Monaco has an ideal climate for verdant gardens, but space limitations can mean that the Principality’s green spaces are significantly smaller than elsewhere on the Riviera. Fortunately, the lack of space has only encouraged residents, business owners and gardeners to be more creative and ambitious when designing diminutive gardens which thrive. Monegasque residents – including HSH Prince Albert II – are keen gardeners who happily experiment with roof terraces, small gardens and window boxes. When looking for a villa for sale in Monaco with a small garden or an apartment with a terrace in Monaco, here are some important considerations.
Decide the purpose of your garden
Gardens can be used for many reasons. Perhaps you primarily want a place of privacy and relaxation, or maybe you’d prefer it as a place to entertain guests. Are you mainly interested in growing vegetables and herbs, or are you more interested in flowers and blossoms? Measure the area, including walls and railing heights and remember to decide how much space you need for outdoor furniture.
Evaluate the space’s advantages and limitations
You should consider how much sunlight the terrace or garden receives and how much protection from the elements it will need. It is important to assess the space and evaluate factors like sunlight, wind and shade because these will influence how much work needs to be done on the garden and what kind of plants you are able to grow.
Ditch the terracotta
Terracotta pots are a mainstay of most terraces, but they have a tendency to get too hot and “bake” plant roots so that they quickly die. Unless you have plenty of shade, replace terracotta with custom built, insulated planters.
Check the viability of your terrace
When looking for an apartment with a terrace in Monaco, check that the space is sturdy enough to support the weight of the growing plants. You don’t want to compromise the integrity of the building; water-drenched soil and concrete pots can add a lot of weight. This is why people often consult specialist landscape gardeners and engineers to estimate the weight your terrace can support.
Choose the best materials for the job
The best materials for your Monaco garden depend on its location and type. Balcony gardening benefits from containers made of plastic or fibreglass, which are lightweight and aren’t prone to cracking like terracotta or ceramic. For wooden planters, cedar is an excellent lightweight option. The only problem with wooden walls is that they run the risk of fungi and termites.
Maximise space by planting upwards
When you have minimal space, utilise tiered plant stands to display an abundance of plants in a small area. Don’t forget to hang pots or boxes on railings and use boxes that can be stacked, which are particularly conducive to growing herbs and vegetables. Likewise, both vining vegetables and flowers flourish in hanging baskets. Not only do they free up floor space but they look attractive and are a natural way to create more privacy. Climbing plants create the same effect and act as a good focal point against a trellis or wall.
Consider installing a living wall
“Living walls” are an environmentally friendly and easy to maintain vertical garden accessory. Work with a specialist landscape company to create living walls, partitions and other innovative features in your garden or on building walls. The walls are often reinforced with fibreglass and include modular panels that can easily be moved around.
If you are interested in buying an apartment with a terrace in Monaco, please contact La Costa Properties Monaco. Our extensive portfolio of residences with gardens includes penthouses, duplexes and villas for sale in Monaco.
