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Small mediterranean garden ideas


How to create a Mediterranean garden: design inspiration

(Image credit: Abigail Rex)

Recreating the feel of a Mediterranean garden is easier than you might imagine. Plus, with predictions of continuing hot, dry summers, making our gardens more resistant to drought is increasingly important.

A Mediterranean garden brims with low maintenance, fragrant and architectural plants; gravel and paving takes the places of time-consuming lawns, and seating areas and potted plants abound, so incorporate some or all of these elements into your Mediterranean garden ideas to recreate the feel of sunnier climes. 

The planting palette for a mediterranean garden

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

'Herbaceous plantings in dry Mediterranean landscapes are risky; the more herbaceous planting there is, the more hay there will be in the all important summer months. While that spring flush is a real joy, the garden must hang on through the drier months of the year,' explains award winning garden designer James Basson of Scape Design .

'Evergreen shrubs form the bulk of our plantings i a Mediterranean garden; they are the most reliable for interest.  Shrubs may stop flowering but they hang around all summer and show a variety of texture and form. Plants like Pistacia lentiscus or Juniperus phoenicea are really important so that the structure is very long lived,' James adds.

Mediterranean garden plants to include

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Evoking the feel of a Mediterranean garden involves experimenting with an array of different plants. 

You needn’t live in Italy or Spain to incorporate herbs, shrubs and flowers from such countries into your flower bed ideas – you can recreate the feel in a sheltered spot in a border or on the patio. 

Many drought tolerant Mediterranean plants are those you'll have on a list for planning a dry garden. 

'Mediterranean plants are often short lived, and without a careful eye will die out and fade away. The practice in a Mediterranean garden is to prune, to extend the structural quality of the plants when they grow too fast and to selectively weed out plants that we do not want, to leave plants to self-seed where we want them. The longevity of the vegetation is a real part of the selection process,' explains James Basson.

In late winter in a Mediterranean garden you’ll often see acacias and citrus trees in their full glory; in spring crocuses, ornamental grasses, annuals and cistus take centre stage, and into the summer it’s bougainvilleas, pelargoniums, scented herbs, oleander and olive trees that we’re most familiar with. Then, in fall, there’s a smaller burst of beauty with the likes of cyclamen and fall crocuses, with rosemary often flowering the year round, and architectural palms adding height and Riviera glamor. 

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Classic plant choices for a Mediterranean garden include:

'Ornamental grasses are useful as they create the glue that can help blend the herbaceous and the shrubby plantings. Good summer structure grasses, such as Hyparrhenia hirta, will give year round interest even once they have gone over to dormancy in the summer months,' says James Basson.

How to plant in a Mediterranean garden

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Spring is an ideal time for planting a Mediterranean garden, when the soil has warmed up a little, and to avoid the root rot after wet, cold winters.

Select the right plant for the right place, considering both soil and aspect. The closest you can mimic a plant's native growing conditions the more chance it will thrive with little maintenance required.

'Mediterranean plants have evolved to enjoy long, sunny days, where excellent light quality is key, so avoid planting in the shade of large trees,' advises Peter Jones, garden manager at RHS Wisley .

Peter offers the following tips for planting:

Many drought tolerant plants will form communities of plants and a key to this style is repeating planting of just a few choices, rather than lots of variety.

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

A sunny slope is ideal for creating a Mediterranean garden style as the drought tolerant plants prefer free-draining soil, but any sunny area will work well, with a gravel mulch to keep the crowns dry and to provide an appropriate background. 

Consider evoking romantic, windswept sand dunes by weaving a wooden boardwalk through your Mediterranean garden. Take inspiration from rock garden ideas and edge with rugged rocks and gravel to reflect the coastline. Plant ornamental grasses and shrubs that mimic the wild scrubland found in arid areas. 

Make the most of dry soil conditions by planting a combination of Stipa gigantea (golden oats), Santolina chamaecyparissus (cotton lavender), nepeta (catmint), salvia and small hebes. 

Landscaping a Mediterranean garden

(Image credit: Miriam Heppell/Alamy)

When designing a Mediterranean garden, 'we are keen to work with the natural conditions that make up the surrounding landscape, which we feel helps link our gardens to their sense of place,' explains James Basson of Scape Design.

