Gardening's a blooming trend

Dubai: Landscaping is a rapidly growing trend in the UAE, with experts at the show saying any garden can be transformed into a playground for the kids, or even a hideaway for adults.

According to local landscape architect Mark Whillans, the demand for high quality garden designs has been on the rise, especially in the newer developments like Arabian Ranches and Emirates Hills.

"We are constantly busy, people want to enjoy the outdoors when they can and a really nice garden is the way they are going towards," said Whillans.

As part of the Plantorama company, Whillans says the range of demands and designs varies with each client, as does the cost.

A basic garden with just grass can cost Dh15,000, but more detail means a higher cost, sometimes reaching into the millions. But Whillans suggests that clients don't need to spend a lot but spend enough to get you the best quality products.

Mistakes

"The biggest landscaping mistakes involve spending too little, leaving it too late, and cutting corners. We are now doing some fix up jobs on gardens that were done the cheap way."

As a first time visitor to Dubai, green-fingered BBC presenter Diarmuid Gavin said the possibilities of creation and garden design were endless.

"I am truly amazed at how they are taking barren desert and turning it into plush gardens," said Gavin.

He added that he is hoping to expand his personal business, Diarmuid Gavin Designs, to reach the UAE and has already started designing several projects that residents here may soon see.

"Garden visiting worldwide is second only to golfing as a reason for going on holidays, and I would love to create a horticulture centre that would draw in people to come and visit," added Gavin.

Annie Cordero, sales executive with Dubai based Royal Gardenscape, told Gulf News the company's business has grown almost 90 per cent since it opened four years ago.