Landscaping works carried out by Dubai-based Desert Landscape Company, which is part of the Desert Group of Companies, at phase 1 of the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, complement the details of the interior as well as the traditional architecture of the project.

'The landscaped gardens at Madinat Jumeirah are an immediate and clear indication of the developer's commitment to providing visitors and guests  with an exterior experience to match the attention to detail shown in the internal spaces,' says a company spokesman.
The gardens have been designed by international landscape architectural firm EDSA to reflect and enhance the bold use of local traditional architectural detailing and theming for the hotel development.

'It is notable that the developer, Mirage Mille (MM), is one of the few consultants which not only recognises the value of good landscaping to enhance a project, but which actively engages in regular reviews on site to assess the visual effect of works completed on an area by area basis,' he says.

''The landscaping works on an MM project are started on site immediately following completion of the building's civil structure and run concurrently with the building fit-out. This considerably speeds up the establishment of the landscaping and requires careful co-ordination and discipline with other trades on site,'' he adds.
Stringent specifications are set for Madinat Jumeirah to ensure that the landscaping has a mature, well-established look from the first day of opening.

'The importance of landscaping is often compromised on projects by a developer's need to move money from the budget allocated to landscaping/external works in favour of some other previously overlooked or under-budgeted item,' the spokesman continues.
'Mirage Mille has a long history of establishing landscaping as a key element in the overall development and ensuring that the installation will not be compromised in any way.
'The depth of concern for the landscape element of the work is reflected, for example, in the regular reviews of the plants being grown for the project.

''The continual inspection processes, together with the day-to-day monitoring on site of landscape workmanship, the functionality of the layouts and its overall value for money to the client help ensure a high-quality product.

''This close co-operation between consultant and contractor is an integral part of achieving a world-class outdoor garden experience.''
Desert Landscape Company was awarded the project in October 2002 and began work at the nursery the same day.
The spokesman says: ''Planting schedules were drawn up and a separate nursery area was allocated for growing, assembling and establishing the required plant material to meet the project specification.''

'Until recently, the size of the plant material required and the short time span of the contract would have made it necessary to procure both the larger and also the more unusual specialised plant material from overseas,' the spokesman points out.
'Fortunately, the bulk of the plants were already available from within the four major Desert Group nurseries and were assembled at its purpose-built Khawaneej Project Nursery for inspection, approval and transportation to site.'      

Desert Landscape Company, which was formed in 1988, has a well-established history of landscaping upmarket beachside developments.
Coastal projects, in horticulture terms, are divided into seaside planting and landside planting.
The problems associated with salt-laden winds, exceptional high tides and strong onshore sand-laden winds all present challenges to establishing a landscape project in such a location.
'The use of 'seaside-friendly' plant material will contribute greatly to the success of the landscape scheme,' the spokesman states. 'The size and species of the seaside planting used were all available to specification in the Desert Group nurseries. The landside planting was developed using a range of interesting and varied plants in broad sweeping groups.''

'The success of any landscape scheme in such an arid environment depends greatly on the type of irrigation systems installed, the spokesman says.
''The system at the Madinat Jumeirah is a state-of-the-art computer controlled network and is able to apply water as needed rather than on a continual cyclical basis. Continual monitoring of the application, through the computer, correlates water usage/temperature/humidity and valve run times to ensure maximum efficiency.

''This enables the operator to reduce the water budget to the minimum necessary to achieve the effect required and thus achieve notable financial savings to the budget.
''It is, however, the grounds maintenance team that is responsible for the ultimate success of such a project. The adjustment and operation of the installation is crucial in the period following handover from construction.

''The teething problems experienced in the initial months and the way in which they are dealt with makes the difference between carrying the project to its final conclusion or allowing it to sink into a mediocre and bothersome problem.''

'Desert Landscaping Maintenance Department is able to rely on some of the best-trained and equipped personnel in the landscaping operation and maintenance (O&M) business with a great depth of experience in maintaining the most prestigious hotels along Dubai's sea frontage,' the spokesman points out.

The maintenance department is continually seeking advantages in landscape maintenance through developments in technology for water-saving materials, plant waste recycling machinery, organic chemicals and fertilisers, according to the spokesman.
Together with its own dedicated nursery, the department is able to provide instant replacement of seasonal plants, shrubs or mature trees as necessary to enhance the landscape layouts, if required, for special events, functions or remedial works,' he adds.