Between countryside and nature reserve

The garden is located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, surrounded by the olive groves and vineyards that characterize the local landscape, not far from the Vendicari Nature Reserve. A restored ancient “palmento” (grapes press), a swimming pool, and a modern outbuilding are arranged on a gently sloping plot.

The garden, like an oasis of evergreen plants, thrives on the arid soil, enveloping the long swimming pool and integrating it into the morphology of the terrain. The pool, made of exposed concrete, ends with an infinity edge and a small waterfall that enhances the spaces of the outbuilding.

The palmento, the swimming pool, and the outbuilding, thanks to the garden, form a unified and harmonious complex, highlighting the diversity of their styles, generating a surprising dialogue between the ancient and the modern.

The landscape design draws inspiration from the neighboring coastal landscape and the Mediterranean maquis that grows spontaneously in the Vendicari Nature Reserve. The botanical selection includes some typical species of the reserve: the dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), the myrtle (Myrtus communis), the thyme (Thymus capitatus), the bush germander (Teucrium fruticans), and the prickly juniper (Juniperus macrocarpa).

In late summer, with the first rains, the white inflorescences of the Drimia maritima bulbs emerge elegantly from the ground, announcing the change of season. Among the Mediterranean shrubs, the ornamental blue agaves (Agave weberi), well adapted to the mediterranean climate, enrich the garden with cerulean notes. The selected species attract pollinators, making this garden a vital contribution to the local biodiversity.

A few carefully placed natural boulders made of local stone lend rhythm to the composition and evoke the idea of ​​a stroll through nature. The path leading from the ancient palmento to the pool, is made of the same stone and blends harmoniously into the context. Beyond the garden, the view opens onto the olive grove and surrounding vineyards. Shaded areas invite rest, reading, and contemplation of the landscape.