Space Transformation

A private garden in Los Flamingos, Benahavís, developed in phases.
The project began with the southern flower bed and was later expanded to include a fruit garden and accent areas around the house and within the interior.

Project Challenges

— Previously purchased plants did not fit within the original flower bed
— Need to create privacy on the terrace and barbecue area, screening neighboring views
— Add color and structure to the planting scheme
— Integrate a fruit garden into the existing layout

Solution

The first step was expanding the southern flower bed along the terrace and introducing perennials and ornamental grasses, bringing lightness and movement.
Next, I designed a fruit garden across three zones:
— Terrace: lemon and kumquat in containers (fragrance, fruit, and privacy)
— Transition to lower level: two mandarin trees and a new lawn
— Lower level: fig, persimmon, avocado, mango, complemented by grasses and lantana on the slope
Additional elements:
— Ficus bonsai (niwaki style) above the fountain (north side)
— Olive tree in a container within the façade niche
— Decorative area with preserved plants around the indoor staircase

Result

— The plot became more structured and spatially rich
— Privacy achieved without fences
— Fruit garden seamlessly integrated into the architecture
— Strong visual accents added both outdoors and indoors

Planning a new garden or renovating an existing one?

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I create gardens that become a place of well-being for the family

Svetlana Kolpak Sabirova (Shibanova)

I have been designing private gardens since 2005. I live and work in Marbella on the Costa del Sol and undertake projects both in Spain and internationally.

Three things matter equally to me in every project: how the garden looks, how it will be used and how it will function technically five or ten years from now.

I begin every project with a personal site visit. I need to see the land, understand the light and levels, listen to the client and understand how they intend to use the space.

For me, a good garden is not simply decoration around a house. It is a space that is genuinely used — in the morning and evening, with family and guests, or simply as a place to spend time outdoors.

Landscape design projects in Marbella, Estepona and the Costa del Sol

For more than twenty years, I have designed private gardens for villas, residential developments and terraces in Spain and internationally. Every project responds to a specific property, architecture, climate and way of using the outdoor space.

Bahía de Marbella, Marbella

Renovation of a Mature Villa Garden

Mature palms and trees, a fruit garden, flower beds and a rockery have added seasonal blooms and fragrance to the garden. The greenery on the terraces, balconies and roof ties the villa’s multi-level space into a single composition.

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Elviria, Marbella

Mediterranean garden with privacy and low maintenance

A private garden designed for a high degree of privacy, natural shade and drought-tolerant Mediterranean planting.

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Los Flamingos, Benahavís

Contemporary Mediterranean garden with fruit trees

A bright, flowering and fragrant garden. A secluded terrace area was created to provide privacy from neighbouring properties.

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Selwo, Estepona

Long-flowering, low-maintenance garden

A compact Mediterranean garden with artificial lawn and perennial planting flowering from spring through to autumn. Designed for a busy family with limited time for garden maintenance.

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Guadalmina Baja, Marbella

Tropical garden around the swimming pool

Palms, banana plants and fruit trees define the tropical character of the space. The garden was transformed into a functional outdoor area for relaxing and entertaining guests.

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Planning a new garden or renovating an existing one?

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