Mediterranean gardens evoke languid afternoons lounging in the shade, the scent of lavender in the breeze, and the hum of bees tumbling out of flowers. Popularized by historic gardens in Italy, Spain, Greece, and the south of France, the Mediterranean garden style presents a sublime, dreamlike impression where visitors want to linger.
“The appeal of the Mediterranean garden is its romance. It reminds us of sun-kissed travel and far-away places,” says Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer at Monrovia. “It’s a unique style that evolved out of that region, shaped by the hot, dry climate, rainy winters, and diversity of their history and cultures. Many features of a Mediterranean garden also work in a modern landscape.”
How to Design a Mediterranean Garden
Here’s how to incorporate the elements of a Mediterranean garden in your own space.
Include water elements.
The sight and sound of a burbling fountain on a summer day has both a soothing and a cooling effect from the heat, says Tamony. A simple stone bird bath, if space is limited, can provide a similar feel.
Create paths and shaded seating areas.
Design paths and seating areas using pale-colored gravel and tile in sun-washed shades such as terracotta. These types of materials offer functionality, as well as a neutral palette that compliments the colors of many Mediterranean plants.
Design a sense of enclosure.
Walled gardens and courtyards make Mediterranean gardens especially appealing for privacy, intimacy, and protection from the elements such as harsh sun or wind. The space doesn’t have to be completely enclosed. It’s possible to create privacy with hedges, a trellis, arbor or pergola, or even a row of large pots or containers made of stone or terracotta, says Tamony.
Grow many kinds of herbs.
Historically, Mediterranean gardens are also productive spaces where edibles such as herbs and fruit trees for use by the family are grown. Herbs are especially easy to grow, and many heat tolerant perennial herbs—such as thyme, sage, oregano and rosemary—will return year after year.
Incorporate fruit trees.
Fig trees, olive trees, pomegranate, and citrus trees look especially charming and lend a Mediterranean flavor to the garden. If you don’t live in a warm climate, many varieties of these trees can be grown in patio pots, then overwintered indoors as houseplants.
Plant drought-hardy ornamentals.
“Because water is precious in much of the Mediterranean, many drought-tolerant plants are part of this style,” says Tamony. Choose low-maintenance plants such as salvia, agastache, succulents and agave, which can make a striking sculptural statement in oversized pots or landscape beds. Many Mediterranean plants, such as lavender, also have a silvery gray-green shimmer to their foliage, which reflects heat and makes the landscape sparkle in midday. White roses also are surprisingly hardy once established, and their color offers a cooling effect.
Enhance the space with your own personality.
Gardens always are a reflection of your personal style and taste, but anything that evokes a feeling of history and timelessness is at home in a Mediterranean garden. Think weathered benches and statuary, colorful tile, and rustic furniture that allows you to enjoy afternoon cocktails or dinners al fresco.
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Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
