Algarvian-born Delisa Xarepe is creating and protecting the green spaces of the future.
What will the Algarve be like in 50 years? How about 100 years? Most likely, it will be drier and warmer. There might well be restrictions on how much water we can use. All of which has the potential to cause all manner of problems, and not least for our gardens. Delisa Xarepe has made it her passion, and her business, to do something about it.
Delisa Xarepe is an impressive lady. A businesswoman and a published author, she’s about to start a PhD and, to top all that, she recently became a mother for the first time. Phew! Delisa is a busy lady so it’s just as well that she’s, “Very curious about everything!”
Delisa is a former student at the University of Algarve, where she graduated with academic merit in Agronomy – this science of farming includes the study of soil, plants, animals and farming practices. Somewhat fittingly, given the subject matter, she funded her degree by gardening for a business close to her home, in Fuzeta.
In 2021, Delisa gained a Masters in Landscape Architecture. Later the same year, she published her first book ‘Uma viagem pelo universo das suculentas’ (A Journey through the Universe of Succulents). Her aim with the book was to capture her expertise and passion for succulents, and “transform mentalities and educate people about the benefits and possibilities these plants provide”. She, quite rightly, prides herself on “putting all the important information about succulents in one book”.
For those of us accustomed to a more northern European climate (i.e. wet!), there can be a tendency to try and recreate the type of gardens we’re accustomed to and comfortable with. The very notion of drier gardens and green spaces can conjure images of barren landscapes but, as can be seen from the accompanying images, they certainly don’t have to be that way. With intelligent design and planting, the most beautiful and sustainable landscapes can be created and maintained.
In 2022, Delisa started her own gardening business, MDX Gardens, which now employs seven staff. As she said, “We’re bringing our professional gardening services to life across the breathtaking landscapes of the Algarve.” She has been joined in the business by her husband, Miguel, who was previously employed in the farming of medicinal cannabis. Together, they’re focused on developing an ethically sound business focused on the construction and maintenance of gardens and green spaces for homeowners, local businesses and government agencies.
Delisa’s top tips for creating and maintaining landscapes that can cope with droughts include the use of succulents. As she told me, “The gardens of today and tomorrow need to be resilient to cope with drier conditions. Succulents are ideal for this. Also, to be realistic about what can be achieved. “There’s little to be gained by laying a lawn if you have no water to keep it healthy,” she said, highlighting the benefit of utilising trees (and plants) that are accustomed to the Algarvian climate, and explaining how trees provide much-needed shade and prevent soil erosion.
What will the Algarve be like in 50 years? We’ll almost certainly need green spaces and plants that tolerate drought. Thankfully, it’s people like Delisa who will help give us a more pleasant and sustainable future.
Did you know…
Succulent plants are drought-resistant plants in which the leaves, stem, or roots have elements which are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, to retain water. They’re typically found in habitats with high temperatures and low rainfall, such as deserts. They’re characterised by their ability to thrive on limited water sources.
Delisa’s book is available at FNAC, Bertrands, and other bookstores. She can be contacted at +351 919 886 981 or info@mdxgardens.com
