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Greek garden design ideas


Greek garden ideas: 14 layout, planting and styling tips to create a holiday vibe

Considering Greek garden ideas for your plot? We'd say it's a great move. After all, aren't we all craving a holiday in faraway lands, of dappled sunshine through grapevines overhead, iced cold drinks in a rustic stone courtyard, or azure-blue ocean views? Well, imagine if you could bring the sense of the Med right to your very own doorstep – in fact, to your very own garden. Sounds like a fantastic idea to us.

Whether you want to go bold and shake up your landscaping, or just opt for some new garden decor ideas, it doesn't have to be too tricky to recreate a Greek vibe. Perhaps a traditional white-and-blue scheme, drought-tolerant planting picks and characterful accessories will fit the bill. Or, maybe all your plot needs is a cozy dining space fit for sharing meze platters (and perhaps an Ouzo or two). From luxe Santorini-inspired looks to relaxed Crete vibes, you'll find plenty of Greek garden inspo in our round-up of styles.

Once you've perused these glorious Greek garden ideas, you'll be eager to recreate the look at home.

1. Set the table for relaxed alfresco dining

A colorful and relaxed setting, featuring the Levantine tableware collection from John Lewis

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Naturally, a big part of Mediterranean culture is the food. And what better way to enjoy it than sharing dishes with loved ones out in the fresh air, elbow-to-elbow around a large table?

So, of course, a dining set-up is a must for Mediterranean garden ideas – whether you're recreating the ambience of Greece or one of its sun-soaked neighbors. Wooden benches have a pleasing informality about them, and allow space for everyone to budge up when you have extra guests. Rattan chairs at either end will work well with the scene (and offer a comfier option for those who need it).

Dress the table in dusky blue linens, plenty of colorful sharing platters and sprigs of herbs in a mix of small vases or jugs. Add a scattering of tealights for added atmosphere at dusk. Then all you need to do is whip up some Greek-inspired treats, whether that's a hearty moussaka or a selection of pita, olives and dips.

You'll find plenty more outdoor dining ideas in our feature.

2. Stick to stone for a traditional feel

We love the use of agapanthus in this serene stone courtyard 

(Image credit: Clive Nichols/The Image Bank Unreleased/Getty Images)

Cool, natural stone is ideal for recreating that Greek walled garden vibe, evoking a sense of rustic charm and authenticity.

Pick a style that's pale-hued, and consider adding in a new wall or replacing lacklustre paving as part of your landscaping ideas. We like this half wall that surrounds a statement olive tree – not only does it bring the tree into focus but it also provides a handy spot to perch.

An archway framing the entrance to a patio or courtyard will add to the old-world feel and the sense of intrigue. You could take a cue from this set-up and introduce agapanthus in large planters or narrow borders, too – their blue and white palette works perfectly for a Greek theme.

3. Add accents of blue against crisp white

Blue and white make a classic color combo for Greek gardens

(Image credit: Lars L Baron/The Image Bank/Getty Images)

When you think of suitable garden color schemes for Greek-inspired backyards, crisp white and cool blue are likely to spring to mind. They are the national colors, after all. Plus, many buildings in Greece are painted white – useful for reflecting the hot sun – with that quintessential blue tone used across roofs, window frames and doors.

With a lick of paint, you can easily bring the look to your plot. Spend a sunny afternoon armed with a tin of the best exterior wood paint and a brush, and revamp your windows or outdoor wooden furniture. A few coats of snow-white exterior masonry paint on your walls will provide a stunning contrast and instantly refresh the space. Some brightly-colored pelargoniums to punctuate the scene won't go amiss, either.

4. Create a cool shaded spot

We love this chic set-up curated by Little Greene

(Image credit: Little Greene)

In Greece, the midday sun is hot – too hot to sit out in it. This is one of the reasons behind the traditional afternoon siesta – an hour or so spent enjoying a quiet snooze – which is commonplace in other Mediterranean countries, too. 

Somewhere shaded and cool is, therefore, the perfect addition to Greek garden ideas. The beachy feel of this shelter is particularly bright and welcoming and will allow a summer breeze to comfortably flow through. Pair with a daybed or hammock for a space to retreat for a bit of peace and quiet, or recreate the scene above by incorporating sleek storage for your outdoor kitchen.

Looking for more patio cover ideas? Our feature has lots of stunning styles.

