While some clients bring in their own landscape designers to complete their homes, Blakstad is known for its holistic approach to architecture, providing a full service from licencing and construction to interiors and landscape design. Nerea Beitia, our in-house landscape designer, has been with the firm for over a decade and in that time has honed her skills and sensibilities to perfectly capture the essence of a Blakstad design in the form of plants. One of her most recent projects is Can Daisy in Ibiza’s west.
The villa’s design left little room for expansive gardens, so Nerea’s challenge was to create areas that evoke a sense of openness while maintaining a deep connection to the surroundings. Nestled within a pristine forest, Can Daisy is a secluded retreat enveloped by a sea of green. This idyllic setting also presented unique landscaping challenges. “The main thing to consider was what needed to be respected,” explains Nerea. With limited space, every element had to be carefully planned to enhance the experience of nature rather than compete with it. One of the key objectives was to frame the views of San Antonio Bay but –unlike many Ibiza homes that open directly onto the landscape – Can Daisy is enclosed on almost all sides.
Nerea’s concept for the garden at Can Daisy was to establish a dialogue between the forest, the architecture and the outdoor spaces. This idea is brought to life through a mix of native and carefully selected plants that blend effortlessly with the landscape. The design had to provide moments of openness without disturbing the home’s natural privacy. Carefully positioned areas were designed to frame key sightlines while creating a sense of fluidity between the built and natural environments. Green terraces stretch out from bedrooms and flowerbeds are filled with lavender and aromatic herbs. There are spaces for quiet reflection and others for communal gatherings.
While some large palm trees were introduced for a dramatic effect, the planting remained rooted in Ibiza’s indigenous flora. Olive and pomegranate trees add a Mediterranean touch while a rainbow of greens creates depth and richness. “I really love using a palette of different shades of green,” says Nerea. Textures, tones and layers bring the landscape to life, ensuring the garden feels like a natural extension of the forest rather than a separate entity.
Beyond aesthetics, the landscape at Can Daisy was designed to create an immersive experience around the home where there are spaces to truly connect with oneself and the natural world. Crafted to evolve naturally over time as the garden matures, it will reinforce the sense of harmony between nature and design. “I wanted to create an ambience that is reflected in the architecture, the garden and the forest, to show how everything comes together,” Nerea concludes. The result is a garden that feels timeless, organic and deeply connected to Ibiza’s landscape – a true testament to Blakstad’s full-circle approach to design.
