Mediterranean style is one of the most fashionable and popular today. It is actively used to decorate gardens, even where the actual Mediterranean plants cannot be used due to too strong winter frosts. But the true southern charm of a garden can be infused not only with the help of heat-loving authentic cultures: to create a Mediterranean environment, you need to use the available range of plants correctly.

Mediterranean style landscape. © ninik black Content:

The main elements of the Mediterranean environment

Cypresses, pine trees, luxurious citrus and olive trees - these are the plants that first come to mind when you mention the Mediterranean style. But in regions with harsh winters, you can't grow them. Which, however, does not mean at all that it is impossible to recreate the charm of the Mediterranean in your garden. A front garden, a recreation area, flower beds by the terrace or a separate corner of the garden can be turned into a true southern oasis. To do this, first of all, you need to correctly formulate your goal.

The expressive structure of the composition, the introduction of evergreen accents and borders, the dominance of greenery, flowering soloists and bright accents, attention to detail and adherence to the general concept are the main elements of success. To create a composition or a corner with Mediterranean charm, you must:

1. Determine the points of attraction of the eye and the main dominants (large structural accents) in the ensembles, the structuring elements (from supporting walls and hedges to supports for vines and plant borders), introduce objects of small architecture.
2. Choose plants for the role of flowering soloists.
3. Choose filler cultures - partner texture perennials that will fill compositions with colors and volume and create the basis of ensembles - in color, "character", texture.
4. Don't forget about the important details - decor, pot plants and materials.

Criteria for the selection of crops for Mediterranean corners

Texture

The most important criterion for "selection" is texturality: in southern gardens, splendor, the ability to fill the soil with colorful curtains, density and volume play a role no less than the color scale. The inimitable textures of clipped evergreens, spicy herbs, landscape perennials create the basis of any composition, underlie its picturesqueness and charm.

The charm of the Mediterranean ensembles is largely based on the nature of the plants used in it - modest, low-maintenance, but inimitably beautiful landscape stars, skillfully limited by strict frames and accents.

Colour

Don't forget about the color palette: authentic Mediterranean gardens are characterized by tranquility of colors and purity and richness of color accents. Silvery-gray leaves, muted shades of greenery and the classical dominance of ornamental-deciduous plants are very important for such a garden, as well as the correct choice of flowering soloists with pure colors and partners, who must first of all bring coolness and harmonious restraint, effectively emphasize the beauty of the main flowering accents.

Mediterranean style landscape. © Genevieve

Scent

The Mediterranean style corner will look more authentic the more scented crops you can use. Plant crops so that from the first step you will be greeted by a cloud of aromas.

Silhouette

Shape and lines play an important role in the perception of Mediterranean style ensembles. The vertical structure of the compositions, the presence of high and catchy accents in it, the contrast between large and background plants is just as important as the structure. Enrich the structure with elongated columnar conifers, standard plants, large shrubs, objects of small architecture. Elongated spiers and ideal spheres are the main motifs of the Mediterranean, along with lush "continuous" plantings of perennial herbs.

Mediterranean style landscape. © Hansel

Plants to help create a Mediterranean ensemble

The selection of plants is based on the recreation of the charm of Mediterranean compositions with the help of perennials that can withstand the conditions of the middle lane.

The main blooming beauties of the southern style are roses. White or pink, scarlet or original, climbing or bush, they can be safely used in the design of the southern corner in the maximum amount. The main thing is that the color tone of the petals is pure and rich: original roses can be left for other styles.

Groundcover and large shrub roses are especially good in Mediterranean compositions, which add cheerfulness to the whole ensemble. But not only they will fit well into Mediterranean compositions. Blooming actions are voluminous and romantic, as are charming shrubs of tree and herbaceous peonies.

Ideal for the Mediterranean flower garden Santolina and Gelichrizum. Acanthus with its white-pink peduncles will charmingly fit into the look of such a composition. But the main partners are spicy plants and perennials typical of southern landscapes that can take root in our country: oak and medicinal sage, lavender of all varieties, oregano, Schmidt's wormwood and other species, thyme, catnip will happily create a lush background for spectacular soloists.

Perfectly fits into such an environment asphodeline yellow, tireless sedum and milkweed, openwork cuff, stachis with its silver leaves and silvery-pink candles of inflorescences.

