La technology applied to European gardens It's experiencing a completely new phase: from watering with a hose and using traditional pruning shears, we've moved to robots, sensors, AI and drones that make real-time decisions, including solutions for artificial intelligence in gardeningLooking after green spaces, whether small urban patios or large historic gardens, is becoming a much more precise, sustainable and, why not say it, much more comfortable activity.
Across Europe, thousands of people and businesses are betting on connected solutions for managing water, light, lawn mowing, or plant healthMachinery manufacturers, technology startups, city councils, hotels, architecture studios and European heritage conservation projects all agree on one thing: the garden of the future will be smart, efficient and deeply integrated with nature.
The smart gardening revolution in Europe
The European survey “Gardens of Europe 2025”The report, produced by gardening machinery manufacturer Stiga in conjunction with YouGov, paints a very clear picture: The future of garden maintenance will become increasingly smart and automated, a reflection of the gardening trends emerging in several European countries. The study analyzes how user habits are changing and which technologies are generating the most interest in different European countries.
Despite the differences between countries, climates, and plot sizes, the taste for Caring for green spaces remains very much alive throughout Europe. However, one fact is particularly striking: around one 77% of those surveyed consider gardening to be physically demandinga figure that skyrockets to 91% in Germany. This type of gardening This leads many people to seek technological solutions that make the most tedious tasks easier.
According to the report, the smart irrigation systems They rank first on the list of most desired tools by Europeans (33% preference). They are closely followed by the autonomous robotic lawnmowers (23%) and plant identification apps (20%), which help to recognize species and better understand their needs. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Poland are leading the way in adopting these types of technologies, especially valuing their contribution to the sustainability and ease of use, closely linked to the ability to save water in maintenance.
The same survey shows that the average size of gardens in Europe is quite modest: a 22% of citizens have less than 125 m² of outdoor space, a percentage that rises to 31% in the United Kingdom and 26% in Italy. Only 9% have plots larger than 500 m². Even so, the technological needs are fairly alignedThose with small gardens prioritize simplicity and efficiency, that's why small garden decoration It continues to gain importance, while owners of large areas are opting for connected, customizable and in many cases completely autonomous systems.
Another important change is the new way of understanding the garden: it is perceived as a extension of homea space to relax, socialize, and reconnect with nature. In this context, the smart solutions developed by companies like Stiga help not only to reduce physical work associated with maintenance, but also to making gardening a more sustainable, enjoyable and motivating activity, inserting itself within the Gardening trends to modernize your garden.
James Cameron, Stiga's Director of Innovation, sums up this philosophy well when he points out that Technology is not an end in itself, but a tool at the service of daily gardening.The idea is to design connected equipment that simplifies tasks, integrates seamlessly into routines, and truly responds to users' real needs, allowing all types of green spaces, large or small, to be more enriching, sustainable and connected.
Smart irrigation and artificial intelligence: water saving and extreme precision
In a scenario of recurring droughts and water restrictions In much of Europe, optimizing the irrigation of gardens and green spaces has become a top priority. Artificial intelligence is beginning to play a key role, allowing irrigation to move from being based on intuition to a guided process. real time data, Supported by soil moisture meters and other sensors.
A good example of this change is the work of Agrojardín Group, which has been designing and creating gardens along the Costa del Sol for decades. Its alliance with the technology company Flyer, within the framework of the Activa StartUps initiative of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, marks an important step towards a truly intelligent garden managementThanks to this collaboration, AI will directly impact the gardens and green spaces created by Agrojardín.
For Antonio Bazán, CEO of Agrojardín, it is essential betting on technological innovation If we want greener and healthier cities, new tools make managing green spaces much easier. efficient and preciseadjusting to the environmental conditions at all times. For his part, Marc Capilla, CEO of Fliwer, emphasizes that their technology not only enables intelligent care, but also profoundly environmentally friendlyturning the gardens into true examples of responsible resource use.
The solution of Fliwer Smart Urban Gardening It is applicable to virtually any green area. It combines multiple advanced technologies: Plant Twins, IoT (Internet of Things), artificial intelligence, and web and app platformsThe system continuously monitors essential parameters for plant life: temperature, soil moisture, ambient humidity, light, and electrical conductivity, among others.