'The natural landscape of the Mediterranean is mineral; there is a lot of stone. The presence of stone for us breathes space throughout our plantings. It is the pause, the silence between the notes. The irrigated lawn has no place in the Mediterranean, so it is stone, sand, gravel that creates this breath. We use gravel to help manage the competition for space by the plants,' he adds.

Gravel and warm-toned paving are typical of Mediterranean garden style, with terraces created for outdoor dining.

To avoid plants self-seeding in a gravel garden, place landscape fabric over the soil and cut crosses to insert the plants, then add a layer of gravel between. Choose a gravel color to complement that other elements and materials of hard landscaping in the garden.

For a small garden idea this is a practical option, dispensing with high maintenance lawns and instead using gravel or paving as the basis for the design, softened with ground cover and an assortment of containers.

Create relaxed, informal spaces, surrounded by textural, fragrant planting and rustic detailing. It takes some planning to create this weathered atmosphere, with structure and planting working together.

(Image credit: Future / Nicolas Saphieha)

Terraced levels with stone walls, natural stone paving and limewashed walls are also common, or inject some color and pattern with mosaic details in walls, step risers or patios.

'The dry stone wall speaks of the landscape, it is the product of the material to hand. It is without doubt a significant part of the budget for any Mediterranean garden but it is worth doing properly. These walls breathe life into a garden creating level changes and shaping the space,' explains James Basson.

Creating shade in a Mediterranean garden

(Image credit: Future / David Cleveland)

The Mediterranean climate is defined by the summer sun so structures in the garden that offer shade are crucial.

'Pergola ideas and places in the shade are an important part of the Mediterranean garden, without which there is no respite from the intense bright light and heat,' explains James Basson.

'Reed or ‘split cane’ covers, and vegetation perform best in this climate as they create shade but allow for the air to circulate,' he adds.

Flowering climbers or evergreen climbers can be trained to scramble over a pergola or arbour to add both shade, scent and beautiful blooms to enjoy.

Water features in a Mediterranean garden

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

Many Mediterranean gardens include pool ideas. 

'Water in the garden gives real value to the quality of space, we feel soothed, and without the presence of water we are soon baked by the summer heat. Pools are in themselves very alien environments to the landscape, so we try to include them by using natural materials and colors,' says James Basson.

Also consider the inclusion of other water features to add a soothing, cooling and calming element. 'Even in the driest of landscapes water emerges, typically at the base of walls at the end of slopes. We are drawn to water and so we incorporate water into Mediterranean gardens to help bring energy and life to areas. The water features that we create often have a brimming quality – this also helps create a general sense of abundance,' says James.

Using pots in a Mediterranean garden

A lemon tree in a pot in the gardens of the summer residence of Elena Piletra. Villa near Lucca in Tuscany, Italy

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Terracotta pots filled with zingy, vibrant flowers, citrus trees or architectural palms or yucca plants are hallmarks of a Mediterranean garden.

Include containers in various sizes, smaller pots for lining walls and displaying in groups, and large, oversized containers to make a statement as part of your courtyard ideas.

Ensure any containers have good drainage and fill the bottom of the pots with crocs or stones before adding the compost to aid drainage. 

Position the pots in a sunny, sheltered area of the garden, and water only when the compost feels dry. The tender plants can then be moved indoors for winter if you live in cooler climates.

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

What is a Mediterranean garden style?

Mediterranean garden style refers to the garden features of countries that surround the Mediterranean sea – such as Spain, France, Greece and Italy. Some plants that are grown in the Mediterranean are genuine Med natives, while others are from similar climates in California, South Africa or South America, but all are adapted to the Mediterranean climate. 

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

In the wild Mediterranean, plants enjoy damp and relatively mild winters followed by dry, sunny summers. Many grow through the winter, flower in the spring, set seed then take a break. 

In a Mediterranean garden, most plants enjoy sunshine and good drainage and, although they need winter moisture, they hate winter sogginess. Many, especially bulbs, appreciate dry – even parched – summer soil.

What plants grow in a Mediterranean garden?