5. Frame a fireplace with olive trees

Keep things toasty with a garden fireplace

(Image credit: Darren Chung Photography Ltd/Future)

Nothing says holiday like staying outdoors until late – listening to the crickets, watching the stars, and enjoying a good glass of something cold. Of course, if you're not blessed with a Mediterranean climate, you may need assistance in keeping temperatures comfortable once the sun sets. This is where outdoor fireplace ideas come in.

A simple white design like this definitely has a nod to Greek-island style, especially when flanked with impressive olive trees. As Sutton Manor Nursery says, 'Olive trees are a species of evergreen tree in the Olea europaea family, bringing color and life to your garden year-round. The ancient olive tree is one of the oldest symbols of the world, symbolizing peace, wisdom, prosperity and success. Their elegant silhouettes and evergreen leaves make them a beautiful focal point in any garden, especially one with a Mediterranean theme.'

6. Create a rustic-style courtyard

A colorful courtyard full of charm

(Image credit: Roger Cracknell 01/classic/Alamy Stock Photo)

If your heart is warmed by rustic garden ideas then a Greek-inspired plot is your opportunity to embrace them. Recreate the vibes of a traditional taverna with a wooden table, comfy chairs, and natural stone slabs or pebbles underfoot, then add a splash of bold color to make a feature wall. You could stick to soothing blue (as mentioned above), but this warm ochre works beautifully too.

Decorate the space with large terracotta pots and wall ornaments (we love the use of plates in this scene). And, for a real sense of Greece, plant a flowering bougainvillea tree somewhere sunny to be trained as a canopy overhead – the pink blossoms are sure to bring everyone joy.

If you're looking for more ways to pep up small, walled spaces, our courtyard garden ideas have you covered.

7. Opt for patterned tiles underfoot

These Hanoi Star Blue tiles are from Tile Mountain

(Image credit: Tile Mountain)

'Greek-style tiles are a great way to add interest to your garden whilst giving you that all round holiday vibe,' says Colin Lincoln-Evans of Tile Mountain . These blue and white patterned designs are a case in point – perfect for livening up patio paving ideas.

'There are several ways to create the look, from making a small patterned area within a larger patio to adding tiles to a raised bed,' Colin continues. 'Both of these ideas can be extremely effective without being overpowering. 

'When choosing your tiles, check with the supplier that they are suitable for outdoor use,' he continues. 'In general, most porcelain tiles can be used and won't require sealing. You will, however, need to ensure that you use the correct type of grout and adhesive when setting them – your tile supplier should be able to advise you about this and what type of substrates are suitable.'

8. Make a canopy of greenery

A shaded spot to relax

(Image credit: William Gorman/Future)

A shaded and leafy spot for relaxing is ideal for Greek garden ideas. To recreate the look, you'll need to introduce pergola ideas or some other type of overhead structure to support your pick of the best climbing plants.

Grape vines are a failsafe option for the theme if you have a sunny and sheltered spot. You'll be rewarded with architectural foliage and bunches of fruit (remember to pick a dessert variety if you want to enjoy your crop without turning it into wine, first). Passion flower is another lovely choice for its eye-catching blooms.

9. Recreate a Santorini vibe with lots of white

Combine simple lines with white, and perhaps a rock garden or two

(Image credit: Michalakis Ppalis/EyeEm/Getty Images)

Popular amongst honeymooners, Santorini is known for its dazzling beaches, whitewashed buildings, and picture-perfect ocean views. 

Plenty of white and gently curved walls will help to recreate the serene ambience of this luxurious destination. Dot a potted palm here and there to up the holiday feel. Or why not add small rock garden ideas with architectural, drought-tolerant planting for a pocket of contrasting visual interest? It'll make a chic, sophisticated, and super low maintenance addition to the space.

10. Line steps with Mediterranean planting

These curved stone steps are accented beautifully with Mediterranean planting

(Image credit: Clive Nichols/The Image Bank Unreleased/Getty Images)

Give stone garden steps ideas a new lease of life for your Greek garden ideas by lining them with drought-tolerant planting. This pink-flowered plant above is Tulbaghia violacea, otherwise known as society garlic, and looks similar to agapanthus in form (albeit smaller). 

Pair with silvery-foliaged favorites such as Stachys byzantine or santolina. If you're after a shot of soothing fragrance, lavender is always a safe bet.