All that information goes to the cloud, where the artificial intelligence to analyze, interpret and decide whether the recorded conditions are suitable for each plant. This allows for a very high resource optimizationMaintenance time is saved, fertilization needs are better adjusted, and irrigation water waste is drastically reduced, ensuring that each species receives exactly what it needs.
In large gardens, where different species with very different requirements coexist, the system resorts to what is called IoP (Internet of Plants)A network of sensors detects physiological changes and differences within the garden itself. If situations arise where certain plants do not tolerate the shared environment well, the system sends alerts. This combines Agrojardín's practical knowledge with Fliwer's AI analytical capabilities, achieving a customized maintenance by zone and a much more detailed irrigation and care plan.
The implementation of these artificial intelligence systems in the management of green areas not only reduces the consumption of water and fertilizersIt also improves the overall health of the garden by providing firsthand knowledge of soil conditions, humidity, sun exposure, and potential plant stress. This helps to better conserve species and protect the biodiversity.
Another important advantage is its contribution to the adaptation to climate changeBy analyzing meteorological and environmental data, periods of extreme heat, heavy rainfall, or frost can be anticipated, and irrigation or maintenance scheduling can be proactively adjusted. Furthermore, by optimizing machinery use and reducing unnecessary interventions, it is possible to... reduces carbon footprint associated with garden care.
Home automation, automation and gardens that “think” for themselves
When we talk about smart gardens in the home environmentIt's no longer science fiction to imagine outer space that manages itself almost entirely. Automation and connected systems allow us to control irrigation, the lightingmaintenance equipment and even security sensors from a an app, a home automation system, or a voice assistant.
Specialized platforms such as bluegardens They connect users with qualified companies across Europe, capable of plan, install and maintain The technology that makes this smart garden possible. It's not just about large projects: it's possible to start by incorporating specific functions (for example, automated irrigation or connected outdoor lighting) and expand over time until you reach a centralized management system.
These home automation solutions are based on modular, energy-efficient systems designed to be scalable and future-proofIn this way, both private garden owners and managers of residential complexes or business facilities can benefit from less effort maintenance, greater control and a much more rational use of natural resources.
The key is that the garden adapts to the lifestyle of its usersIt manages watering during periods of lowest evaporation, adjusts lawn mowing cycles, regulates lighting based on presence or ambient light, and sends alerts if it detects any issues. In practice, it involves save time, energy and money, while protecting the environment.
Environmental intelligence, biophilic design and greener cities
In urban areas, nature has ceased to be a mere decoration and has become a strategic tool to address the major challenges facing citiesPollution, urban heat island, lack of biodiversity, population stress… The so-called ambient intelligence It is shaping up to be a revolution within sustainable urban design, and specialized companies like Alijardín are positioning themselves at the forefront of this movement.
Ambient intelligence is an approach that It integrates technology, data, and nature. to make real-time decisions aimed at improving quality of life. We are talking about systems that monitor the air quality, the thermal performance of facades and green roofs, the biodiversity present in urban ecosystems or the state of health of vertical gardens and other green elements.
The core of this trend is the nature-based solutionsSomething that Alijardín has been applying for more than two decades: vertical gardens, green roofs, regenerative landscaping and other elements that are not only decorative, but living systems capable of filtering pollutants, reducing ambient temperature, capturing CO₂ and generating physical and emotional well-being.
A very illustrative example is the vertical garden of the Vitoria-Gasteiz Congress Palacewhere native ecosystems of Álava have been recreated with more than 33.000 plants. The fully intelligent hydroponic irrigation system contributes to reduce the building's energy consumption In a very significant way, demonstrating that well-managed vegetation can also be a powerful ally for energy efficiency. Projects of vertical gardening They show how these solutions adapt to diverse contexts.
For professional profiles such as architects, interior designers, corporate space managers or hotel managersIncorporating smart nature into your projects provides a clear competitive advantage. It improves the thermal and acoustic comfort of buildings, it increases the perception of quality by the end user, helps to obtain environmental certifications such as LEED or BREEAM and reinforces the differentiation from other less advanced projects.
