The landscaping unit of Nass Contracting is responsible for the greening of some of the prestigious projects under way in Bahrain, including Dragon City and Durrat Al Bahrain.

Backed by decades of experience in successfully completing prestigious landscape projects in Bahrain, Nass Landscapes continues to add to the aesthetics of the country’s outdoors with a number of ongoing projects.

A division of Nass Contracting, the company was established in 1996 to offer the highest standard of professional services in the field of landscape construction, maintenance, horticulture and irrigation.

“With almost two decades of experience, Nass Landscapes has proven its ability to deliver a very wide scope of work from the biggest and most high-value and quality jobs in Bahrain to private villas and public road landscaping, making it the preferred partner of choice,” says Mohammed Mujahid, senior engineer irrigation at Nass Landscapes.

Some of its ongoing assignments include the landscaping and irrigation works at Dragon City for Diyar Al Muharraq. The company started work on the $170,000 project in June and is scheduled to complete it in September this year. It involves planting various palms, ornamental trees, shrubs and ground cover

Nass Landscapes is also undertaking the installation of irrigation infrastructure at Durrat Al Bahrain, Phase Two for Durrat Al Bahrain’s Petal Four and Five islands. The scope of works includes supply of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mainline, isolation valves, solenoid valves and controllers in a contract worth $810,810. Work started in June and is scheduled for completion in February next year.

Mujahid ... quality focus.

Irrigation infrastructure will also be set up by Nass Landscapes at Diyar Al Muharraq, Phase One for client Diyar Homes, where the company is supplying polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mainline, isolation valves, solenoid valves and controllers under a $297,300 contract. Work will start in September and be completed by December this year.

Nass Contracting is the main contractor on all the three projects.

Some of Nass Landscapes’ successfully completed projects include the construction of the Japanese Themed Garden at Al Areen for Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), where various Japanese concept materials, landscaping and irrigation were supplied under a $1.62-million contract. Another striking project is a terrace garden constructed at Fakhroo Tower which included landscaping, irrigation, a water feature and hardscaping.

Separately, Mujahid stresses upon homeowners to conserve water by adopting a smart irrigation system especially in the hot summer months when plants need plenty of water.

“Most homeowners overwater their yards, unintentionally wasting money every time they take out the hose or turn on the sprinklers. To raise awareness of the benefits of efficient watering practices, the Irrigation Association of the US has named July-August as Smart Irrigation Months,” he says.

He says adopting a smart irrigation system is one of the best ways to keep lawns and landscaping beautiful and healthy, while minimising water wastage. He gives 10 valuable tips to help keep utility bills low and protect the environment.

• Keep plants evenly moist: Most plants depend on even moisture. However, slight drying out before watering promotes root growth of the plants;

• Water seldom but thoroughly: In a flower bed, one to two watering sessions are usually sufficient;

The water feature at Fakhroo Tower.

• Keep leaves dry: Wet leaves become diseased leaves. Also, leaves that are wet in the sun develop slight burn marks (burning glass effect of the water droplets);

• Use the right quantity: Watering to suit the requirements of the plants means that water must reach the roots. Very low quantities of water often only cover the upper soil, such as when there is a mulch covering of the soil and too little irrigation;

• Use larger water quantities in parts: Water needs time to seep into the soil. Rather than letting precious water in the bed flow away unused, it’s better to water repeatedly, and in parts;

• Water with a target but distribute evenly: Continuous watering at only one root point leads to one-sided root growth and thereby to poorer nutrient absorption in the soil. Therefore, always water around the plant and distribute in the entire irrigation area.

• Irrigate in a way that saves water: This is simplified with an automatic irrigation system with moisture sensor – in the bed, on the balcony and on the lawn;

• Avoid waterlogging: Waterlogging prevents the roots from breathing – the root cells drown without oxygen; and

• Use quality, clay-rich soil: Soil rich in clay minerals has better expansion properties and can therefore hold water in the soil better and in a more even way. When wet in summers and in winter, ensure water drainage of the soil to prevent waterlogging.