There are many options for plants that grow in a Mediterranean garden. Many of the plants you see in these summer hot spots will grow quite happily anywhere if given a sunny, sheltered spot and soil with good drainage.

And as climate change starts to have an impact on gardens, more and more areas already have similar growing conditions – low rainfall, summer sunshine and dry winters – to those in the Med, making plants native to this area ideal for a hosepipe-free plot. 

(Image credit: Future / Simon Scarboro)

A few simple terracotta pots – the classic choice for Mediterranean garden containers – planted with colorful pelargoniums and freshly-leaved succulents will recreate the spirit of a Greek balcony. 

Or you could transform a sun-baked seating area into an Italian-inspired terrace, surrounding it with herbs like oregano, thyme and bay. Add a pergola, then plant scented climbers or grow a vine – the leafy canopy will also provide welcome dappled shade. 

How do I make my garden Mediterranean?

Creating a Mediterranean garden is easier than you might think. If you have room to spare and a mild location with free-draining soil, you could easily mimic the style. 

Use a tree, such as an olive or a hardy palm as a focal point, then add shrubs and perennials, such as the Portuguese laurel, euphorbias and genista. Plant fragrant flowers like jasmine and lavender – as their perfumes are released, they’ll conjure up happy memories of sun-baked escapes.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Scarboro)

Mediterranean winters tend to be cold and dry, so native plants can be surprisingly hardy. But when prolonged cold is combined with wet, they will suffer. If your soil isn’t naturally free-draining, be sure to dig in plenty of grit; alternatively, consider building some raised beds to improve drainage.

Growing these plants in containers is another option, particularly if you have heavy clay soil, or live somewhere with high rainfall. Pots also have the bonus of being easily moved under cover in fall.  

Whether you simply want to add a touch of the Med or embrace its planting wholeheartedly, Mediterranean garden ideas are surprisingly easy to create.  

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

Mediterranean garden ideas: 14 gorgeous ways to plant and style your plot

(Image credit: Alamy)

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Our favorite Mediterranean garden ideas will bring a flavor of hot, sunny climes straight to your outdoor space. And, as it turns out, recreating the look is much easier than you might think.

In fact, many of the plants we already grow in our plots originate in hot countries. So, adding a Mediterranean vibe could simply be a question of arranging and adding to what you already have to highlight the theme. But it's not all about the plants – from rich color schemes and soothing water features to shaded alfresco dining zones, Mediterranean garden ideas inspire relaxed, outdoor living all year round.

Want to know more? Read on for easy ways to add a touch of the Med to your space, then head to our garden design ideas for more outdoor inspiration. 

 What is a Mediterranean garden style?

Line a pathway with Mediterranean-style planting

(Image credit: Alamy)

Pale gravel, tiled patios and walls painted in vibrant shades of terracotta, mustard, azure blue and white all instantly conjure up the mood of these sun-soaked spaces. Plant with fragrant and silver-leaved beauties such as santolina, Caryopteris clandonensis, artemesia and of course – lavender and add in potted feature plants such as a stately Chusan palm or olive tree. 

Scented and glossy leaved climbers clambering over a pergola will provide shade for an atmospheric spot for dining. And, dotted with flickering lanterns come evening it will be hard to recall whether you are at home or away.

These Mediterranean garden ideas below will fill you with even more inspiration...

1. Add a Tuscan-inspired outdoor kitchen

Wall painted in 'Tuscan Red 140'  intelligent masonry paint, and table legs and plant pot in 'Grey Teal 226' intelligent exterior eggshell, both by Little Greene

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Rustic-style outdoor kitchen ideas are a surefire way to recreate the Mediterranean vibe. Pair deep terracotta details with pared-back furniture and decorative paving and your space will instantly be transported to sunnier climes. Cover the space with a wooden pergola for a more sheltered feel.

Of course, one of the best pizza ovens will make a wonderful addition, too.

2. Use repeat planting for your Mediterranean garden ideas

Potted pelargoniums make a vibrant impact for Mediterranean garden ideas

(Image credit: Isabel Pavia/Getty Images)

Unlike English cottage garden ideas, which tend to be a wonderful jumble of plants, Mediterranean garden ideas require a restricted planting palette with the same plant used repeatedly.

