Dubai: A section of Downtown Dubai near Burj Khalifa has been transformed into an array of sustainable themed-gardens, as landscape artists vie to win first prize at the first International Garden Competition.
A shortlist of 13 finalists are showcasing their gardens — equipped with technical and scientific ingenuity — that will be judged by delegates of the Royal Horticulture Society, who will take into account the designer’s originality, quality and how well they executed their design proposals.
The annual Dubai International Garden Competition, which was launched on Thursday, runs till April 6.
Mohammad Al Fardan, Head of Public Parks Section at Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News yesterday that they intend to study the winning gardens, and then modify it accordingly so it can cover a larger scale across its parks.
“Our plan is to have a green Dubai, and that means looking at ways in making our parks environmentally sustainable. The garden that wins will be studied so that we can introduce it in some of our parks across the city,” Al Fardan said.
“Some of the main factors that will influence our decision are how the gardens incorporate the idea of solar energy, and the use of recyclable materials,” he said, adding that the competition is also beneficial to the real estate sector, who will be able to provide residents with sustainable gardens.
Organisers pointed out that the competition aims to be a prestigious horticulture events that will have the same high standard as the 100-year-old Chelsea Flower Show in the UK, the International French Garden Festival and the Canadian Garden Festival.
Some of the gardens on display focus on using locally available plants and products in the region, with minimum water consumption and the re-use of materials. Power consumption was also a theme for some, as they placed an emphasis on the minimal use of electricity and natural wood.
“Over the last two years, people have been shifting towards creating sustainable gardens in their homes, whether they are private ones or those belonging to property developers. All the light bulbs we use are energy efficient, and can save residents up to 80 per cent off their monthly bill,” D.R. Swamy, project engineer of Falcon Crest, said.
Nehme Moujaess, managing director of Terraverde, explained that his garden on display reflects the concept of the pearl, which is how Dubai’s growth initially started through the pearling industry.
“All our materials are sustainable and the plants have all been grown locally and adapted to the local environment. In our garden, you have the concept of old Dubai blended with the modernity of today,” he said.
