How do I create a Mediterranean garden?

If you’d like that holiday feeling year-round, why not give your garden a Mediterranean makeover? With the right plants, colours, and materials, you can get that Southern European atmosphere wherever you are!

The Mediterranean region is hilly, and gardens tend to have variations in height. You can mimic the height differences of the Mediterranean with raised borders edged with large cobbles. Add in pots of different sizes in small groups – traditional terracotta pots or joyful colours. Give your fence, garage, or shed a summery colour, such as Greek azure blue or the soft pastel tones of Tuscany.

Not all Mediterranean plants are hardy enough to withstand cold winters, but there are plenty that will do well in more northern climates. Certain fig trees, such as the Brown Turkey, are hardy, plus grapes and fragrant herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary will also do well. Other varieties may need a little more help to survive the winter. Olive trees need to be wrapped over winter, and the roots covered in straw. Oleander and brugmansia are best planted in pots so that they can be taken inside for the season.

Choosing plants

The squares of Mediterranean towns and cities have eye-catching decorative paving in various colours and striking patterns and can serve as good inspiration for a Mediterranean garden terrace. You can lay clay pavers in round patterns such as circles and fan shapes. You can vary the pavers with areas of natural stone or ceramic tiles. Gravel, shells, or pebbles can also create a nice effect. Varying your paving will keep your Mediterranean garden looking sunny, even through the dark of winter.

The nicest garden paving