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A garden created step by step: minimal investment — maximum impact
"Even the most open and empty plot can be transformed into a cozy living space when approached thoughtfully and developed step by step."
A modern townhouse in Selwo, designed in a clean, cubic style.
The plot is elongated from west to east. On the ground floor, there is a spacious 25 m² terrace with a barbecue area.
A modern townhouse in Selwo, designed in a clean, cubic style.
The plot is elongated from west to east. On the ground floor, there is a spacious 25 m² terrace with a barbecue area.
Project Challenges
What I observed at the starting point:
— The garden was almost entirely without plants
— Artificial turf partially installed, the rest covered with gravel
— An attempt to green the fence with climbing plants had failed due to lack of irrigation
— Complete exposure to neighbors — the garden is surrounded by windows
— Planting restrictions: a drainage pipe runs along the fence (no large plants allowed within 1 meter)
— Lack of comfort, shade, and focal points
— Need to maintain access to service and emergency gates
Client brief:
— Add coziness and living plant compositions
— Increase privacy and screen neighboring views
— Green the fence with hedges and climbing plants
— Preserve the existing artificial lawn
— Add plants in containers on the terrace and balcony
— Maintain technical access paths
— Implement the project gradually with minimal investment, without major reconstruction (considering a possible future sale of the property)
— The garden was almost entirely without plants
— Artificial turf partially installed, the rest covered with gravel
— An attempt to green the fence with climbing plants had failed due to lack of irrigation
— Complete exposure to neighbors — the garden is surrounded by windows
— Planting restrictions: a drainage pipe runs along the fence (no large plants allowed within 1 meter)
— Lack of comfort, shade, and focal points
— Need to maintain access to service and emergency gates
Client brief:
— Add coziness and living plant compositions
— Increase privacy and screen neighboring views
— Green the fence with hedges and climbing plants
— Preserve the existing artificial lawn
— Add plants in containers on the terrace and balcony
— Maintain technical access paths
— Implement the project gradually with minimal investment, without major reconstruction (considering a possible future sale of the property)
Phased Implementation
The project was deliberately divided into stages:
— Young plants were used
— The garden was designed to grow over time
— In the first seasons, it appeared restrained, but within a year it transformed and gained full green volume
This approach allowed:
— Reducing the budget
— Maintaining flexibility
— Achieving results without unnecessary risks
— Young plants were used
— The garden was designed to grow over time
— In the first seasons, it appeared restrained, but within a year it transformed and gained full green volume
This approach allowed:
— Reducing the budget
— Maintaining flexibility
— Achieving results without unnecessary risks
Results
✔ The garden became cozy, vibrant, and visually rich
✔ Shade, rhythm, and green accents were introduced
✔ The space became comfortable and inviting
✔ Low maintenance and existing turf were preserved
✔ The garden now complements the architecture of the house
✔ The project remains flexible for future development
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how even a completely empty plot with multiple constraints can be transformed into a harmonious living garden — without overextending the budget and while preserving flexibility for future decisions.
✔ Shade, rhythm, and green accents were introduced
✔ The space became comfortable and inviting
✔ Low maintenance and existing turf were preserved
✔ The garden now complements the architecture of the house
✔ The project remains flexible for future development
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how even a completely empty plot with multiple constraints can be transformed into a harmonious living garden — without overextending the budget and while preserving flexibility for future decisions.
Planning a new garden or renovating an existing one?
Tell me about your property and the project you have in mind. I will recommend the most appropriate way to approach it.
Request a Quote 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.
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.
Planning a new garden or renovating an existing one?
Book a free consultation or request a personalized quote with no obligation.
Request a Quote 
© 2026 Svetlana Kolpak
Created with care by the viakaizen.es team
Created with care by the viakaizen.es team