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Mediterranean Garden Ideas and Inspiration

Get the look of a Mediterranean landscape in your yard By Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer Published 10/4/2022

Photo by: Ingrid Balabanova / Shutterstock

Mediterranean landscapes conjure up images of lounging by an inviting pool against a backdrop of brightly colored walls and exuberant plantings. Incorporating the vibrant aesthetics of a Mediterranean garden into your own yard can make it feel like you’re on vacation all year round.

The Mediterranean climate is distinguished by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Native plants are adapted to long periods of drought and require little maintenance. With many regions becoming hotter and drier due to climate change, using drought-adapted plants from the Mediterranean and other arid regions has become a necessity.

Even if you don’t live in a dry climate, you can still achieve the Mediterranean look, whether in your entire yard, or by incorporating features here and there.

Featured in: Garden Design's Top 9 Garden Trends for 2023 ("Designing Mediterranean-Style Gardens")

WHAT IS A MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE GARDEN?

A Mediterranean garden celebrates the laid back outdoor lifestyle typical of countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco, where al fresco dining, leisurely siestas and gatherings with family and friends are commonplace. Sensory experiences are essential, whether it’s the intoxicating scent of jasmine, the calming sound of trickling water, or the vibrant colors of painted walls, exotic fabrics and decorative tiles. The style is rustic and casual, exuding a timeless feel and integrating with the natural surroundings.

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WHAT'S IN A MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN?

Mediterranean gardens are designed to respond to the hot climate. They are characterized by shady retreats to escape the blazing summer sun, cooling water features, outdoor seating areas, drought tolerant plants, and gravel to replace water-thirsty lawns.

WHAT PLANTS GROW WELL IN A MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE?

Mediterranean plants are adapted to survive long periods without summer water and require good drainage to prevent root rot from winter rains. In addition to true Mediterranean natives, these include plants from other places with similar climates such as California, South Africa, and Australia.

HOW TO MAKE A MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

Photo by: nieriss / Shutterstock

Choose and evaluate your site.

Most Mediterranean plants need full to partial sun and good drainage. Find an area in your yard that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun during most of the growing season and amend the soil as needed. Some plants may need a sheltered spot away from wind. Raised beds or a rock garden are good alternatives if the native soil is poorly draining.

Get ideas.

Utilize online resources such as Pinterest to gather ideas. Visit local gardens that include drought tolerant plants to see what will grow in your area. Make a list of elements you want to include such as lounging or dining areas, water features, furniture, accessories and plants. Consider uniquely Mediterranean features such as a tiered fountain, herb knot garden, or bocce ball court.

Create a plan.

Draw a rough sketch to visualize how your finished space will look. If you decide on a major transformation, consult a professional landscape designer.

Consider scale.

Choose materials and features that are in scale with your home and yard. If you have limited space, you can still include a small water feature such as a wall fountain or birdbath. Bistro seating can be substituted for larger furniture pieces. A small arbor or trellis can take the place of a full-sized pergola.

Consider style.

Make sure materials, color scheme, plants, and accessories are compatible with your home’s facade. Combine Mediterranean elements with local touches to give your landscape a sense of place.

MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN ELEMENTS

Photo by: Olesya Tseytlin / Shutterstock

Mediterranean gardens are characterized by specific elements that are included in the landscape. Incorporate as many of these features into your yard as you like.

Shade.

Places to escape the heat of the sun are essential to Mediterranean landscapes. Pergolas are a common feature, an elegant extension of the home that provides shade and an intimate space for outdoor dining or lounging. Other shade features can include a courtyard, porch, patio umbrella, shade cloth, or a large tree. Open structures allow for better air circulation and cooling.

Water.

Water is a major component of Mediterranean gardens, a cooling counterpart to the sun-baked landscape. The sound of moving water and the reflective quality is both soothing and invigorating, providing a haven for birds, beneficial insects and other wildlife. Water features can include fountains, birdbaths, pools, waterfalls, or misters.

Outdoor living spaces.