11. Go for a bold rug

This outdoor rug from Cuckooland brightens up a deck

(Image credit: Cuckooland)

The best outdoor rugs are an easy way to uplift a space and create a cozy, outdoor-living-room ambience. Go for a bold blue and white pattern for instant vacation vibes, paired with plenty of container plants and rustic lanterns.

If your natural style is more pared-down, you could always opt for textured neutrals instead – the look will be just as effective.

12. Embrace indoor-outdoor living with an enclosed patio

We love this cool enclosed patio space with furniture from Cuckooland

(Image credit: Cuckooland)

On the topic of setting an indoor-outdoor tone, you may want to consider enclosed patio ideas for your space. Sure, they're a little more ambitious than dotting a few potted plants around or opting for an outdoor rug, but they'll provide a real extension to your home which can be used all year round.

A simple design with a tiled top and arched windows is a good approach for Greek garden ideas – go for wooden beams too for an authentic look. Fill the space with a dining set-up, perhaps a reclaimed ladder, and red brick tiles underfoot. Statement pendants like these will bring a touch of contemporary to the scene and illuminate your dinner parties when night falls.

This large urn is full of character

(Image credit: Clive Nichols/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images)

A giant terracotta urn is a brilliant feature for Greek garden ideas and will give your outdoor space a focal point throughout the seasons. Try to find one second hand if you can – the weathering of time only adds character.

Position it against a stone wall or to mark the end of a path and surround with sculptural blooms to make an impressive impact.

14. Cool off with a pool

A small backyard swimming pool is ideal for setting a luxurious Mediterranean tone

(Image credit: David C Tomlinson/The Image Bank/Getty Images)

Of course, for ultimate vacation vibes, you can't go far wrong with backyard pool ideas. So, if you've got the space and the budget, consider bringing a cool stretch of water into your plot to capture a real sense of Greek island charm.

Go for simple, curved shapes surrounded by pale or whitewashed stone. A terracotta pot nearby filled with jolly blooms will add the perfect finishing flourish.

What are the best plants for Greek-inspired gardens?

If you're looking for more of the best plants for Greek-inspired gardens, try these top picks:

A citrus tree will add a splash of color and fragrance to your plot

(Image credit: Westend61 GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo)

More top tips for creating a Greek-style garden

Looking for more top tips to bring a slice of Greece to your backyard? Sutton Manor Nursery shares some extra suggestions:

14 Greek Style Garden Ideas to Design a Mediterranean Garden

By   Kirsteen Mackay | Last Updated :   January 7, 2021 | Filed In :   Garden Style Ideas

Designed to withstand the extremes of the Mediterranean climate, Greek gardens are known for drought-tolerant plants and weathered fixtures. Boasting colourful accents and stonework, the traditional Greek garden is bright, welcoming and visually striking.

Today, we’re going to take a look at some Greek garden ideas that will inspire you to transform your lawn and patio. Read on to find out which plants work best for a Mediterranean garden and the right decor to implement to bring this classic style to life (unfortunately we can’t guarantee the weather)!

Greek Gardens: Plants and Flowers of the Med

A Mediterranean garden is made to withstand harsh summers and frosty winters. To recreate a similar style, take notes from classic Greek gardens and include plants that are born to handle extreme element changes. Here are some ideas for hardy plants you can include to nail that Greek garden style.

1. Low-maintenance succulents

Succulents are best placed in planters with well-aerated soil and lots of drainage. They thrive all year round and they don’t need regular watering, so they’re perfect for any sort of garden. Spiral aloe, snake plants and zebra haworthia are just a few examples of plants that can thrive with very little maintenance. They can do surprisingly well in the UK too, although you should bring them in before it gets frosty. You can always move them to a terrarium if they struggle outdoors!

2. Drought-tolerant perennials and native plants

Spice your garden up with bright flowering plants like bougainvillaea or poppies. These flowers are extremely robust, and add a much-needed burst of red or pink to a primarily green garden. Both of these plants can thrive in the UK (although you’ll need to protect bougainvillaea from frost).

Herbs are another excellent choice for recreating a Greek garden in the UK. Lots of herbs thrive in UK weather, and you can grow the even in the smallest gardens. They give off beautiful aromas, just like you’ll find in authentic Mediterranean gardens – plus, growing a kitchen garden is always good for sustainability.

