The Mediterranean is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, time-honoured architecture, and bustling markets. Its captivating gardens, characterised by robust plants and distinct European design elements, are a particular standout. This blog post will guide you through creating your Mediterranean oasis, spotlighting key design components and popular plant selections.
Image Via Architectural Digest - Frédéric Fekkai’s Gorgeous Vacation Home in the South of France
Image Via Architectural Digest - Frédéric Fekkai’s Gorgeous Vacation Home in the South of France
Design Elements
Characterized by its low-maintenance, functional, and eye-catching design, a Mediterranean garden is a delight for anyone. Key elements such as stone walkways, garden terraces, and rustic pots contribute to this garden's European feel. With a colour palette featuring faded greens contrasting with warm hues such as red, orange, purple, and terracotta, you can almost taste the Mediterranean sun. Now, let's delve into the plant selections that will breathe life into your Mediterranean garden.
Top Trees and Plants for a Mediterranean Garden:
Laurus Nobilis – Bay Trees
These elegant trees offer shade and their fragrant leaves can be used in cooking, bringing a touch of sophistication to any garden.
Mature Height: 7-10 metersMature Width: 4-7 meters
Best Uses: Providing shade or as a feature tree
Leaf Appearance: Dark green, glossy leaves
Rate of Growth: Moderate
Tolerates: Full sun, partial shade, and well-drained soils
Additional Features: Produces black berries and fragrant, yellow flowers
Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca' – Blue Italian Cypress
Reminiscent of the grand Tuscan landscapes, these tall, slender trees stand as sentinels amongst vineyards and olive groves.
Mature Height: 10-20 metersMature Width: 1-2 meters
Best Uses: Adding height and structure to your garden, framing beautiful views
Leaf Appearance: Dense, blue-green foliage
Rate of Growth: Moderate
Tolerates: Full sun, well-drained soils
Additional Features: Low maintenance, and drought tolerant
Olive Trees – Manzanillo or Kalamata
No Mediterranean garden is complete without the iconic olive tree, lending authenticity and a hint of the Mediterranean to your garden.
Mature Height: 4-9 metersMature Width: 3-5 meters
Best Uses: Can be used as a focal point or hedging tree
Leaf Appearance: Silver-green, narrow leaves
Rate of Growth: Moderate
Tolerates: Full sun, well-drained soils, and drought conditions
Additional Features: Produces olives for home use
English Box – Buxus sempervirens (*Note we do not sell these)
This classic evergreen shrub is perfect for shaping and clipping into formal hedges and geometric patterns, offering a neat and manicured look.Mature Height: 0.5-1.5 meters
Mature Width: 0.5-1.5 meters
Best Uses: Shaping and clipping into formal hedges and patterns
Leaf Appearance: Small, glossy, dark green leaves
Rate of Growth: Slow
Tolerates: Partial shade, well-drained soils
Additional Features: Drought tolerant once established
Rosemary – Rosmarinus spp. (*Note we do not sell these)
Known for its aromatic fragrance and delicate purple flowers, rosemary is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine.
Mature Height: 1-1.5 metersMature Width: 1-1.5 meters
Best Uses: Herb gardens, borders, or as a decorative shrub
Leaf Appearance: Needle-like, dark green leaves
Rate of Growth: Moderate to fast
Tolerates: Full sun, well-drained soils, and drought
Additional Features: Aromatic, edible herb with purple flowers
Lavender – Lavandula spp. (*Note we do not sell these)
Lavender, with its stunning purple flowers and calming scent, is a must-have plant for any Mediterranean garden.
Mature Height: 0.6-1 meterMature Width: 0.6-1 meter
Best Uses: Borders, rock gardens, or as a fragrant ground cover
Leaf Appearance: Narrow, silver-gray leaves
Rate of Growth: Moderate
Tolerates: Full sun, well-drained soils, and drought
Additional Features: Aromatic, attracts bees and butterflies, and has culinary and medicinal uses
Citrus – Lemon and Lime:
Citrus trees, such as Lemon and Lime, bring a fresh and tangy touch to the Mediterranean garden. With their vibrant fruits and glossy green foliage, they add a lively and aromatic presence to your outdoor space.
Mature Height: Varies by variety (e.g., Lemon: 3-6 meters, Lime: 2-5 meters)Mature Width: Varies by variety (e.g., Lemon: 2-4 meters, Lime: 1-3 meters)
Best Uses: Perfect as a focal point or container plant, adding a citrusy twist to your garden
Leaf Appearance: Glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves
Rate of Growth: Moderate to fast
Tolerates: Full sun
Additional Features: Produces fragrant flowers and edible fruits
In addition to these key plants, consider integrating herbs like sage and thyme into your garden. They not only offer colourful touches but also serve practical purposes in the kitchen.
A Mediterranean garden is within your grasp, regardless of your garden's size. With careful selection of the right plants and strategic design elements, you can encapsulate the charm of the Mediterranean in your own outdoor space. Contact Evergreen Trees Direct for a wide range of advanced trees and expert advice to help bring your Mediterranean garden vision to life.