Spending time outdoors is an integral part of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Create one or more seating areas to enjoy a cup of coffee or casual al fresco meals. These areas are generally sited underneath shade features such as a pergola or large tree. Furniture can be as simple as a bench or bistro chair, or more elaborate such as a luxurious outdoor couch sectional or spacious outdoor dining set.

Containers.

Terracotta clay planters, jars, and urns are classic features of Mediterranean gardens. These containers are typically oversized and used as bold focal points in the landscape. Add a splash of color to a patio, staircase, or gravel terrace by grouping together smaller ceramic or terracotta pots that are planted with pelargoniums and other annuals. Make sure pots have adequate drainage holes. For colder regions, choose frost-proof containers or store indoors in winter.

Stone, pavers, and gravel.

Mediterranean gardens incorporate materials found in nature such as warm-toned stone for walls, terraces and paving. Gravel is used for patios, pathways, and as a substitute for water-thirsty lawns. Mosaic patterns are created with stone pebbles or cobbles and were the earliest type of pavement.

Tile.

Brightly colored glazed tiles with intricate patterns are used to adorn staircases, walls, and patios.

Fragrance.

Many Mediterranean plants have fragrant foliage or flowers, including herbs or herb relatives. These include lavender, rosemary, mint, salvia, jasmine, and honeysuckle.

Color.

Because the light is harsh in southern regions, bold and bright colors stand out better than subdued hues. Typical colors used in hardscaping, fabrics, mosaics, and accessories mimic those found in nature: cobalt blue of the sea, rich earth tones of terracotta and reddish-brown, and mustard yellow to echo the sun. These brighter hues are used judiciously as pops of color that are tempered by more neutral tones of gravel, stone, and foliage.

MEDITERRANEAN PLANT DESIGN

Plants used in Mediterranean gardens have certain traits and functions.

Drought-tolerant plants are better able to withstand prolonged dry spells through summer and are lower maintenance.

Plants with foliage interest are commonly used to add color, texture, structure and as a backdrop to other plants. Varieties with silver foliage are commonly used, as the lighter color reflects the sun’s heat and helps plants to conserve water, making them more adaptable to hotter climates. These include cotton lavender (Santolina), lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina), olive, cardoon, eucalyptus, and artemisia.

Vining plants such as bougainvillea, trumpet vine, hops, grape, jasmine, and wisteria are used to soften structures such as walls and pergolas, creating a lush living canopy that provides cooling shade.

Clipped hedging and topiaries are a hallmark of Mediterranean gardens, lending year-round structure and color. Plants can include boxwood, silver thorn (Eleagnus), privet (Ligustrum japonicum), oleander and shrubby germander (Teucrium fruticans).

Mediterranean trees add vertical height, structure, and provide shade. These typically include olive trees, Italian cypress, palms, and bay tree.

Waterwise succulents lend bold structure or can be used as a resilient ground cover, depending on the type. These include agave, yucca, sedum, portulaca, and echeveria.

Citrus trees such as lemon or orange add a tropical touch, with scented white blooms, colorful fruits, and glossy evergreen foliage. In colder climates, citrus can be grown in large pots and overwintered indoors.

Ornamental grasses such as blue fescue, carex, and fountain grass (Pennisetum) provide structure, color, texture, and movement.

Ground covers are used as a lawn substitute and to soften the edges of gravel walkways and terraces.

See more plants for Mediterranean gardens..

HOW TO PLANT & MAINTAIN A MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

Light. Most Mediterranean plants prefer full sun. Choose a site in your yard that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.

Soil. Mediterranean soils tend to be sandy or rocky. Improve drainage as needed with gravel, sand, or perlite. Don’t over-amend with organic matter such as compost or manure, as most plants prefer leaner soil. Clay or poor draining soil may result in root rot. Build raised beds or rock gardens if needed to improve drainage. Apply a gravel mulch around the crown of plants to keep roots cool, suppress weeds, and retain moisture. For containers, use a high-quality potting mix.

Water. For new plants, water regularly during the first growing season until roots are established. After that, provide supplemental water sparingly during the growing season, depending on your normal rainfall. Increase watering during prolonged hot spells. Check potted plants every 1 to 2 days and water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry. Cacti, succulents, and some native plants may need little or no supplemental water.

