The Generalife Gardens (Jannat al-'Arif‎ meaning Architect's Garden in Arabic) in Granada, part of the Alhambra complex, were the summer residence of the Nasrid Dynasty (1232-1492). Spain had been first secured by Arab Muslims in 732, so the defeat of the Nasrids in 1492 marked the end of nearly 800 years of Muslim civilsation in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Alhambra complex is on a dominating bluff overlooking Granada and the builders were cunning in the way that they channeled streams from the Sierra Nevada mountains through the complex. A series of formal gardens, courtyards, pools and fountains, created between 1302-1309, provide the shade and evaporative cooling needed to survive the hot summer.

Of course there have been additions over the years. One of the more recent additions (in the late twentieth century) is a semi-intensive green roof planted with Mediterranean perennials including lavender and rosemary on a back office building (see picture). This is something that could be replicated elsewhere in the Mediterranean climate without the need to divert mountain streams. 

Green roofs (as opposed to roof terrace gardens) are still rare in the Mediterranean but there are a few pioneers, including the novelist Chris Stewart who has planted his Andalucian farmhouse roof with Mesembryanthemum and other succulents. Although the roof was fitted to provide summer cooling it performed well last winter. Andalucia had record rainfall last winter (1,300mm) which caused widespread damage to property and crops. Chris was glad of the heavy-duty waterproof membrane which he had fitted as part of the green roof build up, which kept him dry. Many of his neighbours with conventional roofs suffered leaks.