The combination of ambient intelligence and biophilic design —that is, a design that integrates natural elements to improve well-being— is supported by studies such as the Human Spaces report, which points out that environments with nature can increase creativity 15%Productivity increases by around 6%, and stress levels are significantly reduced. It's no wonder that offices, clinics, hotels, and other high-performance workspaces are embracing this approach.
Alijardín applies this approach through vertical gardens with remote irrigation management and humidity sensors, green roofs that retain rainwater and improve thermal insulation, and landscape designs that take into account the local climate, resource efficiency, and aesthetic qualityAll of this is done with a strong artisanal component from their workshops in Alicante, adapting technology to highly personalized projects.
Vertical gardening, green roofs and proprietary systems
Within this landscape of innovation, the Vertical gardening and green roofs They occupy an increasingly important place. Companies like Verdtical are dedicated exclusively to the design and installation of green walls and roof gardens both in Spain and internationally, with projects in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Marbella, Zaragoza or Seville.
Their proposal is based on offering comprehensive, customized solutions with proprietary technologyCombining design, sustainability, and innovation. Not all buildings, orientations, or climates are the same, and that's why they develop vertical gardening systems adapted to each situationcontrolling drainage, substrate type, irrigation system and species selection according to site conditions.
The goal is for any person or entity to be able to find the vertical gardening system that best fits with their needs: from interior installations that provide added well-being in offices or hotels, to complete facades that transform the image of a building and improve its thermal performance.
Smart indoor gardens and connected home solutions
Garden technology in Europe is no longer limited to outdoor spaces: smart indoor gardens They are gaining ground, especially in urban contexts where outdoor space is scarce. At leading technology fairs such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)Major consumer electronics brands are presenting highly advanced solutions in this area, and related concepts. winter gardens are added to the offer.
A representative case is that of LGwhich presented two models of smart indoor gardens at one of the latest CES shows. The company focused on integrating cultivation into everyday objects such as floor lamps or side tablesbut equipped with cutting-edge technology: adjustable LED lights, a 1,5-gallon water tank, and the capacity to grow up to twenty plants managed from a smart home app.
In total, LG has developed at least three models of this type of garden, all with the same approach: to automate cultivation as much as possible and fit into modern decor of urban homes. According to Pamela Castro, Marketing Manager of LG Electronics Chile, these solutions aim to broaden access to home gardening, both for beginners and advanced users, by combining functionality and aesthetics.
The South Korean brand isn't the only one researching this area. At the same CES, the Canadian company Plantaform It received the “Best of Innovation” award in the Food and Agricultural Technology category for its Smart Indoor Garden, based on the technology of fogponics Developed by NASA, its system uses water transformed into mist to deliver nutrients to the roots, allowing for highly efficient cultivation.
The North American one also stands out. Gardyn, with a smart hydroponic garden that integrates Artificial intelligence to automatically monitor and optimize lighting and irrigationTheir app allows users to track plant growth, receive personalized recommendations, and adjust multiple parameters. Meanwhile, Aiper, a company known for its robotic pool cleaners, has launched a smart irrigation sprinkler capable of generating irrigation maps and adapting schedules according to the weather.
Although many of these solutions are not yet available in all European markets, there is already a growing supply of local alternativesSmart flowerpots with automatic watering and sensors, remote-controlled robotic lawnmowers, basic monitoring systems, etc. It's becoming increasingly easy to find these types of products on e-commerce platforms, making them accessible to any user. take your first steps in connected gardening.
Experts like Rodrigo Quevedo, founder of My2DropsA service specializing in water optimization and efficiency in parks and gardens indicates that we are in a initial adoption phase of these technologies at the domestic level. He argues that irrigation should not be measured in minutes, but in cubic meters of waterwhich is actually how consumption is billed. Their platform digitizes gardens, optimizes the placement of irrigation nozzles, and prevents waste due to poor water distribution.
Currently, My2Drops works primarily with agricultural companies and institutions on the irrigation of common areas, but it is already developing solutions designed for the home, with an eye toward bringing these tools to a wider audience. much broader audienceIn a context of water problems in many cities, the trend to to make the most of natural resources It seems unstoppable.