Prune. Cut back, prune, or deadhead plants according to individual needs. Prune back lavender and rosemary after flowering to help prevent woody growth.

MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN IDEAS

A patio umbrella provides shade, while a clipped hornbeam hedge, potted palms and succulents lend a Mediterranean look. Designer: JJ DeSousa. Photographer: Janet Loughrey.

Casual loungers in this contemporary garden provide a comfortable place to relax, while accessories offer bright pops of color. Groupings of potted succulents and gravel flooring lend additional Mediterranean appeal. Designer: JJ DeSousa. Photographer: Janet Loughrey.

This gravel patio is used frequently in summer for al fresco dining and friendly gatherings. Colored walls, a water feature, potted succulents, and exuberant plantings complete the Mediterranean look. Gardener: Linda Ernst. Designer: Laura Crockett. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

A cool shaded porch is the site of an intimate seating area. Gardener: Linda Ernst. Designer: Laura Crockett. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

A miniature rock garden includes cacti and succulents, a large potted agave, and bistro chairs to create a Mediterranean feel in this small garden space. Gardeners: Christine and James Mitchell. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Cooling shade is provided by an eastern redbud tree for this inviting seating area featuring warm earth-toned furnishings. Designer: Vanessa Gardner Nagel. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Consider adding a unique feature such as this bocci court. Designer: Vanessa Gardner Nagel. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

A traditional color scheme of azure blue and terracotta is used for a backdrop wall and oversized fountain to create a timeless look. Gardeners: Craig Quirk and Larry Neill. Designer: Laura Crockett. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Plantings of purple lavender and salvia alternate with yellow-flowered santolina, providing a complementary color scheme and fragrance in this Mediterranean-style labyrinth garden. Designer: Laura Crockett. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Mediterranean features in this garden include a terracotta colored wall and an arbor planted with scented jasmine vine. A turquoise ceramic container planted with agave and spiky dracaena adds structure and a complementary pop of color. Gardener: Sherry Sheng. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

A Mediterranean-inspired stone wall and archway provide a welcoming entryway for this garden. The wall is softened with hand painted tiles and trellises with climbing vines. Gardener: Rosemary Grabowiecki. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

An oversized container in warm earth tones is the focal point in this narrow side yard. Gravel and bricks comprise the landing area, while tufts of carex and other plants soften the edges. Gardener: Susan Fries. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

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Mediterranean-style landscaping - key elements

Mediterranean gardens are filled with sunlight, warmth and bright colors. Every time you find yourself in such a garden, it seems to take you to another world - it envelops you with delicious aromas of flowers and herbs, the sounds of flowing water, the shady coolness of pergolas entwined with greenery.

Born in the countryside of southern France, Italy, Greece, this style is known for its effortless elegance. Consider 9key elements that will help you recreate the amazing Mediterranean atmosphere in your backyard.

The Mediterranean garden is reminiscent of a small resort town - the same atmosphere of relaxation and carelessness

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1. Shaded seating areas

An Italian courtyard cannot be imagined without a patio or sun-drenched terrace. Here they enjoy morning coffee, stay up until dark on warm summer evenings. However, during the day it is so hot in the garden that shading is indispensable. Pergolas are widely used to create shady coolness. nine0003

This is a decorative canopy with slatted ceiling, which also serves as a support for climbing plants. Creepers picturesquely twist the walls and roof, fill the air with an amazing aroma, create an atmosphere of solitude and privacy.

Suitable plants for pergolas:

Read more about garden pergolas and plants for them here.

The seating area is positioned so that it offers beautiful views of the garden. To give authenticity, the surface of the site is made of stone or terraced slabs.

The pergola over the terrace gives it a southern flavor

2. Pot garden

A bright and recognizable attribute of the Mediterranean garden - plants in tubs and pots. This is a plus for the Russian climate, because it allows you to plant not only local, but also tropical plants characteristic of Southern Europe - palm trees, orange and lemon trees, myrtle, figs, silver olives. nine0003

Clay and terracotta pots are best used. They can be of various sizes - from huge amphoras to small garden vases. Plants in pots are displayed in the patio, used as focal points, to create multi-level compositions.

