaching scenery of the greens.
"It is a place to relax and it has a calm atmosphere," says Elli Oschmann. "When you enter the garden you feel like you are on holiday," adds Hilmar. These remarks just about sum up this enchanting garden. When you have a garden like this, it would be hard not to leave the stresses of everyday life behind. Emaar Properties must agree with this as, during their 2009 garden competition, they gave the Oschmanns' garden and surrounding area the Best Swimming Pool award.
"We read a circular announcing the competition. We figured our garden was too young to win the Best Garden award, as we only completed it in 2008, but we said lets give it a try. We were surprised when we found out that we had won," says Elli. "But when we heard that it was for the swimming pool, including the decking area, we understood. The pool itself is a normal shape, however, it has an overflow that seems to go on to the golf course."
The Oschmanns received vouchers from a garden centre as their prize, which is something they really appreciated and were thrilled with. "That is always good and helpful because there is always something you need or want," suggests Elli.
Looking around the garden, it is hard to believe that anything is needed as everywhere you look oozes pure perfection. So it seems that for the Oschmanns, who have lived in their property for the last two and a half years, investing in their garden has paid dividends. But where did they begin in their successful quest for the perfect garden?
"Initially we wanted to complement the house with the garden it deserves," says Hilmar. "We went to different garden companies. But we found that they offered what we would have done ourselves."
Eventually they discovered Dubai-based Better Gardens and the transformation, from previously arid desert land, to a prize- winning garden began, taking five months to complete. "I think it came down to the human factor. We liked Elton, (the general manager and lead designer of Better Gardens) and his interpretations of our wishes. He immediately grasped and understood what we wanted."
So, what exactly was it that the Oschmanns wanted? "We wanted a theme," says Hilmar. "We had a big plot with a big garden; it should be interesting and not boring. When we planned the garden we told Elton that we wanted a barbeque area and a day bed. Then we made the plans, which were 90 per cent okay and we agreed on the first stage."
A project manager from Better Gardens, named Ahmad, also made the garden what it is today. Elli claims, "Ahmad hand-picked all the plants. When there was a problem with a water tank and he thought the plants were going to be damaged he was so upset; he was suffering with his plants. Ahmad helped create this atmosphere."
The rest you could say is history, and the garden is now a haven with which the Oschmanns are content. "It was exactly what we wanted," says Hilmar. "Elton came up with some great ideas. It is pretty close to perfect and overall I would not change anything."
While today it may seem hard to believe that this house and its garden were once in a barren patch of land, there is a rather intriguing reminder, which also adds to the charm of this delightful retreat. It comes in the form of a fabulous water feature that leads to a desert area of the garden with ubiquitous cacti, which serves as a reminder of the past. "It is a kind of theme that reflects where you are," says Hilmar.
With this patch of land leading on to a lush green area, and the award-winning pool, the Oschmanns look highly likely to win a prize again this year and, as this year's competition approaches, they are looking forward to entering once more.
