Case 4 – Cinzia’s garden

Cinzia’s 670-square-meter garden in the hills of Ancona is a verdant oasis nestled among olive trees, hydrangeas, and a pond of water lilies. The owner dreams of a swimming pool, a cozy cottage, and relaxing spots. The idea is to transform it into a harmonious space, with slopes softened by rocks and manicured paths, views enhanced by windows, and spaces that combine beauty and functionality, offering a pleasant natural experience in every season.

THE TOUR

As soon as you cross the threshold, your gaze falls on soft hydrangea bushes: macrophylla in shades of blue and pink, and a paniculata that rises elegantly. The entrance is marked by a path that the owner envisions already paved, a detail that will transform the perception of this first space. A little further on, an olive tree stands tall in the center of the gently sloping lawn: a sculptural presence that captures the sunlight in every season. Further down, a second olive tree introduces a new section of garden, marked by gentle slopes and several water collection wells. This is a problematic area for Cinzia, because here the ground tends to slide toward the fence: a technical detail that will soon become a creative inspiration.

All around, the view is unique: rolling hills, nothing to hide, just the pleasure of being enveloped by the serenity of the landscape. Precisely for this reason, even considering a fence seems a sin: it will provide protection and privacy, of course, but it must be discreet and respectful of such beauty.

Looking to another area, a small tuff pool containing water lilies appears: a romantic detail nestled in a sloping lawn. It is here that the garden begins to tell another story, one of water, reflections, and the possibility of creating a small bio-pond or ornamental pond that doubles the emotion and biodiversity.

THE NORTH SIDE

On the north side, the garden changes character. Here, a door leads to a steep section, intentionally left natural, where fruit trees and flowering shrubs grow. The slope is evident, but it provides movement and unexpected perspectives. Also to the north is the most intimate and functional area: a path leads to the back of the house, where a table and chairs rest on a deck that today seems somewhat neglected. Yet here lies a small treasure: an ancient well, a true focal point, ready to become the centerpiece of a charming corner.

As always with our projects, the first step is the floor plan. Cinzia provided us with a map with basic measurements, which allowed us to transfer everything into AutoCAD. Some dimensions aren’t right: a normal detail, which will be corrected during the construction phase with precise measurements.

Mrs. Cinzia’s wishes

The garden’s envisioned functions are clear: a paved pool, a relaxation area for reading or sunbathing, and a small house at the end of the property. The entrance area, however, requires technical intervention: here, the soil slides toward the fence, carrying rainwater with it. The owner’s initial idea is to replace the lawn with gravel, but we suggest more stable and aesthetically appealing solutions, such as a rock garden. Medium-to-large rocks, interspersed with succulents and groundcover, would not only solve the technical problem but also create a spectacular view from the home’s windows.

Speaking of windows: analyzing the views is crucial. The kitchen overlooks the well, a true natural setting, but a fruit tree planted directly in front of the window blocks the view of the rest of the garden. Moving it to the background, next to the well, would create a more harmonious composition and a visual impact that enhances every element. Even the room facing the fence could benefit from a little perspective: a group of flowering shrubs, for example, would transform an anonymous view into a living painting.

Sun, shade and green scenery

Studying the sun’s movement helps us decide where to place the main functions. The northwest side receives the most sunlight: perfect for the pool, which will enjoy long hours of sunshine. The paved area, on the other hand, is more shaded: here we could create a protected relaxation corner, perhaps with new flooring and some comfortable furniture, for reading or sipping coffee on summer days.

The entrance with the hydrangeas remains intact, as Cinzia wanted: this area enjoys half a day of sun, ideal for their abundant blooms. The only suggested adjustment is to complete the scene with a few small shrubs near the fence, so as to offer a richer view even from the bedroom window.

Swimming pool, playhouse and themed areas

The 3×6 meter pool finds its natural setting in the large central lawn, connected to the existing paths by a stone path or lightweight paving stones surrounded by greenery. Adjacent, the paved area can accommodate loungers and umbrellas, transforming into a sunny oasis. Those who prefer softer solutions might opt for a free-form pool, which organically blends with the landscape.

A little house at the end of the garden will become a scenic as well as functional feature: setting it back slightly from the boundary will allow for a small path at the back and, perhaps, an additional shed for storing tools or creating a shaded corner. The front of the house, enhanced with climbing plants or a small themed garden, could serve as a backdrop for an outdoor relaxation area.

And here, your imagination can run wild: in front of the surrounding wall, you could imagine a cactus corner, with a colorful Mexican-style wall, or a romantic garden of gardenias, taking advantage of the protected microclimate. It’s those personal details that transform an outdoor space into a living extension of the home.

Un giardino che racconta

Ultimately, Signora Cinzia’s garden will be more than just a sequence of plants, stones, and paving stones: it will be a place that combines aesthetics and function, where every window becomes a frame for a botanical canvas, and every step invites you to discover something new. From the reflections of the water lilies to the scent of the hydrangeas, from the birdsong in the olive trees to the cool repose of the relaxation area, every corner will exude harmony.

A preliminary study was carried out prior to the project, and this was necessary to ensure we met the owner’s wishes and created a design that not only met her requests but also the needs of the land and the plants.

The resulting project will be the work of a landscape architect or a skilled gardener. As always, it will stem from listening to the desires of those living in the home, carefully reading the landscape, and turning technical problems—like a slipping embankment or damaged pavement—into creative opportunities. Thus, a slope becomes a rock garden, a tuff basin transforms into a small bio-pond, and a simple fence becomes a green backdrop that protects without detracting from the beauty of the view.

In this way, Cinzia’s garden will become a place to live in every season: dynamic, welcoming, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.

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Now on horseback! Work awaits us! Our new wonderful outdoor space is about to be born!

GOOD WORK and… if you have any questions, write to info@mondodelgiardino.com

Image sources: thanks to Cinzia for the photos, the video and the plan of her garden, And follow us on youtube channel