BotanicalDryGarden Champions Sustainable Green Design with Alternative Lawns in the Mediterranean

BotanicalDryGarden, located deep in the Tuscan Maremma, is the first dry garden in Italy. Our project was born from the desire to imagine a new way of approaching greenery, recognizing and enhancing the natural intelligence of plants. The garden was born in 2010 as part of the Mates Piante nursery, specialized in the production of Mediterranean plants since 1994.

Our thematic botanical garden features over 1,500 species and varieties of plants with low water requirements, spread over an area of 40,000 square meters.

The park combines landscape inspiration and sensitivity to environment: we have specialized in perennial plants capable of surviving with very little irrigation and almost without maintenance. We offer a rich sensory journey that allows our visitors to discover refined and little-known species, coming from all over the world and yet perfectly integrated into the Mediterranean landscape. BotanicalDryGarden® is a multifaceted space that also houses a contemporary art trail, a labyrinth, an open-air theatre and an ideal setting for concerts and events. It is also an enchanting venue for civil weddings.

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In gardens, low rainfall is often considered as a limit to the design imagination. It is believed that irregular rainfall and the absence of an efficient automatic irrigation system will prevent the creation of gratifying green spaces, full of flowers and perfumes. This approach shows a lack of knowledge about the natural dynamics and intelligence of plants. From a careful observation of Nature, together with a subtle amount of humility, we can rethink this subject, making the plants, far from being passive actors of our projects,  allies and collaborators.

The Dry Garden is the philosophy of the natural garden and respect for climatic conditions expression. Mediterranean plants and other species suitable for this environment will create a dynamic landscape through hours, days, seasons and years, and will reduce the maintenance compared to a traditional lawn, with a clear message of attention, respect and understanding of Nature, for the greater good.

The Dry Garden philosophy is based on observation, a careful study of the survival strategies of arid climate plants, long experimentation, and the will to rethink the garden as a true association of living beings – supported by a high-quality nursery production. One of the Dry Garden’s fundamental elements are young plants endowed with a root system more developed than the crown. The vertical posture is essential for deep root development, allowing plants to access water in the driest seasons. Soil preparation through deep tillage helps avoid stagnation and promotes robust growth.

A Dry Garden maintenance is cheaper than a classic garden one with an irrigation system. Plants grown in these natural conditions will be more robust and less in need of human care. Their resistance depends on many factors. For example, anti-germinating agents come from some plant leaves and prevent the growth of other species in close proximity. Other plants can produce essential oils that defend them from predators and are able to reduce the temperature around the leaves in case of strong evaporation. The study of these processes will make the gardens more sustainable and offer a real opportunity to get to know Nature better.

Alternative Lawns: a new idea of green

In recent years, one of our most innovative projects has been the development of alternative lawns: an ecological and sustainable solution for those who want a green space without the high environmental and maintenance cost of a classic English lawn.

Unlike traditional turf, which requires frequent watering, mowing and fertilization, alternative lawns are made of perennial plant species that are resistant to drought, require fewer interventions and integrate perfectly into the Mediterranean climate.

Some of the most appreciated species include:

• Lippia nodiflora: a fast-growing ground cover that needs very little water once established, forming a dense green carpet that blooms throughout the summer.

• Verbena hybrida: loved for its flowering capacity, it is ideal for sunny areas

• Achillea millefolium, Frankennia laevis, Zoysia tenuifolia and others: all species selected for their ability to tolerate heat, drought and trampling.

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These alternative lawns require up to 80% less water than traditional lawns and only 2 to 4 mowings per year, depending on the species. After an initial period of establishment (typically a couple of months with regular irrigation), they become extremely autonomous.

Thanks to our experience, we ship rooted cuttings in alveolar trays, calculated based on the surface area you wish to cover (usually 10 plants per square meter). Our technical team guides customers step-by-step in choosing the right species, preparing the soil, planting, and post-planting care.

Choosing an alternative lawn means:

• Reducing water and energy consumption

• Decreasing maintenance costs

• Encouraging biodiversity and pollinators

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Having a garden that lives in harmony with the seasons and the climate