Landscaping in Crete - Greece

Crete has a hot Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. When planning your drought-resistant garden, it’s best to choose plants that are native to our Mediterranean region or similar arid climates. These plants are well-adapted to survive with minimal water and poor soils.

Here’s a list of top drought-resistant plants suitable for your garden in Crete:

Herbs and Ground Covers

• Lavandula (Lavender) – Aromatic, beautiful flowers, attracts pollinators.
• Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) – Edible, hardy, great for borders.
• Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) – Dense ground cover, edible, thrives in rocky soils.
• Origanum vulgare (Oregano) – Fragrant and culinary use, highly resilient.
• Santolina chamaecyparissus (Cotton Lavender) – Compact, silver foliage, good for edging.

For more detailed information, we recommend you read our blog article on this topic.

If you would like more information, for example about trees and flowering plants, please feel free to contact us.

Installing a water-saving irrigation system in Crete is a smart move. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to our local climate:

Step 1: Assess your needs and land. Plot size and type:

• Measure your land and identify what you’re watering (olive trees, vegetables, ornamental plants, etc.).
• Soil Type: Crete’s soil varies (limestone, clay, rocky). Clay holds water longer; sandy soil drains quickly.
• Water source: Check for availability municipal water, well, or rainwater harvesting system.

Step 2: Choose a water-saving irrigation method. The best systems for Crete are:

Drip irrigation (Most efficient)

• Delivers water directly to plant roots.
• Minimal evaporation loss, ideal for Crete’s heat.
• Can be automated with timers.

Micro-sprinklers

• Good for orchards and larger vegetable plots.
• More coverage, but slightly more evaporation than drip.

Clay pot irrigation (Ollas)

• Ancient technique using buried clay pots excellent for small gardens.

For more detailed information, we recommend you read our blog article on this topic.

If you would like more information, for example about; desig, layout and materials, please feel free to contact us.

1. Xeriscaping principles

A landscaping style that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation:

• Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning)
• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Minimize lawn areas or replace with gravel, paving, or drought-tolerant groundcovers

2. Shade and wind management

Create microclimates to protect plants and cool the area:

• Use pergolas with grapevines or bougainvillea for natural shade
• Incorporate stone walls or hedges as windbreaks
• Plant deciduous trees near buildings for summer shade and winter sun

3. Materials and hardscaping

Use locally sourced and permeable materials:

• Natural stone paths and terraces
• Gravel or crushed rock for drainage
• Recycled terracotta pots and containers

For more detailed information, we recommend you read our blog article on this topic.

If you would like more information, for example about; efficient irrigation or layout elements, please feel free to contact us.

Collecting and using rainwater in your garden in Crete is a smart and sustainable way to support your plants, especially during the dry summer months. Here’s a practical guide tailored to Crete’s Mediterranean climate:

1. Collecting rainwater

Roof catchment system:

• Gutters & Downspouts: Install or maintain gutters along your roof. Make sure they slope properly and are free from debris.

• First flush diverter: This filters out the initial dirty rainwater that may contain dust or bird droppings from your roof.

• Storage tank / barrel: Connect the downspout to a rain barrel or a larger cistern. Use food-grade plastic, metal, or concrete tanks.

Tip: Position the tank in a shaded area to prevent algae growth.

2. Storing the Water

Options:

• Small garden: Use 100–300 liter rain barrels.

• Larger property: Use 1,000–10,000 liter plastic or concrete cisterns.

Ensure your tank is:

• Covered to prevent mosquitoes

• Elevated (if using gravity for irrigation)

• Equipped with an overflow outlet

For more detailed information, we recommend you read our blog article on this topic.

If you would like more information, for example about; using the water, or buying storage barrels, please feel free to contact us.

Ideal soil composition for your garden in Crete

1. Texture

• Loamy soil is ideal: a balanced mix of sand (40%), silt (40%), and clay (20%).

• This supports good drainage, root aeration, and nutrient retention all crucial in Crete’s dry summers.

2. pH Level

• Most plants thrive at pH 6.0–7.5.

• Many Cretan soils are alkaline (pH 7.5–8.5) due to limestone. You can acidify overly alkaline soil with:

  • Compost

  • Peat moss

  • Elemental sulfur

3. Organic Matter

• Add 5–10% organic matter by volume.

• Use compost, aged manure, or olive mill waste compost (a local option in Crete).

• This improves water retention and soil fertility, vital for dry climates.

4. Drainage

• Good drainage is essential to avoid root rot, especially in clay-heavy soils.

• If the soil retains too much water:

  • Mix in coarse sand, perlite, or pumice.

  • Consider raised beds.

5. Water-holding capacity

• Since summers are dry, soil must retain enough moisture while still draining well.

• Mulch heavily to reduce evaporation.

For more detailed information, we recommend you read our blog article on this topic.