The plants used in this way often have a neat, mound-like growing habit – lavender and santolina, for example. After they've flowered, closely trim them and they will carry on adding architectural interest right though the year. Tightly clipped mounds of box, grouped in clusters or arranged in a row alongside a path, add just the right note too.

Try also repeating cistus, eryngium, hebe and euphorbia though the space. Euphorbia mellifera is a large evergreen that has small, amber-colored flowers in early summer. For even more impact, go for Euphorbia wulfenii – it has big, acid-green flowers in early summer and can be a real show-stopper. 

Alternatively, Euphorbia cyparissias is very useful en masse as ground cover. With fern-like foliage and yellow flowers that last right though the summer months, it's low-growing and will spread slowly and manageably. 

In a fairly large garden, narrow, upright Italian cypress trees look good planted at intervals along a pathway or used as punctuation points in a border (and although a less obvious source of fragrance, they give off a lovely pine scent when you brush against them).

Mediterranean garden ideas are made complete with a mass of potted pelargoniums. Use these vibrant beauties to liven up dull corners, a flight of steps or to pep up borders of silver-leaved stars such as lavender and rosemary. Although there are plenty of vivid shades to choose from, stick to the same color for maximum impact. 

3. Choose low-maintenance gravel

Gravel gardens work well for Mediterranean garden ideas

(Image credit: Alamy)

Nothing sets off Mediterranean plants better than pale-colored gravel. And, if you use a good-quality, water-permeable weed-suppressing membrane underneath, it's a quick and easy, low-maintenance way of transforming even the most unpromising of spaces. 

The light color of the gravel will help to reflect heat back onto the plants and you can soften the edges where gravel meets a pathway by allowing thyme, oregano or marjoram to spill over onto it. Cut them back as soon as they’ve flowered to keep them looking neat and fresh, and to prevent them sprawling too far. Add extra interest by arranging large stones and small boulders in a naturalistic way across the gravel. Contributing to the relaxed and easy vibe of Mediterranean gardens, pale gravel is also perfect for showing off tall, sun loving plants and vibrant blooms. Our small rock garden ideas feature has lots more inspiration.

Opt for angular chippings between 10mm and 20mm for garden path ideas or areas where you are likely to walk, as this size is less likely to get caught in wheels and under shoes. Finer shingle, measuring between 6mm to 8mm, is perfect for spreading around plants and on borders.

4. Create some shade for your seating

Set-up from John Lewis

(Image credit: John Lewis)

The best Mediterranean gardens have somewhere shady to retreat to when the sun gets too hot. Using a sturdy pergola over your patio ideas is the perfect way to recreate this at home. 

It's the ideal opportunity to introduce climbers to your scheme too, making the most of the often-overlooked vertical space in a garden. Try a grapevine, which will look fabulous when its fat, juicy bunches of grapes hang down over your seating area in late summer. Be sure to choose a sweet dessert variety – 'Leon Millot' is ideal. Or, train a stunning campsis (Campsis radicans) with its large, brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers, over the structure. The hardy variety 'Madame Galen' is a good choice.

Finish the scene with some stylish garden furniture ideas – you'll have the perfect space to relax and entertain friends alfresco in no time.

5. Paint pergolas black

Pergola painted with Protek wood stain

(Image credit: Protek/Justin Coakley/@design_at_nineteen)

Painting the timbers of your pergola ideas black will not only add drama and structure to your Mediterranean garden ideas but is great for highlighting climbers too.

Star Jasmine (Trachelospernum Jasminoides) will cover a pergola in no time and fill the seating area with a delicious scent, evocative of sun filled vacations. The glossy leaves are evergreen too, so perfect for added winter interest. 

If you fancy something less delicate, you can't beat a passion flower (Passiflora caerulea). The striking star shaped blooms are also fragrant and followed with egg-size orange and yellow fruit in Autumn. Try variety 'Constance Eliott' for pure white flowers with striking stamens – it'll make a wonderful contrast against dark backdrops.

