Mediterranean Terrace with Year-Round Bloom
Los Flamingos, Benahavís
Private garden, terrace area
June 2025 — October 2025
Svetlana Kolpak
Landscape Designer

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

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

Svetlana Kolpak Sabirova (Shibanova)
Landscape Designer. Creating private gardens since 2005.
I live and work in Marbella, on the Costa del Sol, developing private garden projects for clients across Spain and internationally.
In my work, I combine artistic vision, a psychological understanding of space, and the technical mindset of an engineer. I am inspired by the moment when a space begins to transform.
When construction gives way to silence, greenery, and air.
When a garden gradually becomes a natural extension of the home and the life of the family.
I always begin with a personal visit to the site.
It is important for me to see the space, understand its scale, light, and terrain. To listen to the client. To understand how they live and what they expect from this place.
For me, a garden is a space of restoration and balance.
A place where the pace slows down and calm emerges.
A place where one truly wants to be.
I work with precision and method, combining aesthetics with technical calculation. When designing a garden, I also consider how it will evolve and develop over time.

Project Portfolio

From Moscow to the Costa del Sol, clients trust me to create the garden of their dreams.
I transform villas, residences, and terraces into vibrant and harmonious outdoor spaces designed for living and enjoyment.