Well, in no case should we forget about the "canvas" - strict trimmed frames that will make the soloists and magnificent partners shine in a new way. With their dark greens and muted coloration, trimmed box and yew trees are ideal candidates for borders, geometric accents and curtains. Low curbs and high hedges, trimmed spheres give completeness and order to the exuberant collection of textural plants, are responsible for the structure and integrity of compositions even in winter.

Strict vertical accents, similar in role to authentic cypresses in gardens in regions with harsh winters, will be set by elongated spiers of columnar varieties of junipers and cypress trees.

Mediterranean style landscape. © homelandguild

Small architecture objects in southern imitations

If you want to create a real Italian garden in your garden, a small oasis of the Mediterranean style, try to actively use small architecture and its possibilities.

The easiest option is to place zoning arches, which will effectively cover climbing roses with a flowering blanket. With their help, you can both mark the transition to the Mediterranean zone, and divide the space into separate sections, add interesting touches to the vertical structure of the compositions. Obelisks will also do a good job of structuring.

If in a southern style you are decorating an area or corner for relaxation, a terrace, then consider the possibility of constructing pergolas that will help create a spectacular shelter. On the pergolas, grapes grow beautifully, both decorative and fruiting - a constant participant in the Mediterranean landscapes. Grapes will play the same effect of a truly Italian touch when draping a wall of a house or a fence, when grown on trellises.

The following will also fit perfectly into the look of the southern style:

• stone flower beds and tall flower beds surrounded by brick or stone walls;
• supporting walls, playing up the differences in heights;
• imitation of garden ruins;
• semi-columns and balustrades, plinths and tall stone flowerpots;
• sundial;
• wall fountains;
• strict geometric ponds with fountains;
• large garden sculpture, etc.

Mediterranean style landscape. © Werner Gartenbau

Decor and accessories that highlight style

You can emphasize the charm of the Mediterranean corner or completely change the character of the design with the help of decor. Terracotta products, garden sculptures and figurines, ceramic kitchen utensils and textile awnings can be an important touch in decoration. But the greatest role of accessories should still be played by plants: we should not forget that the Mediterranean style is hardly the most active of all modern trends in landscape design uses potted gardens and tub plants.

In containers, you can grow even the most thermophilic trees and shrubs, introduce citrus and laurels, agapanthus, pomegranates and olive trees into the garden design. And colorful petunias, spicy herbs in pots, ampelous begonias and lobelias with verbena will only add bright accents. The more you can use pot and tub, the better. Decorate high walls and stands, flower beds and paths with them, place them along walls and fences and on terraces or recreation areas - in such an amount that you can only care for.

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We associate the Mediterranean with a warm climate, bright sun, bright colors and excellent mood. By creating a garden in this style, we get a piece of paradise for relaxation, work and simple enjoyment of life. In our article, we will acquaint you with the Mediterranean style of the garden, tell you what plants, architecture and decor items are used in it, give some tips for arranging your site so that it is filled with warmth, comfort and tranquility.

Varieties of Mediterranean garden style

This style has some varieties that differ from each other.

• Italian garden. This garden has a strict layout and looks traditional for Italy. It uses symmetry, straight lines, paths and geometrical ponds. The territory is divided into zones, which are delimited by hedges or pergolas with clematis, climbing roses or other liana-like ornamental plants. An Italian garden is set up on an uneven area with hills, curvature or slope. All the disadvantages of the garden are decorated with plants, decorative objects, fountains, stairs, walkways and paths. In some areas, a fountain or pond, a grotto or a bluestrade with benches are installed. Columns, large stone flower pots, antique amphorae, bas-reliefs or garden figures can often be seen in a garden of this style. Of the plants, the most common are thuja and boxwood, which are trimmed in the form of a ball or spiral, as well as topiary.
• Mediterranean Provence. A distinctive feature of such a garden is the presence of lavender plantings. It can be seen in individual pots, as a lawn and in plantings with roses. The scent of her flowers spreads over the entire garden, soothes and puts thoughts in order. Also, such a garden is characterized by freedom of design, the absence of straight lines, the natural arrangement of plants. Forged items are used as a decor and addition to the garden: sofas, benches, a table, stairs, fences. The sofas and benches are covered with soft pillows decorated with the symbols of Provence - rooster and lavender.
• Greek garden. In a garden of this style, snow-white, olive, azure or terracotta colors are used. It has many seating areas and nooks, covered with pergolas or climbing plants, where you can hide from the scorching sun and enjoy socializing with friends or being alone. Among the items you can always see a large table and comfortable chairs. All furniture is made of woven bamboo, wicker or rattan. The windows of gazebos and summer buildings are decorated with light curtains that will protect from the sun and heat indoors. Boxwood, thuja or juniper are planted from plants. They are grown in pots for portability and winter conservation. Such plants can change the image of the garden and serve as hiding places in certain areas. In addition, they serve as a beautiful backdrop for brightly colored flowering plants. In Greek gardens, an area is made for growing cultivated plants such as onions, garlic, lettuce, parsley, sorrel, basil, saffron, dill, celery, coriander and others.