6. Go large with Mediterranean-inspired pots

Agapanthus will grow really well in a pot rather than in the open ground 

(Image credit: Alamy )

Oversized pots and planters are characteristic of Mediterranean garden ideas and terracotta is the obvious choice, with its warm color, tactile feel and ability to soak up and reflect back the heat of the summer sun. Be sure to invest in frost-proof terracotta though. It's a little more expensive, but it will make it through cold winters unscathed whereas cheaper versions may shatter as soon as the thermometer dips below freezing.

Choose plants for your pots carefully. True Mediterranean-style choices will not only look the part, but they'll also be able to cope with near-drought conditions, meaning you’ll need to spend far less time wielding a watering can or best garden hose over the summer. Colorful pelargoniums are ideal (red or shocking pink varieties look stunning against the pinky tones of terracotta pots) and osteospermums and gazanias both work well too. These are all tender, so will need bringing into a cool, frost-free greenhouse or porch over the winter.

One plant that does better in a pot than in the open ground is agapanthus, making it an ideal candidate for a large terracotta urn. Opt for a variety with either pale or dark blue flowers, or go for icy white. Whichever one you choose will instantly add a touch of Mediterranean sophistication.

Fig trees produce more fruit when their roots are confined in a pot too – and what better way to remember a fabulous holiday abroad than being able to pluck a perfectly ripe fig, still warm from the sun, from your very own tree?

If you're short of planting space, bay trees are happy in large pots – and they have the added bonus that their aromatic leaves can be used fresh or dried in Mediterranean-style cooking too.

Looking for more inspiration? Head over to our container gardening ideas feature.

 

7. ...and use them to make a focal point

Paint pots as part of your Mediterranean garden ideas for an eye-catching twist

(Image credit: itsabreeze photography/Getty Images)

If terracotta feels a little 'meh' for your space, why not treat your pots to a splash of color? We love the deep cobalt blue and sunny yellow tones in the set-up above.

Masonry paint is your best bet for this job, try Little Greene’s 'Mambo' for a vivid shade of Med blue or their 'Route One ' if a dash of turquoise is more your thing.

Fill with tumbling herbs and foliage plants such as delicate asparagus ferns (Asparagus aethiopicus syn. Asparagus densiflorus) and purple leaved Tradescantia – try Zebrina 'Violet' for stunning color – for a real head-turning focal point.

8. Choose Mediterranean plants for your garden

Echinops add structure to Mediterranean garden ideas

(Image credit: David Burton/Getty Images)

The foliage of plants native to hot countries is often silver-colored and there's a reason for this. It deflects the burning heat of the sun and helps them to conserve water. 

While that may not be so vital when we grow them in a cooler climate, the great thing about silvery foliage is that it looks good on its own but also partners well with other colors, so it's a perfect starting point for a border. 

Try these to bring an instant flavor of Mediterranean gardens to your outdoor space:

Looking for more flowerbed ideas? Take a look at our feature.

9. Mix in some Mediterranean colors

Wall painted in 'Smalt 255' intelligent masonry paint and chair in 'French Grey – Mid 162' intelligent exterior eggshell, both from Little Greene

(Image credit: Little Greene)

In hot countries, pastels and ochres look fantastic as the backdrop to plants. But, in countries like the UK where the skies can be grey as often as blue, these tones can look a little washed out. So, when it comes to your Mediterranean garden ideas, consider ramping things up a notch or two when it comes to painting walls, garden fence ideas and shed ideas by introducing a vibrant color. Mid-blue works well, as does purple. Don't overdo it, though. Most of your color should come from the planting itself and the backdrop shouldn't fight with that.

Painting a single wall or alcove a vibrant shade is often enough to conjure up that hot and sultry Mediterranean mood. Use it as a backdrop to show off a single stately palm or tree or add rustic timber shelves to line up potted treasures. As Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene says, 'You don't need to revamp the whole facade to make an impact, a simple update such as painting an exterior wall to offset patio furniture can make the whole home feel renewed.'

'"Carmine " or "Smalt " look fantastic paired with green foliage and terracotta pots, or update a tired brick wall with "Ashes of Roses " which is a fantastic color for adding a warm Mediterranean feel to any exterior,' she adds.

Raw and tactile materials such as brick, limestone and acacia will intensify the color further and help create a permanently sunny and laidback vibe.

