The garden is not just an outdoor space but an extension of the home and its architectural identity.
As Ahmed explains, the materials, colours and overall aesthetic used indoors should flow into the garden, creating visual and emotional harmony.
This connection goes beyond aesthetics—it has a powerful psychological impact.
Green tones calm, water sounds soothe, and flowers lift the mood.
Large openings–such as windows, sliding panels, and glass doors–strengthen the sense of continuity, blurring the line between the inside and outside.
Among the most popular styles is the classical garden, defined by symmetry and order, Ahmed explained. Fountains and statues are key features, complemented by neatly pruned plants, marble or natural stone floors, and lighting from traditional lanterns or classic fittings, all enhancing the overall elegance.
By contrast, the modern style emphasizes simplicity and functionality.
Straight lines, open spaces, wooden decking or smooth concrete flooring combine with minimalist, comfortable furniture. Lighting is discreet, often ground-level spotlights, for a sleek, contemporary feel.
The Mediterranean style favours warm, earthy tones with terracotta pots, decorative tiles, and traditional plants such as olive and lavender. Informal seating areas foster a sociable and homely atmosphere.
Japanese gardens, meanwhile, aim for tranquillity and balance. Elements include running water or simple waterfalls, white pebbles, bamboo, and evergreens, all softly lit to create a contemplative space, made to calm and encourage reflection.
The rustic style embodies spontaneity, featuring climbing plants, colourful flowers, uneven stone paths, and wooden furniture, all set under warm, simple lighting for a nostalgic charm.
Each style has signature plants, Salem notes.
Modern gardens suit architectural, clean-lined plants like Sansevieria, Yucca, Agave, African lily, Dracaena, and succulents, all of which add an elegant flare.
Classical gardens favour well-trimmed and organized plants that reflect luxury and precision; mainly boxwood, thuja, and cypress, alongside roses, hydrangeas, and begonias. Lavender, geranium, and iris also play an essential role in creating visual variety and balance.
Photo: Maryan Ahmed
Mediterranean gardens lean on hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance plant varieties such as rosemary, olive, pomegranate, geranium, and bougainvillaea.
Japanese gardens employ restraint, with bamboo, and maple, as well as soft flowers like camellia and cherry blossoms for a peaceful atmoshphere.
Rustic gardens on the other hand embrace natural, free plant arrangements. They burst with Damask roses, fuchsia, lavender, sunflowers and climbing jasmine, creating a lively, informal energy.
Colour palettes also reinforce each style, Ahmed told Ahram Online.
Modern gardens favour neutral whites, greys, and blacks; classical ones rich tones of beige, gold, and dark green; Mediterranean schemes earthy hues, blues, and whites; Japanese gardens soft greens and neutrals; rustic gardens vibrant, floral-inspired shades.
Other traditions carry their own character, as Salem explains.
The English (or Tudor) style divides spaces into “plant rooms” featuring seasonal flowers and fragrant climbers, such as English roses, lilac, Dwarf cherry trees, and hydrangea, alongside ornamental herbs.
The Islamic or Arabic style is characterized by geometry, shade, and water, with basil, mint, and damask rose alongside fruit trees and lilies, blending order, beauty, and spiritual symbolism.
Photo: Maryan Ahmed
Photo: Maryan Ahmed
Photo: Maryan Ahmed
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