Discover how three decades of landscape expertise from South Africa has shaped our approach to creating exceptional gardens across the Algarve.
Rooted in two continents,
growing in the Algarve.
Signature Gardens was born from a love of the land and a deep respect for climate-aware planting. Our founder, Paulo Araújo, built his craft over three decades in South Africa's varied Gauteng, where the unique biome demands precision, patience, and a genuine understanding of native ecosystems.
Paulo Araújo
Founder & Lead Designer
“Every garden should feel like it has always belonged to its landscape.”
When Paulo Araújo and his family relocated to Portugal in 2024, they brought with them not just tools and techniques, but a philosophy: that the best gardens are those that work with the land, not against it. Today, our team combines local Portuguese expertise with South African design sensibility to create gardens that are beautiful, water-efficient, and built to last.
From Johannesburg to the Algarve
Founded in Johannesburg, specialising in landscape design and planting across the Gauteng.
Expanded our full-time staff, completing over 80 projects across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the Greater Gauteng.
Completed over 250+ gardens and landscaping projects over the Greater Gauteng area.
Established our base in Portimão, serving clients from Sagres to Tavira. Introduced smart irrigation and water-saving planting programmes.
Expanded staff and fleet vehicles. Ongoing maintenance contracts with private clients and property management firms.
South African Heritage - Portuguese Blood
Our roots in the South African landscape have grown into an unparalleled understanding of dry-climate planting that we now apply across the Algarve.