Water: the giver of life

For centuries, water has been one of the most important  ‘design’ elements of Andalusian and Mediterranean gardens. The hot climate dictates a need for water: fountains in courtyards create a sense of freshness, while swimming pools serve the double function of being both ornamental, as visitors to the Alhambra in Granada may have noticed, and as a water reserve—something the residents of Marrakech are familiar with.

Furthermore, the gentle sound of low courtyard fountains soothes the ear, and adds to the feeling of coolness that the fountain’s water already gives us. The relaxing sound of water, whether from fountains, water gullies or handrails, invites us to feel more at peace and in harmony with the environment.

The Nasrid Dynasty, great masters in the art of using water, brought their skills to Andalucía during the period of Moorish rule. We may be talking about a culture that dates back more than a millennia, but the legacy of the former desert dwellers endures in the Moorish buildings of the cities of Granada, Córdoba and Sevilla. Did you know that the fountains in the Alhambra palace all work simply by using gravity? There is no need for motors or hydraulic pumps, and this is a technique we can still use today.

Water is a scarce resource

We must also remain mindful that water is a scarce resource in Andalucía due to its low rainfall. This is why we design water systems that maximise the use of what is available to us. We believe in using a drip control method for localised irrigation systems, planting Mediterranean species that require less water, and applying a practice called ‘Xero’ gardening, which is based on the principle of low water consumption.

Other techniques we use when planning a Mediterranean garden are getting the delicate balance right between what we call ‘prairie areas’—these have a high water consumption—with mud paving slabs or gravel that reduce water consumption.

 

 

Water in public areas

Thanks to the Nasrids, Spain has continued to use elegant water features in its public spaces. There are fountains aplenty, but the modern take on water features has brought us dramatic sheets, waterfalls and jets in central squares, and a great variety of fountain designs with a range of height levels. These water reserves attract birdlife that enhances the environment with their songs and lively presence. Ponds and boating lakes, like the Retiro in Madrid and the María Luisa Park in Sevilla, are other examples of the way in which water enhances our lives.

We are facing the challenges of climate change in which water is likely to become an even scarcer resource in regions vulnerable to desertification. We would encourage schools, and parents, to educate future generations about the vital role water plays in our very existence and in the ways we can conserve its use and continue to enjoy its life-giving benefits.