Benefits for using native plants in your landscape

Using native plants as much as possible in the Cyprus landscape for me is very important for designing a planting plan which is essential for the survival of the plants in the design. In the Mediterranean climate with dry summers require hardy and drought tolerant plants which survive the diverse conditions in which they grow.

The use of native plants mean that they will be successful in growing, they require less water and are low maintenance, when you plant them they will settle better and adapt to the climate.  Native planting provides necessary habitat for butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

It will help you save on your water consumption and you will be practically free from pesticide. This blog is the beginning of plant suggestions and planting combinations which will help you reconsider your planting options for a wonderful environment in your landscape.

Olea europaea- Productive and Beautiful in Design

Olive Trees

The olive tree is dated back in Cyprus from the Neolithic period  – 7000-3000 BC.  It’s a tree that is of great value, not only as a specimen tree in design but a superior productive plant. We can see this marvelous tree in fields, gardens all over the island of Cyprus. Olea europaea represents Peace, fruitfulness, purification and strength, victory and reward.

Olea  or Elia in greek is native to Cyprus, an evergreen plant , it is a very long lived shrub or tree ( can grow between 2-10 meters high ) it has an open crown, alternate leaves and a fabulous dark grey bark. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings and root cuttings. Olea played an important part throughout the centuries in nutrition, therapeutic – care of the body – economically and used in religious ceremonies.

It’s a very valued tree for many uses, its fruits are cultivated for olive oil, fruits are eaten, wildlife and animals eat there foliage and fruits. Dried leaves are used for incense and to the day it’s a truly respected plant for its beauty and stature.

The great artist Vincent Van Gogh painted The Olive Trees, St Remy, June – July 1889. He was inspired by this remarkable specimen.