10. Improve your soil

Heavy soil isn't ideal for Mediterranean gardens. Opt for raised beds or large containers instead

(Image credit: Alamy)

If your garden has light, sandy soil, you're all set. But drought-loving plants for Mediterranean gardens hate sitting in cold, wet ground over winter, so if your garden is on clay it's best to mix in plenty of gravel before you start as this will help with drainage. 

Where frequent waterlogging is likely, it’s best to put plants in pots or in raised garden beds rather than in the ground.

11. Opt for fragrant herbs

Rosemary is a lovely addition as part of your Mediterranean garden ideas

(Image credit: Rosmarie Wirz/Getty Images)

On a Mediterranean hillside in high summer, the first thing that hits you is usually the wonderful scent of lavender and thyme. By positioning them in full sun, so the essential oils in the foliage will be drawn out to the max, they will quickly fill your garden with their aroma too.

Other woody herbs such as rosemary, sage and winter savory (which has a similar fragrance – and flavour – to thyme) also work well. Plant them next to a path or seating area so you can enjoy the delicious scent, or pot up smaller herbs such as thyme, marjoram and oregano to display on an outdoor dining table.

Need a hand getting started? Check out our guide on how to create a herb garden.

Try a potted palm with your Mediterranean garden ideas for a burst of green

(Image credit: Alamy)

If you have space, an olive tree works brilliantly as a focal point. Although they grow on sun-baked hillsides in the Med, they will cope with a cool winter in a sheltered spot. If you live in a colder climate, it's best to grow an olive tree in a pot and bring it under cover once the weather begins to turn in autumn.

Hardy palms and yuccas lend an instant Mediterranean vibe to the space too, or how about the feathery foliage of a tamarisk with its froth of pink flowers in summer? In spring, you could have a similar cloud of pink with a Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), which will be smothered in small, pea-like flowers on bare branches in April and May.

If you love the idea of blossom, be sure to take a look at our guide on the best flowering trees.

13.

Or, try planting a citrus tree

Orange or lemon trees make wonderful additions to Mediterranean garden ideas. Set-up from John Lewis

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Citrus trees with their delicious scent and iconic fruit simply ooze Mediterranean charm. Happy to grow in pots, most varieties of orange and lemon can stay outside where temperatures are above 10°C, although kumquats can tolerate temperatures as low as 7°C. 

Move them into a greenhouse or conservatory during colder snaps. They are naturally hungry plants, so pot them up with specialist citrus compost and feed with a high nitrogen feed during the summer.

14. Try a soothing water feature

Water feature from A Place In The Garden

(Image credit: A Place in the Garden)

If water can play a key part in your Mediterranean garden ideas, so much the better. Its presence will add a cooling feel and the sound of it gently trickling over a surface is extremely relaxing.

Self-contained water features are hassle free and perfect for gardens big or small. Choose a freestanding design for the perfect centrepiece that can be enjoyed from all sides, or a neat back-to-wall fountain, such as this design above, which is ideal for courtyards and seating areas. Complete with a concealed reservoir and recirculating submersible pump – most designs simply plug into an outdoor power point.

Find more inspiration in our water feature ideas feature.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and is lucky to be able to write about her two main passions: gardening and food. She recently took on an allotment too, and is really loving growing all her own fruit and veg then bringing it home to try out in new recipes for her food and gardening blog, A Cook's Plot .

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Madoc walling captures the beauty of natural stacked field stone in an easy to build wall block. The authentic appearance of dry laid, natural stone is achieved by reproducing the profiles of a number of stones in a single, easy to handle, "Z" shaped Madoc block. Madoc can be used for garden walls, piers, steps, outdoor kitchens, firepits, seat walls, waterfalls, planters, and raised gardens. FREE CATALOG: http://nicolock.com/homeowner-tools/catalog/catalog-request More Product Information: http://nicolock.com/products/bradstone/walls/madoc-wall

Mediterranean landscaping - key elements

Mediterranean gardens are filled with sunshine, warmth and vibrant 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.

This is a decorative canopy with a slatted ceiling that 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.

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.

But this also has its advantages - it is easier to take care of the territory, the filling 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, mosaic 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.

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 leg, 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.

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 bushes, pay attention to rhododendrons, tamarisks, boxwood, magnolia.

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. 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.

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

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