How to design a Mediterranean garden: easy design ideas
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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Mediterranean gardens invoke the feeling of being on holiday and are ideally suited to warm south-facing gardens. This guide on Mediterranean gardens will show you my top hints and tips for creating a gorgeous garden space. So grab your suncream and lets go on a garden design holiday together!
Mediterranean gardens are the true sun worshippers of the garden design styles. Using plants that love full sun and earthy tones these spaces can become an oasis of calm in your back garden. Even if you aren't blessed with the south-facing garden you can still steal some of the principles of the hot Mediterranean garden styles and apply them to any garden!
I'm going to share my top garden design tips for creating a Mediterranean garden space where you can leave your everyday worries behind! Let's design a Mediterranean garden!
A Mediterranean garden takes its inspiration and theme from those warmer European geographies around France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. These countries have a climate of hot, dry summers and cool humid winters. A hilly and sometimes arid landscape also characterises them.
An easy way to think of this it to consider the summer holiday destination in Europe from UK sunseekers. Hot climates, dry breezes and plenty of scented, aromatic and foliage rich plants!
These gardens often showcase warm hues of blue, purple, and terracotta, with stone pathways, terracotta pots, and tiled courtyards creating texture and visual interest. Water features such as fountains and pools add a sense of tranquillity, while outdoor living spaces with seating areas and shaded pergolas provide inviting spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Overall, Mediterranean gardens aim to create an oasis-like atmosphere that celebrates the beauty and warmth of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Features of a Mediterranean garden
Mediterranean gardens are one of the garden styles that fit perfectly into either a formal or informal garden design style. Meaning that these gardens can either fit into a very symmetrical formal design style or a more relaxed laid-back approach. They are one of the few design styles to work brilliantly in either formal or informal layouts.
These gardens may invoke the warm earthy tones of the Med with terracotta and gravel amidst silvery-green foliage of drought-tolerant plants. You want to replicate that warm, relaxed atmosphere often found on the Med, where things happen when they happen. An emphasis on community, family, relaxation, and socializing is key to these successful gardens.
Formal Meditteranean gardens may feature ceramics, sculpture, topiary, or even Moorish symmetrical designs. They are versatile, providing you get enough sun and have free-draining soil. However, with careful plant selection, even a garden that features some shade can be designed to replicate the feelings and structure of a Mediterranean hot garden!
Mediterranean gardens will feature shaded areas for seating away from the midday sun. They may also use a variety of heights in their designs, whether that's from established trees, large terracotta pots, arbours, or fountains.
Water is usually a key component to help heighten the smells of the aromatic plants and to bring a sense of cool to the garden. Muted pastel colours may be used to give the illusion of sun-bleached window frames or paintings. These gardens look like they have been there for years and give a sense of effortless relaxation. Though in reality, they require careful planning and garden design to get right.
Sometimes though, rules are broken in these Mediterranean gardens, I visited Vittoriale degli italiani when I traveled to Lake Garda in Italy. The Vittoriale degli italiani is a bizare estate. It is where the Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio lived after his defenestration in 1922 until his death in 1938.
Controversial for many reasons in part due to the political funding its creator was given to keep him away from the fascist political critique he held, it features a number of what can only be described as bonkers garden installations. One of which features a cruiser boat jutting out from the mountain. However, the plant choices are still based on those of traditional Mediterranean gardens, even if used in a somewhat one-of-a-kind fashion!
Just your average full-size boat sticking out of a Mediterranean garden in Vittoriale degli italiani!
Let's delve deeper into the main features of a Mediterranean garden style with additional details:
1. Use of Terracotta
Terracotta pots, urns, and containers are not only functional for planting but also serve as decorative elements.
The earthy tones of terracotta complement the warm color palette often found in Mediterranean gardens, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
Terracotta containers are typically filled with colourful flowering plants or aromatic herbs, adding bursts of colour and fragrance throughout the garden.
Very few gardens are baked all day in Sun
2. Stone Elements
Stone pathways meander through the garden, guiding visitors and providing opportunities for leisurely strolls.
Dry-stacked stone walls terrace sloping terrain, creating defined planting areas and adding visual interest to the landscape.
Boulders and rock outcroppings are strategically placed to mimic natural rock formations and anchor the garden design.
