While searching for interesting landscaping projects in the Mediterranean region, GGP. News came into contact with GardenDaddies from Kilkis (Greece). We spoke with Anastasios Poulcharidis and Olga Christodoulidou about how they approach their work.

Let's highlight a few projects: One of the most impressive projects we have carried out is the landscape design and maintenance of Miragio Thermal Spa Resort, a luxury 5-star resort in Paliouri, Chalkidiki", say Anastasios Poulchardis. "What makes this project truly special is the vertical indoor garden, the unique pruning technique used on the olive trees and the beautifully designed roof gardens. These are not the only striking features, of course, but they are the most eye-catching".

A particularly fascinating aspect of the resort's landscape is the way in which exotic and Mediterranean landscaping are harmoniously combined, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. But let's start at the beginning.

The vertical indoor garden

The resort's vertical indoor garden is a composition of mainly green plants arranged in diagonal rows across a large wall just outside the main restaurant. Olga Christodoulou: ‘Guests often think the garden is artificial – they come closer, touch it and examine it closely – because it is so perfectly maintained.’

How can such a garden survive indoors? The answer is simple but clever. Christodoulou: "Above the wall, small rectangular windows allow natural light to reach the plants. However, as this is not always sufficient, the natural sunlight is supplemented with special grow lights to ensure healthy growth. For irrigation, the plants are rooted in soil bags. Underneath these bags is a vertical irrigation system that keeps the substrate constantly moist and supports the long-term vitality of the plants.‘

The special pruning technique for olive trees

’We use a special pruning method for the resort's olive trees,‘ says Anastasios Poulchardis. ’ Instead of allowing the canopy to grow freely, we give it a smooth, doughnut-like shape. Seen from above, the effect is striking; from the ground, the trees look sleek, sharp and elegantly structured.

Some people feel that pruning olive trees in this way detracts from their natural beauty. In this environment, however, the technique actually enhances the harmony between the landscape and the architectural lines of the resort. All the olive trees are mature and have a remarkable texture in their bark, which is often described as “ancient Greek style”. Our design method emphasises these beautiful, sculptural trunks and makes each tree a striking part of the overall design."

The roof gardens

For the roof gardens, plant species have been chosen that require little maintenance and need little water. This approach helps to significantly reduce the gardens' water consumption, which is particularly important given the water supply challenges in Chalkidiki and the environmental responsibility standards that Gardendaddies adheres to.

Poulchardis: "By choosing drought-resistant plants, we ensure that the roofs look clean, tidy and attractive throughout the summer season, when the resort is open and temperatures are high. Another important advantage is that each roof is planted, rather than covered with cement or other hard materials. This choice enhances the beauty of the resort, improves the visitor experience and contributes positively to the overall landscape.