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Mediterranean gardens

Mediterranean Garden Design Style

There’s something about the casual sophistication of a Mediterranean garden that makes them more alluring. Imagine a sun-drenched garden with fragrant herbs, vibrant flowers, and rustic stone pathways, a style that easily reminds you of the scenic landscapes of Southern Europe – we’re talking about the charming gardens we often see in Greece, Spain, Italy, and France.

Key Takeaways

Defining a Mediterranean garden

As its name suggests, Mediterranean gardens are inspired by the alluring seaside landscapes of Southern Europe. What is often envisioned when talking about the Mediterranean garden style is a sun-drenched garden thriving with soothing herbs and bright flowering plants.

Key principles

Designing a Mediterranean garden is easier when considering the following key principles: incorporating drought-tolerant plants, using natural Mediterranean-themed decor, and creating outdoor spaces like patios to cement its Mediterranean inspiration.

Benefits

Mediterranean gardens are easy to maintain since they’re adaptable to various climates and usage of drought-tolerant plants entails reduced water consumption. Simply put, a Mediterranean-style outdoor space is an environment that’s only only charming, but also sustainable.

Essential elements

A Mediterranean garden stands out by its use of natural colour palette, rustic decorations, drought-tolerant plants, and an outdoor living space that reminds you of Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal.

Plant choices

Mediterranean gardens use drought-tolerant plants to withstand hot, dry summers. Popular choices to complete your outdoor space’s Mediterranean style are flowering plants like lavender and bougainvillaea, trees such as olive and dragon trees, as well as herbs like rosemary.

Understanding and defining Mediterranean garden aesthetic

The Mediterranean garden aesthetic evokes the relaxed lifestyle of countries in Southern Europe. When incorporating this vibe into your own garden, this entails using hardy, drought-resistant plants, natural stone, and rustic decorations. The goal is to achieve a warm, inviting garden that reflects the beauty of coastal regions in countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece.

The Mediterranean climate is similar to many parts of Southern Australia, although you can still create your own Mediterranean oasis from wherever you are with careful planning and designing. Of course, you also need to let nature do its thing.

Key principles of Mediterranean gardens:

Usage of drought-tolerant plants: It’s practical to use plants that thrive in dry conditions and require minimal water.
Natural Mediterranean-inspired materials: Incorporate materials like terracotta, stone, and wood to create a rustic look.
Outdoor experience: Design spaces to promote outdoor activities and relaxation, such as patios and seating areas.

Why Mediterranean gardens are perfect for any setting

Mediterranean gardens are highly romanticised with their sun-drenched landscapes, ancient olive trees, vibrant blooms, and rustic country homes. Still, the Mediterranean garden design blends form and function, making it ideal for various settings.

What’s more, its emphasis on drought-tolerant plants and natural materials creates a garden that is both environmentally friendly and low-maintenance.

Benefits of Mediterranean garden design:

Adapts to different climates
Supports a variety of drought-tolerant plant species
Creates a vibrant, thriving outdoor space
Promotes relaxation and outdoor living
Offers an inviting ambiance to any outdoor area

Essential elements of a Mediterranean garden

To design a Mediterranean garden that feels authentic and inviting, consider the following important factors:

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Selecting the right Mediterranean garden plants

When you picture Mediterranean gardens, they most likely consist of sun drenched landscapes, olive trees, courtyards with bougainvillaea, and rustic country homes lined with lavender. Of course, there are dozens of other plant choices but it’s best to keep in mind that the plants you choose can make or break your Mediterranean garden’s authenticity.

As a practical rule, opt for plant species native to the Mediterranean regions that are drought-tolerant. Top picks include olive trees, lavender, sage, and rosemary. It’s also important to use plants with vibrant colours. Climbing plants like bougainvillaea are a popular choice. And, to create a varied texture in your garden, it’s wise to combine soft plants like lavender with structural elements like cypress trees.

Always opt for classics

Lavender: Fragrant purple flowers and drought-resistant.
Olive Trees: Silvery-green foliage and shade.

Sparkling blooms

Bougainvillaea: Vibrant, climbing flowers that are always popular.
Heartleaf ice plant: Produces bright magenta-red flowers for brighter blooms.

Ground cover and border plants:

Thyme: Edges pathways and fills gaps, plus a useful herb.
Sedum: Unique and easily captures attention that’s also a low-maintenance ground cover.

Achieving the perfect Mediterranean garden starts with understanding its key elements and principles. Once that’s done, you can let your ideas and goals (guided by budget, of course) take the front seat of your planning!

You can also use our garden style plant calculator to figure out which plants suit your garden best based on its area size and layout.