3. Water Features
Central to many Mediterranean gardens, water features range from simple wall-mounted fountains to elaborate tiered cascades.
Water channels or rills may wind through the garden, reflecting sunlight and adding a soothing soundtrack of trickling water.
Reflecting pools mirror the surrounding vegetation and sky, enhancing the sense of serenity and tranquillity in the garden.
4. Arbours and Pergolas
Wooden or wrought-iron arbours provide support for climbing plants such as bougainvillaea, jasmine, or grapevines, creating shaded walkways and arches.
Pergolas offer a shaded retreat for outdoor dining or relaxation, often adorned with billowing curtains or climbing roses for added privacy and ambiance.
5. Mediterranean Plants
Drought-tolerant plants with silvery foliage like lavender, santolina, and olive trees thrive in the sun-drenched conditions typical of Mediterranean gardens.
Citrus trees, including lemon, orange, and mandarin, provide ornamental value and a harvest of fragrant fruits.
Cypress trees add verticality to the garden landscape, their slender forms evoking the timeless beauty of Mediterranean vistas.
6. Colourful Tiles
Hand-painted ceramic tiles or mosaic designs adorn walls, steps, and tabletops, infusing the garden with vibrant hues and intricate patterns.
Geometric motifs, floral designs, and Moorish-inspired patterns pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region, adding layers of visual interest to the garden.
7. Outdoor Living Spaces
Secluded courtyards and shaded alcoves offer intimate settings for outdoor gatherings, shaded from the intense midday sun.
Built-in seating areas with cushioned benches or low walls provide comfortable seating options for lounging and socializing.
8. Herb Gardens
Fragrant herb gardens are a staple of Mediterranean landscapes, with raised beds or terracotta containers overflowing with culinary and aromatic herbs.
Thyme, oregano, and marjoram form dense groundcovers, releasing their heady fragrance with every step.
Basil, parsley, and cilantro thrive in sunny spots, ready to be harvested for fresh salads and savory dishes.
9. Gravel or Pea Gravel Paths
Gravel pathways wind through the garden, their crunchy texture underfoot adding to the sensory experience.
Pea gravel, with its smooth, rounded stones, provides a soft contrast to the rugged texture of stone walls and terracotta pots.
Gravel paths are edged with low-growing plants or bordered by decorative stones, maintaining their defined shape while blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
10. Mature Plantings
Mediterranean gardens often feature mature plantings that give the impression of age and permanence.
Trees and shrubs are pruned to maintain their natural form, with occasional bursts of new growth adding to the dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
Groundcovers such as creeping thyme or trailing rosemary spill over pathways and walls, softening hard edges and creating a sense of abundance.
These features combine to create a Mediterranean garden style that is both visually captivating and environmentally sustainable, reflecting the region's timeless beauty and cultural heritage.
Mediterranean Plants Suitable for the UK
Whilst there are many lists of true Meditteranean plants online, many are only suitable for very warm climates. Our cold, wet winters often finish them unless they are overwintered in a greenhouse or conservatory. However, there are several Mediterranean plants that can be managed in our milder climates. Artemisia is a great, tough example of a gorgeous deciduous shrub that gives that silvery-green look so well known in hot gardens of the med!
Artemisia (shown above) is a tough Mediterranean shrub suitable for all sunny gardens in the UK. Below is a list of hardy Mediterranean-style plants to help bring the illusion of the warmer European climates to your back garden here in Britain.
Lavender is most commonly associated with Mediterranean gardens, but there are so many more options!
Benefits of Mediterranean Garden Design Styles
Despite the challenges, there are several benefits to implementing a Mediterranean garden design style in the UK:
Visual Appeal: Mediterranean gardens are known for their lush greenery, vibrant colours, and aromatic herbs, creating a visually stunning and inviting outdoor space. The use of colourful flowering plants, terracotta pots, and textured foliage can add interest and charm to any garden setting. In particular they can turn a blank new build garden into something that evokes the feelings of a warm holiday!
Low Maintenance: Once established, Mediterranean plants are often drought-tolerant and require minimal watering, making them well-suited to the UK's unpredictable climate and reducing the need for constant maintenance. Additionally, gravel pathways and stone features require less upkeep than traditional lawns and flower beds.
Year-Round Interest: Many Mediterranean plants are evergreen or have long flowering seasons, providing year-round interest and colour in the garden. With a careful selection of plant species, you can create a vibrant and attractive garden throughout the seasons, even during the colder months.
