Based on colourful maintenance-free concepts, his garden
at the International Algarve Fair was just one of many
examples of what alternative landscaping can look like.
Stunning colourful plants were set against the bright
blue back drop resembling a distinctively Moroccan
façade. In the middle of his design was a second wooden
arch, framing a solitary bench. The ground was covered
with gravel.
Welcome to Justin's ‘ChillOut' garden, a little piece
of modern-Marrakech with a hint of the Algarve's
traditional beauty.
"Initially gardens in the Algarve were much the
same", he explains, "with lawns and borders, orchids and
bougainvilleas. But because of the water problems, lots
of new ideas have come about that don't require
irrigation, with less plants and more design features".
Justin enjoys different concepts. He believes that
any home can have a nice garden, whether it is a large
plot of land or a small backyard patio.
"A beautiful garden doesn't have to focus solely on
plants", he says. Describing his company's underlying
concept as "colourful, maintenance-free, stress free and
stylish", his International Algarve Fair design was a
prime example.
"This bench here in the middle is so inviting. You
just want to go and sit on it. It is the kind of garden
that when you arrive home after a hard day at work you
just want to go and sit and relax in it. The secret is
to focus on something different than just plants".
Built in two days with a three man team and costing
€1,500, Justin Wride's garden is certainly attractive.
Its Azure-blue backdrop stood out like a beacon and drew
all eyes in its direction.
He says, "A lot of people are not bold enough to use
such strong colours in their garden, but they work very
well. Colours look very nice, especially when
complemented with a unique design. There is so much
hardscaping you can do to really elevate a garden".
Justin won the ‘Visitor's Choice Garden Award' for
his efforts and was rightly pleased with his garden.
"This event has been fantastic", he enthuses, "I wish
more companies had come, so there were even more styles
and designs. But even so, everyone who has seen these
gardens has been able to take something home to
incorporate in their own gardens. Hopefully we will have
inspired a lot of people".