A garden that works starts with observing the site and deciding how you want to use it, rather than choosing flowers. Around Barcelona, a shaded courtyard, an exposed terrace and a coastal plot need different solutions. Bring those differences into your first discussion with a landscape designer.
Map the uses before buying plants
Mark entrances, seating, everyday routes and features you want to retain. Note sunlight at different times, wind exposure, rainwater movement and buried services. If trees are present, ask for an assessment of their condition and any protection before considering removal.
On a terrace or roof, a competent professional should assess loading, waterproofing and drainage. Do not choose soil depth or planter size purely for appearance. Where building work is involved, check the relevant building and municipal requirements.
Design around water
Plant choice should suit the soil, exposure and water needs as well as the colour scheme. Ask for compatible planting groups and a plan explaining irrigation, maintenance and leak detection. Adding an automatic timer does not make a garden efficient by itself.
Before irrigating or creating a planted area, consult the Catalan Water Agency’s drought information and municipal instructions. Measures vary by location and declared drought stage; there is no universal permission to water at all times. The agency’s FAQs explain specific situations.
Questions for Verdtical
Its Barcelona landscaping page describes design, construction, planting and maintenance, including control systems. Request a proposal for your site and an explanation of estimated water use and future care. General marketing claims about savings do not replace a project-specific calculation.
Compare installation and ongoing care
- Drawings and a plant list showing initial and expected size.
- Soil preparation, drainage, irrigation and working access.
- Materials, quantities, waste removal and included replacements.
- An establishment schedule and responsibility for initial watering.
- Maintenance tasks, frequency and cost after handover.
Does low maintenance mean no care?
No. Pruning, irrigation checks and monitoring plant condition still matter. Explain how much time you can give the garden and who will look after it while you are away. Designing around those limits is more useful than relying on care that nobody will provide.
If the garden forms part of a larger renovation, coordinate the sequence to avoid reopening paving or moving services twice. You can find more home-planning resources in our English guides.
Sources and verification
Information checked on 24 September 2026. Confirm services and conditions before booking.
- Agència Catalana de l’Aigua — current drought information
- Agència Catalana de l’Aigua — FAQs
- Verdtical — Barcelona landscaping services
Archive photograph with unverified location. It does not depict a verified Verdtical project or a recommended planting scheme for Barcelona.