@voprosecco

3. Citrus and olive trees provide crops and shade

Olive trees and orange trees are classic Mediterranean plants, and commonly feature in Greek gardens. Orange trees can grow in the UK – you’ll just need to keep them in pots so you can bring them inside in cooler months, or grow them in a conservatory.

Olive trees are native to Greece and provide a light fragrance to your garden. They’re unlikely to bear fruit in colder climates, but they have a very long life and their beautiful silvery green leaves look perfect in a Mediterranean-style garden

@kin22lee

Symmetry and Scale: Greek Garden Ideas and Tips for Structure

A Greek garden doesn’t need strict maintenance, but there are still a few tips and tricks for keeping it tidy. The goal is a kind of “controlled chaos” that achieves the clean, classic look of a Mediterranean garden without constant pruning.

4. Symmetry is key

The Greeks created the very concept of symmetry. Follow their lead by building a well-organised garden layout with flower beds and potted arrangements that mirror each other with similar plants and colours.

@homewiththe_scrowstons

5.

Arches and arbours

Arches and arbours made from natural materials are a common sight in Greek gardens. Not only do they make an eye-catching fixture at your garden entrance or courtyard, they’re perfect for supporting the weight of vines like jasmine and ivy.

If you don’t have room for an arbour, trellises and tree canopies will still add height and impact, without expanding vertically and crowding your garden. Swinging chairs are another way to add structure while still having a functional use – take a look at more suspended chair ideas here.

@belinda_vd_sluis_bakker

Mediterranean Style: Decor Schemes For A Greek Garden

Gardens of the Mediterranean are known for their simple decor and air of tranquillity, with antique pottery and statues to add interesting counterpoints. Here are some great landscaping ideas involving stoneware and colour in a Greek-inspired way.

6. Use neutral tones for masonry

Greek gardens are known for having whitewashed walls and pale stone floors. In hotter climates, this has the effect reflecting the sun’s heat and making the garden cooler. In the UK this isn’t really necessary, but the light colours will at least serve to brighten up your outdoor space on a gloomy day! As a plus, neutral surfaces are also a great canvas for showcasing climbing vines and blooming flowers.

@parsleyofhappiness

7. Add pops of colour

Greek gardens are far from bland, so once you have a neutral canvas, make sure to include one strong theme of colour. Royal blue – or the colour of the Greek flag – is the traditional choice, but a mustard yellow, sage green or hot fuchsia can work just as well.

@kfenella

8. Ditch the lawn and go for gravel

Mediterranean-style gardens are easier to maintain because they feature gravel walkways and tiled floors instead of lawns. Gravel walkways have the benefit of providing solid footing for a good stroll, while preventing weeds from growing. They’re also a great garden security feature, alerting you to anyone approaching your home.

9. Add mosaic elements

Greek gardens often incorporate floor or wall mosaics as a simple way to break up large sections of white and neutral shades. If you want to include a large section of mosaic tiles, you can lay them yourself or buy them in pre-cast, larger tiles that just need grouting to create the desired effect. Keep larger mosaics simple, sticking to shades of one colour.

Alternatively, you could use smaller mosaic pieces, like table tops or decorative plates. In this case, brighter colours pack more of a punch and stand out against neutral backdrops instead of overpowering them.

@kbloommosaics

10. Use terracotta liberally

Striking pottery is a staple in Greek gardens, either as standalone features or to house succulents and flowers. If you’re using clay pots as planters, make sure they have enough drainage since most Mediterranean garden plants need well-drained, lighter soil. Keep in mind that clay and terracotta pots generally hold water better and keep your plants regularly hydrated.

For added personality, look for an old amphora or clay olive oil jar, for an authentic finishing touch to your garden.

@knapgoed

11. Statues and plinths

You only need a couple of statues to serve as statement decor in your garden. Statues and plinths make beautiful accents that can complement your plants. Use them sparingly so as not to detract from the greenery – just one or two in a small garden, and four or five in a larger one. Don’t worry about keeping them pristine – a weathered finish adds character.

Architectural Elements in Greek Gardens

The Greeks treat their gardens as a place for socializing and leisure. So, if you’re imitating the style, it’s important that you consider adding fixtures that facilitate a welcoming social atmosphere.