Aromatic Fragrance: Mediterranean gardens are renowned for their aromatic herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme, which release delightful scents when brushed against or crushed underfoot. Incorporating fragrant plants into your garden design can enhance the sensory experience and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Wildlife Habitat: Mediterranean plants attract a variety of beneficial insects, pollinators, and birds, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance in the garden. By choosing native or non-invasive plant species, you can create a habitat that supports local wildlife and enhances the overall health of the ecosystem.
Versatility: While traditional Mediterranean gardens may be challenging to replicate in the UK due to climate differences, you can adapt the style to suit your local conditions and preferences. By selecting cold-hardy plant varieties, incorporating water-saving techniques, and integrating sustainable design principles, you can create a Mediterranean-inspired garden that thrives in the UK environment.
In my experience Mediterranean garden design styles offer a unique blend of beauty, functionality, and sustainability, making them an appealing choice for UK gardeners looking to create a vibrant and low-maintenance outdoor oasis. Even in the smallest most urban of gardens!
With careful planning and plant selection, you can enjoy the benefits of a Mediterranean-inspired garden while adapting to the specific challenges of the UK climate.
Drawbacks of Mediterranean garden design styles
While Mediterranean garden design styles can be stunning and evoke a sense of warmth and tranquillity, there are several potential drawbacks to consider when implementing them in the UK:
Climate Suitability: The Mediterranean region has a warm, dry climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In contrast, the UK has a temperate maritime climate with cooler temperatures, higher rainfall, and more variability. Many plants traditionally associated with Mediterranean gardens may struggle to thrive in the cooler, wetter conditions of the UK, requiring additional care and maintenance.
Plant Selection: Some plants commonly found in Mediterranean gardens, such as olive trees, lavender, and rosemary, may not be well-suited to the UK climate and may require protection during harsh winters or may fail to thrive altogether. Selecting appropriate plant species that can tolerate the UK climate while still achieving the desired Mediterranean aesthetic can be challenging.
Water Usage: Mediterranean gardens typically feature drought-tolerant plants and rely on minimal irrigation due to the region's limited water resources. In the UK, where rainfall is more abundant, the use of drought-tolerant plants may not be as necessary, and gardeners may need to adjust irrigation practices accordingly to prevent water wastage.
Maintenance Requirements: Mediterranean garden styles often incorporate elements such as gravel pathways, terracotta pots, and stone features, which can require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Some Mediterranean plants may also require pruning, deadheading, or other upkeep tasks to control growth and maintain their appearance.
Aesthetic Compatibility: While Mediterranean garden styles can be visually appealing, they may not always harmonize with the surrounding landscape or architectural style of buildings in the UK. Integrating Mediterranean design elements into a British context requires careful consideration to ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing result.
Pest and Disease Risks: Introducing non-native plant species into the UK can pose risks of pest and disease transmission to native flora and fauna. Careful selection of plant species and adherence to biosecurity measures can help mitigate these risks, but they should be considered when planning a Mediterranean-style garden in the UK.
Olive Trees are synonymous with a Mediterranean garden. They also work well in containers in the UK to protect them from frost.
Summary
Whether you're a fan of formal or informal gardens, the Mediterranean garden design style could be the one for you. As long as you have enough sunlight to bring that warmth to the design, there are plenty of UK hardy plants to bring your dreams of the Med to life.
Mediterranean gardens are an excellent choice for small spaces due to their low maintenance requirements, compact design, and versatility. With their drought-tolerant plants and minimal watering needs, they're ideal for urban dwellers with limited time for garden upkeep. These gardens make efficient use of space, often incorporating vertical elements like arbours and trellises to maximize planting area while minimizing ground space.
Container gardening with terracotta pots allows for flexibility in plant selection and placement, making it suitable for balconies, patios, and other small outdoor areas. Despite their size, Mediterranean gardens offer vibrant colours, textures, and scents, providing year-round interest and creating a peaceful retreat for relaxation. Their adaptable design can be customized to suit different microclimates and light conditions, making them a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for small urban environments.
If, however, you're dealing with a colder, shaded north facing garden then maybe a more naturalistic or foliage-based garden is best for you. Remember to always work with what you have rather than try and work against Mother Nature!
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Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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