From LG's perspective, smart indoor gardens are specifically targeted at users with busy urban lifeThose interested in enjoying plants without complications, as well as people who value design and seek multifunctional solutions, are interested in this. The relationship of citizens with urban gardening has been oriented towards simpler, more accessible experiences compatible with small homes.
Looking ahead, the brand's vision is that these smart gardens will become a an integral part of modern homeswith increasingly autonomous systems: advanced sensors that automatically adjust light, temperature, or hydration based on the species and its growth stage, and platforms like LG ThinQ offering remote monitoring, personalized advice, and data analysis to maximize crop yield.
Drones and the conservation of historic European gardens
When we talk about garden technology in EuropeWe cannot forget the role of historic gardens, which form an essential part of the continent's cultural and natural heritage. The European project Drone4HER: Driving Technological Innovation in the Conservation of Historic European Gardens It focuses precisely on bringing the new technologies for the professionals who care for them.
Drone4HER, in which the Danish company participates Telewander Together with Sviluppo Turistico Collodi (Italy) and the European Route of Historic Gardens (ERGH, Spain), its main objective is train gardeners in the use of drones for the management and conservation of these spaces. It falls within the Erasmus program, receiving co-financing from the European Union to promote the digital transformation and skills improvement in continuing professional development.
The project's objectives can be summarized in three main points: to increase the ability to apply digital technology in the profession of gardening in historic gardens; to develop specific digital materials and online courses for these professionals; and share the results with the European community dedicated to conservation of these places. All of this stems from the connection between the technological solutions developed by Telewander and the growing and complex management needs of gardens with centuries of history.
Historic gardens face very serious challenges: aging of structures and plantspresence of invasive species, impact of climate change in the growth and survival of vegetation, risk of natural disasters, lack of funding, damage resulting from visits… Managing all this requires experience in horticulture, history, architecture and conservationas well as modern tools that facilitate decision-making.
In this context, Drones are presented as a promising toolThey allow monitoring of plant health using cameras and sensors capable of detecting signs of pests, nutritional deficiencies, or water stress before damage is visible to the naked eye. They are also useful for create high-resolution maps and models of the garden, helping to better understand its design, detect problem areas and plan restoration interventions.
Another interesting application is the creation of Virtual toursThese drones allow a wider audience to experience these gardens remotely, without increasing the physical pressure on sensitive areas. Furthermore, they help monitor the impact of visitors and protect particularly vulnerable structures and plants.
To make all of this viable, Drone4HER has first worked on identifying the staff training needs of historic gardens, through questionnaires directed at professionals who collaborate with ERGH members. Based on this data, a online course which not only teaches the technical fundamentals of drone piloting, but also strengthens the participants' confidence and digital skills.
The course syllabus covers everything from Basic components of a drone, safety standards and legal requirements...to the various applications in the maintenance, management, and marketing of historic gardens. The benefits and challenges of introducing these technologies into gardening equipment are also analyzed, and participants are encouraged to move from theory to practice. real drone operations in their own work contexts.
To complement the training, the project has developed the “Drone4HER Manual for the Use of Drones in Historic Gardens”which acts as a detailed guide for using these tools effectively and responsibly. Beyond the protection of cultural heritage, it also opens up new job opportunities in areas related to the restoration and conservation of the natural environment.
One particularly inspiring case is that of Collodi, in Italywhere Sviluppo Turístico Collodi (STC) has managed the historic Garzoni Baroque garden, a national monument, since 2004. There, the project has allowed participants to use drones to to document, preserve and disseminate the beauty of the gardenThe teams were organized into groups with A1-A3 pilot licenses within the open category, developing real monitoring and conservation projects and presenting their results at the end of the face-to-face activities.
All this work demonstrates how the Drone technology can transform conservation of historic European gardens, allowing for much more accurate monitoring of their condition, better resource planning, and richer outreach to the general public.
The advancement of technology in European gardens, from urban courtyards with smart irrigation to large historic gardens monitored by AI and drones, makes it clear that Nature and digitization are already going hand in handWhat was once a demanding and often inefficient hobby is now becoming a more accessible, sustainable, and technically advanced activity, in which any person or institution can find solutions adapted to their space, time, and environmental goals.