@katmani16

12. A beautiful garden patio

Greek gardens will always have an outdoor area where you can sit and enjoy the view. Position a garden patio under a shaded area so you can spend long hours sitting comfortably. You can take it up a notch and even install a firepit, outdoor kitchen or a barbecue area to entertain guests on hot summer evenings.

Take a look at our posts all about garden patio inspiration and fire pit ideas for making even the smallest patio feel fresh, warm and welcoming. If you’re keen on the thought of outdoor cooking, we’ve got BBQ area style tips and ideas for outdoor kitchens in the UK too.

@jil_kelly_greene

13. Put up a pergola

Ooh, do I love a pergola! Whether they’re free-standing or placed over a patio area for shade, pergolas are an easy way to create a focal point for your garden. Pergolas are often surrounded with climbing plants since their posts make a great trellis. Stick to natural materials like wood or stone if you want your pergola to remain true to the natural finish of Greek gardens. 

14. Add a water feature

Similar to Moroccan gardens, Greek gardens often have a small body of water to reflect light, cool the air and provide hydration and humidity for plants. An ornamental pool or rustic fountain makes a great addition to a Greek-inspired garden in the UK, and the sound of flowing water will make sitting outside feel much more tranquil.

@mybrunettediary

Enjoying your Greek Garden

Greek gardens are all about elegant simplicity, so by combining the right Greek garden ideas for your space, you can enjoy a beautiful garden with minimal maintenance.

Take inspiration from their native plants and elegant decor to recreate this sunny Mediterranean style. With these relaxed designs, you’ll be able to spend less time worrying about your landscaping, and more time enjoying your garden space.

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By Kirsteen Mackay

Kirsteen is a professional writer who traded a tiny garden for an even smaller balcony when she moved to Brighton in 2015. Her interest in gardening stems from a keen desire to turn her simple slab of concrete into a lush urban oasis, complete with cosy-but-practical garden furniture and delicious edible plants.

View All Posts By Kirsteen Mackay »

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Greece.

Mediterranean garden.

Against the backdrop of the flourishing of the ideas of humanism and the creation of cultural and aesthetic ideals, the art of creating a Greek garden was born more than three thousand years ago. The garden was not only a place of relaxation, but most of the cultural life of Greece at that time took place here. There were garden-groves dedicated to specific ancient heroes or gods, called gerons.

Separate green areas were intended for philosophical discussions and lessons - philosophical gardens. Their layout and composition was more than free, which especially emphasized the architecture of the buildings. Such gardens or groves often surrounded the stadium, the temple. Shady alleys were created along the streets, and of course everyone wanted to create their own small garden near the house.

The Greek garden was shaped for use in difficult natural conditions. A mandatory element of a private garden was a covered patio protected by walls, the plants had to be resistant in the hot sun, in dry summers and wet winters. And this is on the seashore with its inherent winds. In addition to the generally accepted techniques in landscaping, Greece has also developed its own unique techniques that are strongly associated with this particular type of national garden. Often in small villages near the house there was simply no fertile soil, for planting plants, the space in the mountainous area was limited. The only option for planting plants were pots, which were placed right there on the streets near the house.

The walls of buildings, retaining and protective walls with arches, if not lined with light stone, then painted white, most often become the framing of the garden. The tradition of spending a lot of time away from home has been preserved, to communicate, dine and relax in the garden. Therefore, more often a small Greek garden is divided into cozy zones. On terraces and patios, a dining table must be placed under an awning or a canopy, and next to it there will be a separate seating area, or a corner with wicker furniture.

In general, the Greek garden contains plants typical of the entire Mediterranean, but in their own unique proportion.

Olives, such as dwarf plants in flowerpots, lavender, succulents, various conifers, as well as spicy and edible plants, such as chives, parsley, lush rosemary bushes, thyme and sage.

Against the background of light walls, dark conifers, as well as silver-gray drought-resistant plants and succulents, bright flowers of pink and red shades make up an impressive dominant. Bright arrays of geraniums and poppies create a unique colorful composition.

Unlike the lush gardens of Italy and Rome, the Greek garden is more ascetic, it will not have an abundance of marble sculptures and lush fountains, but still composition techniques, the use of contrast of light and saturated tones, bright colors of decor in combination with terracotta ceramics create a garden unique, memorable and beautiful.

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