MEDITERRANEAN STYLE GARDENS

Mediterranean style gardens have been made universally popular through their origins of Italy, Greece, Spain and Southern France to name a few. They tend to be highly attractive and picturesque with their gravel walks, plethora of colours, utilisation of tiles and softly shaped hedges. There is also the various scents and fragrances within a Mediterranean garden, which can best be described as fresh, exotic and inviting.

All of this has facilitated gardeners outside of the Mediterranean to try and replicate these aspects in their very own gardens. Below are some useful tips on how to transform your garden into a Mediterranean masterpiece.

GRAVEL FLOOR

In the hot climate of the Mediterranean, gravel is an exceptionally popular form of flooring across gardens, driveways and even some small roads. The summer months across Southern Europe can be outstandingly hot and have very little rain, making gravel the perfect alternative to grass lawns. Grass needs regular doses of rain and struggles to deal with long periods of intense heat. Therefore gravel, stone and wood chips are more prominent in the Mediterranean instead of grass due to the constant heat of the summer months.

If you are trying to replicate a Mediterranean garden, paving or gravel, and even a combination of the two should be an aspect within your garden area.

A huge positive element of this is that it reduces water usage, as well as having the added advantage of being low maintenance too.

POTS & CONTAINERS

Mediterranean style gardens heavily feature pots and containers, with terracotta being a prominent element. Not only are they elegant ornaments, they work as perfect pots for your plants and flowers as they offer the necessary support and structure to allow your plants to prosper. The beauty of terracotta pots is that they are available in all shapes and sizes, ensuring that you can select a style that suits your preferences.

It is important to keep in mind where you will be planning to locate your pots and plants. Terracotta and clay pots will remain nice and cool, whereas plastic pots will absorb the heat from the sun.

Polhill Top Tip: It is imperative to remember to regularly water your plants, especially those that are in pots. Plants in pots have a smaller reserve of water than those that are planted in the ground.

A SEATING AREA

Mediterranean’s love sitting outdoors with a coffee taking in the rays from the sun and the fragrances from the beautiful summer plants and flowers. Therefore, if you are looking to replicate the look of a Mediterranean garden, it is pivotal that you have a great seating area.

Although here in the UK we very rarely reach the temperatures of the Mediterranean climate, it has been forecasted that we will have a summer heatwave like the one we experienced in 2018. Consequently, if you plan on spending regular time in your garden, shading is quintessential to protect yourself from the sun. Pergolas are decorative structures that are perfect for providing you with the necessary shade that you need. Pergolas can look fantastic when they have rich fragranced plants entwined, enabling the air to smell aromatic when you decide to sit down and relax in your garden.

Parasols and gazebos are other structures that are fantastic for sun protection. We have a wide range of different designs available in our centre – so come down and have a look as you are bound to find one perfect for your needs at Polhill.

This further entices the desire for al fresco dining. Al fresco meals are a massive part of Mediterranean culture, meaning that you too should be eating outside to admire the full beauty of your garden. After-all, it is a beautiful extension of your living area.

WATER FEATURES

Water features are a prominent feature across Mediterranean gardens as a method to cool the air of the summer heat. Thus, if you are looking to turn your garden into a Southern European theme, a water feature must be present!

The gleam of water can also add a visual sparkling treat, which can be enjoyed whilst relaxing with a coffee or whilst having that delicious lunch or dinner. The trickling of water on a hot summer’s day is perfect for enabling you to fully enjoy the weather, whilst also cooling you down in the process.

Polhill Top Tip: Birds and butterflies love water features, meaning that you could help to attract many to your garden!

MEDITERRANEAN TILES

Can be found in pathways, churches, kitchens and gardens across the Mediterranean countries. Mediterranean tiles are very stylistic and will look great in your garden!

Bursting with colour, they help to create a lively mosaic which can be used in a wide range of climates to create vibrant colour accents with their rich combinations of colour and patterns. It is fair to say that they will truly make your garden stand out from the crowd!

MAKE USE OF STONES, COBBLES AND PEBBLES

Small and large stones can be found as features across many Mediterranean themed gardens. Be it a border for a feature such as a water fountain, or even for rustic measures, stones will make for an elegant look in your garden.

In countries such as Italy, Greece and Spain, cobbles and pebbles can be woven into flamboyant designs, a factor which has become a popular Mediterranean technique which dates to ancient times. Cobble designs can make for a great patio area which can be deservedly admired whilst al fresco dining in the warm summer months.

SHAPED HEDGES

Shaped hedges are popular among Mediterranean gardens as it gives a personal and artistic touch. They also serve two beneficial purposes. Firstly, they help to give privacy which enables neighbours and others from looking directly into your garden. A second purpose is that they can make great main features, or even help a feature stand out further. For example, hedges around water features such as a fountain, look very posh and sophisticated.

RAISED BEDS

Raised beds are another prominent feature of a Mediterranean garden, as it certainly helps to show plants off to their full potential. They can look great when surrounded by gravel, really helping to transpire a classy Mediterranean look. The best feature of a raised bed is the way it stands out, making it visible from most angles within the garden for all to admire.

Polhill Top Tip: To set off your raised bed area, consider placing terracotta or other forms of pots around the perimeter of your raised bed. This will help to bring further attention to the area.

We hope that this guide has served as a helpful guide which will help you transform your garden into a Mediterranean looking masterpiece in time to enjoy the summer weather ahead.