Do not forget that plants in containers need to be watered more often than in a flower bed.

3. Gravel filling

Southern summers are hot and often dry. To save moisture and make their work easier, gardeners reduced the number of lawns and replaced them with paving and stone fill. So gravel became an integral element of the Mediterranean garden. nine0003

But this also has its advantages - the territory is easier to care for, the backfill retains moisture and soil structure well, and inhibits the growth of weeds.

Gravel filling instead of lawn

4. Paved areas and garden paths made of stone

Most often used for paving stone, mosaics of pebbles and cobblestones, antique paving slabs in warm shades - light brown, sand, terracotta.

Patio floors, retaining walls, steps between terraces are often decorated with brightly colored ceramics reminiscent of Moorish mosaics. nine0003

Round decking rosettes are ideal for paving small patios

5. Fountains

Another must-have attribute of a Mediterranean garden is a fountain. In the summer heat, jets beating from it cool the hot air and give life-giving moisture to the garden.

The classic version is a multi-tiered design in the form of a round bowl on a stem, decorated with lion heads. But a small fountain or any other water object is also suitable.

It is usually located next to the recreation area, surrounded by plants in pots. nine0003

The sparkle and murmur of the water gives the garden a dynamic and new dimension

6. Conifers, roses and lavender

Aroma is important for a Mediterranean garden. The traditional mix is ​​the smell of pine needles, citrus fruits, roses, lavender and herbs - sage, rosemary, thyme.

When choosing plants, be sure to plant conifers - pines, spruces, firs, arborvitae, junipers. They will be a great alternative to pine trees, which may not take root in our climate.

From shrubs, pay attention to rhododendrons, tamarisks, boxwood, magnolia. nine0003

The authenticity of the Mediterranean garden will be given by decorative cereals and herbs, which are cultivated in large quantities in their homeland.

Another style feature is succulents and drought-resistant plants that are planted on alpine hills and terraced slopes.

Ideally for a Mediterranean-style garden, it is better to choose a mix of various plants

7. Trimmed hedges

The Mediterranean is the birthplace of many classic canons. And, although the style we are considering is far from the classics, some regular features are visible in it - the same fountains, statues, rectangular patio layout. And, of course, sheared hedges and topiary figures. nine0003

Favorite shearing plants are cypress and boxwood. The first is used to create green screens and box hedges, the second - for borders and topiary forms.

Classical Mediterranean landscape - pergola above the terrace, sheared boxwood in flowerpots, lavender border

8. Raised flowerbeds

Raised beds and terraced slopes fit perfectly into the Italian garden concept. They are suitable for plants that prefer well-drained soils and make the gardener's job easier - no need to bend over to care for the flowers. nine0003

Raised flower beds are ideal for rock arrangements.

Mediterranean style - a godsend for sites with difficult terrain

Landscaping project
site design by Sad-dizain

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9. White garden furniture and antique decor therefore, a Mediterranean garden cannot be imagined without comfortable garden furniture. Its invariable attribute is white. These can be white-painted garden benches, teak or wicker chairs and armchairs with white cushions, snow-white plastic furniture.

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The atmosphere of the south coast is accentuated by antique-style accessories and garden decor - amphora-shaped vases, cozy stone grottoes and porticos, statues, planters with flowers against the background of white walls and window shutters.

The main materials of the Mediterranean garden are wood and stone, the main colors are white, sand and terracotta

If you dream of something similar on your site, order a landscape design project in our studio and we will transfer the beauty of the Mediterranean to your garden.

Mediterranean landscape design | GreenMarket

You are on the Mediterranean coast. Around the dense vegetation, lush flowers along the rocky slopes. Arbor, twined with grapes , perfectly protects from the scorching sun of the subtropics. Nearby you can hear the sound of the surf.

Do not be in a hurry to get upset if there is a completely different picture before your eyes. You can bring the Mediterranean style of the garden to your site.

