Green winner: An oasis in the Springs
A resident who spent Dh350,000 and three months building his garden finds his effort rewarded
Dubai A green-fingered Springs resident who spent Dh350,000 to design and build his garden is finally reaping the fruits of his labour. He was among six winners in a garden competition organised by Emaar.
Shadi Hassan, a Jordanian expat who wanted to create an “oasis of calm” for his family, worked for three months planting flowers and trees, building a swimming pool and a pagoda, in addition to creating seating and outdoor lighting at his villa.
He spotted an advert for the best garden competition run by developer Emaar and decided to enter.
His efforts were rewarded by judges and he scooped the Best Variety and Creativity category.
The proud father of three, who is in advertising, said he wanted to go for a “natural” look.
He said: “We are an outdoor family, so we spend a lot of time in the garden. I didn’t want to go for something modern which looks nice but you can’t use or enjoy.”
He added a small swimming pool and a vegetable patch which his two oldest children, nine-year-old Zina and Kareem, aged six, take care of after school.
He said: “I spent about Dh350,000 on the project. I’ve used plants that stay green all year round and have installed lighting that can be adjusted.”
The Emaar Best Garden Competition, which is in its fifth year, is open to residents of Emirates Living and Arabian Ranches. Residents send in photographs of their gardens and then a panel of judges selects the winners in three categories.
The contest aims to encourage people living in these communities to take an active role in improving their areas.
Attractive Prizes
This year, the competition was held in the categories: Best Large Garden, Best Small Garden, and Best Variety and Creativity. The entries were evaluated on aesthetics, creativity and attention to detail. The winners, two in each category, were given trophies and gift vouchers for luxury treatments at The Spa in The Address Dubai Marina, during a special award ceremony.
Ahmad Juma Al Falasi, Executive Director, Property Management, Emaar Properties, said: “The Emaar Best Garden Competition is one of the several initiatives of Emaar Community Management to strengthen community involvement and foster solidarity among the residents of our neighbourhoods.”
