When you close your eyes and imagine a Mediterranean garden you will likely be swept away to the sun drenched lavender fields of Provence, or to the olive groves of Italy, the tiled gardens and dancing fountains of Spain perhaps? Wherever you are in this part of the world, the magical Mediterranean is home wild and romantic flora and fauna, blooming bougainvillea, citrus trees and fragrant herbs. A trip to this region can make you want to bottle this rustic magic and bring it back home with you.
A Mediterranean style garden is a wonderful way to capture the beauty and essence of this region's landscapes, which are characterized by their charmingly relaxed, rustic, and natural feel. Here are some simple steps to help you create your own Mediterranean style garden.
Research and Inspiration
Start by researching Mediterranean gardens and gathering inspiration. Look at pictures, books, magazines, and online resources to get a sense of the design elements, plants, and color schemes typical of Mediterranean gardens. Pinterest is a fantastic resource to give you some great ideas for your own garden.
Choose the Right Location
Select a sunny location for your garden, as Mediterranean plants thrive in full sun. Adequate sunlight is essential for their growth and to replicate the Mediterranean climate.
Soil Preparation
Mediterranean plants often prefer well-draining soil, i.e. not heavy clay. Gravel mulch is ideal for these type of plants and to give your garden the authentic Mediterranean look.
Select Mediterranean Plants
Choose plants that are native to or well-suited for Mediterranean climates. Some of the most beautiful and fragrant choices are olive trees, lavender, rosemary, thyme, bougainvillea, agapanthus and citrus trees.
Hardscaping and Pathways
Use natural materials like stone, gravel, or terracotta tiles for pathways, patios, and walls. Incorporate Mediterranean style elements like arched doorways, follies, pergolas and terracotta urns and pots.
Water Features
Mediterranean gardens often include water features like small fountains, reflecting pools. These enchanting features are usually stone or designed with decorative ceramic tiles. These elements can add a soothing ambiance to your garden.
Consider adding seating near to your water feature so you have a place to admire your water feature. Adding fragrant climbing plants like jasmine, roses or honeysuckle to these areas can create a calming and sensual retreat.
Color Palette
Stick to a warm and earthy color palette that reflects the Mediterranean landscape. Use colors like terracotta, ochre, coral, deep blues, and greens for pots, furniture, and decorative elements.
Painting any external walls can create a wonderful backdrop for your olive or citrus trees. To brighten up patio areas consider adding Mediterranean style tiles in blue and white or yellows, greens and pinks.
Mediterranean Furniture & Decor
Choose outdoor furniture made of wrought iron, mosaic tiles, wood, or rattan to complete the Mediterranean look. Consider adding colorful pillows and textiles with Mediterranean patterns.
You can find a wonderful selection of weatherproof outdoor pillows with authentic Mediterranean patterns in our store. To see the full collection, click here.
Mediterranean Accents
Add decorative accents like ceramic tiles, mosaics, mirrors and wall art with Mediterranean patterns and motifs.
Lighting
Incorporate outdoor lighting with lantern-style fixtures, string lights, or candle lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the evening.
Fresco
For a real touch of ancient Italianate villa consider adding a painted fresco or mural to a sheltered wall. For longevity these typically suit areas that are out of the elements, under a roofed loggia our outside dining area for example. Dreamy and magical garden scenes look particularly good, as do traditional scenes of farming, harvesting, cooking and wine making.
Maintenance
Regularly prune and maintain your plants to keep them healthy and in shape. Mediterranean gardens often have a slightly wild and natural appearance, so avoid over-pruning.
Watering
Once established, most Mediterranean plants are drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently to mimic natural rainfall patterns.
Creating a Mediterranean-style garden is a rewarding project that can transport you to the beauty and tranquility of the Mediterranean region. Remember that patience is key, as it may take some time for your garden to mature and fully embody the Mediterranean look and feel. In years to come you will be able to sit back and admire your Mediterranean garden and imagine you are sat in Provence!