Today we will see what distinguishes it from other styles of landscape design and what plants are typical for it. nine0003

Mediterranean style design

This landscaping style takes us back to the times of ancient Greece and Rome:

Olive and citrus trees , palms, ficuses , laurels and thujas adorn the Mediterranean style. Variegated flowers are balanced by calm lavender .

White, blue, yellow, terracotta colors predominate in the design.

Mediterranean architecture

What distinguishes the Mediterranean style from others is its architecture. Natural and man-made terraces, open gazebos, pergolas, paved areas connected by paths, fountains, small pools and streams are all elements of the landscape. nine0003

Each of them can be used on a spacious plot. On a more modest square - choose the most interesting and practical ones for the Mediterranean style.

In summer you want to spend as much time as possible outside and hide from the sun at the same time, so we'll talk about pavilions and terraces.

Mediterranean style gazebo

The Mediterranean style of the garden involves spacious open gazebos, without walls and sides. The supports are made of wood or in the form of columns, the roof is made of reed or soft tiles. With the help of shape, color and drapery, you can beautifully beat the design. nine0003

Pergola in traditional style and color

Pergola with weaving of grapes

The pergola looks good with grapes - girlish or varietal. It will decorate the frame and create the desired shadow. They weave well and bloom all summer.

It will be doubly pleasant if the air is filled with the aroma of sage , thyme , lavender , rosemary growing nearby.

Mediterranean terrace

The design of the terrace begins with the walls and the floor. The flooring is made of stone or laid out with tiles. Wooden is used much less often.

The walls should also support the Mediterranean theme. It is better if they are laid out of sandstone or decorated to look like it. Marble finish is also a good solution.

Tables, armchairs, benches and other furniture are made in the correct form and in light colors. Often the furniture is left white, and the mood is created with the help of decor.

Complementing a traditional interior with a hanging wicker chair

Terrace interior in Mediterranean style

Perfect fit here:

Although the terrace offers a stunning view of the garden, flowers in containers in the country house will never be superfluous.

Mediterranean garden

In such a garden grow conifers , flowering shrubs , numerous flowers . The Mediterranean natural zone dictates its own conditions, so the plants must be drought-resistant. In our band, this property is also relevant, but it alone will not be enough.

If you do not live in the subtropics and decide to recreate a Mediterranean garden in a temperate climate, take care of wintering. Heat-loving trees and shrubs can be replaced with their frost-resistant counterparts. nine0003

Blue, purple, red and orange in the garden will create a coastal atmosphere.

What plants grow in the garden

Palm tree , lemon , orange and olive tree plant in a pot or tub, because in our climate they will not survive in the open field. In the warm season, they will perfectly fit into the Mediterranean garden, and for the winter it is better to put them in a bright, ventilated room with a temperature of at least + 8 ° C. nine0003

Potted palm tree

Olive trees

Lemon tree

Drought-resistant trees and shrubs grow in the garden:

Cypress and viburnum laurel will easily overwinter in the open ground, if they are well covered with spruce branches or burlap.

A Mediterranean shrub or sub-shrub like thyme will fill the area with a wonderful fragrance. Spicy herbs will support the spirit of coastal regions: sage , lemon balm , mint .

Mediterranean patio

The patio in Spanish houses is an essential attribute of landscape design. The good news is that you can make a patio in the country with your own hands. nine0003

Originally, a patio is a patio adjacent to a house. The site adjoins one of the walls of the house: from the side of the facade or the back of the building. However, you don't have to be tied to the walls. Arrange the site in any place convenient for you.

Think about the purpose for which you plan to use the yard: for romantic evenings, family gatherings, receiving guests. Based on this, determine the desired size and place for the platform. The flooring itself is best done with stone, but tile and treated wood work well too. nine0003

For a patio design that is as close to the south of Europe as possible, use wooden furniture with plain covers in light shades and white and blue stripes, rocking chairs, deck chairs, painted pots and vases.

Traditional style patio

Patio with fireplace

It's not that hard to create a Mediterranean style garden in your summer house.

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