Full garden splendor – reimagined

STREIFZUG Kitzbühel | Issue 59 | Summer 2026 | Text: Barbara Jahn

As the hours of sunshine grow longer, gardens turn into a second, green living room, are transformed to the central relaxation space of summertime. Surrounded by plants, scents and the twittering of birds, zones are born that provide recovery and relaxation, where healthy dining and clear-clean refreshment meld into an overall cloud of well-being. For a garden to function as a personal sanctuary, however, they need to be carefully conceived and planned: shady spots with pergolas or sun sails, outdoor kitchens, comfortable sitting areas, as well as water surfaces such as natural pools, swimming spas or whirlpools generate higher levels of comfort and a feeling of vacation at home. Also architectural elements such as pavilions, outdoor saunas, fireplaces, sculptures and effective, flexible lighting to accentuate the sense of freedom all help make the outdoor zone an oasis of luxurious homeliness where nature and design combine to generate new energy.

Successful garden planning takes into consideration not only aesthetics but also location, climate and requirements of care-and-maintenance. Particularly in Alpine regions, robust plants are highly resilient to climate extremes and able to withstand periods of dryness gain in significance. Experts recommend a balanced selection of coniferous and deciduous plants that can weather wild swings in the climate and also provide a balanced visual design. Open spaces must be well designed, sufficiently spacious; gravel beds, ornamental grasses and high-quality materials such as natural stone, old wood, exposed concrete and corten steel underpin the special character of modern garden concepts. As a final necessity, automated watering and smart methods of attending to care and maintenance assure that the garden will remain in top form – fresh and green – even over lengthy periods of absence. That’s how an individually planned retreat preserves the tranquillity, freedom and quality of living over many seasons, nature always new, the facilities and furnishings we love always a ready welcome.