Features of the Mediterranean style

In gardens of this style, the inherent attributes are:

• Stone or wicker furniture.
• Forged benches are decorated with pillows.
• Ceramic pots with and without plants.
• Statues of ancient gods.
• Sundial.
• Fountain, reservoir.
• Pergolas.
• Stone paths.
• Marble finish.
• Mosaic compositions, multicolored glass.
• Metal or vine baskets for fruit.

Since there are many gardens by the sea in the Mediterranean, seashells, pebbles and sea stones are often used for their decoration. Stony uneven terrain requires the use of natural stone of different fractions and colors. Often these are marble chips or sea pebbles.

In a garden of this style, the components of Roman, ancient Greek and modern art are skillfully combined. This gives him the right to be considered one of the most colorful styles of landscape design. In it you can see wrought or wicker pieces of furniture of light colors, ceramic containers for plants or decorations: flowerpots, pots, amphorae, forms. They are located throughout the territory, some of them are buried in half or laid at an angle, giving them the look of antiquity. The entire garden is designed in a single harmonious style, adhering to one concept.

Plants

Given that the Mediterranean climate is different from ours, you should select plants that will look southern, but can be grown in our region.

Most often in these gardens you can see citrus and palm trees. They are planted in large pots and removed for the winter indoors. Topiary and hedges are made from, and of various kinds. They also make separate figures in the form of a ball, cone or spiral.

To create shaded areas and vertical plantings, as well as to decorate buildings and objects, liana-like plants are used:, teku. They braid the gazebos and supports and look spectacular during flowering.

Many exotic plants are planted in separate pots, which are transferred to a separate room for the winter. These include:, olive, and others. Such plants will not only decorate the garden, but also bear useful fruits.

Shrubs are planted as hedges or as separate elements. These are such as:, and others.

A garden of this style cannot do without flowers, which are planted in large quantities. They usually need to be bright and flavorful. Annual and perennial plants are planted:,,, gloria, and others.

A separate place is reserved for aromatic herbs such as:,

Water elements play an important role in the garden: pool, fountain, pond, water cascade, stream. They are located in a recreation area, not far from the gazebo or bench in such a way that a good view from the place of relaxation is obtained. The sound of falling water and the coolness of the pond will add even more comfort and pleasure.

In some places of the garden, amphoras and pots decorated with flowers are installed. They are installed directly or at a slope, chips and cracks are made, giving the look of antiquity. Antique sculptures and ceramics are emphasized by plants and stand out against the general background with bright spots.

Another common garden element is the patio. It is located on the south side of the garden. In the original, such a site opens up a view of the sea, however, in our region, instead of the sea, there may be a beautiful view of a garden, a hill or a lawn. To create the effect of the close presence of the sea, furniture and some objects are decorated in a nautical style, painted in white and blue.

When decorating the site and the gazebo, they use natural materials: reeds, tiles, straw. Sun loungers, rocking chairs and beach umbrellas complete the picture.

A must-see for this style of garden is Greek or Roman sculptures that replicate the originals.

As the Sochi Olympics show, it is quite possible to hold winter games in a summer city. You just need to try very hard. In our article, we will do the opposite: in the winter time, we will talk about summer. More precisely, how to decorate your garden in a Mediterranean style. There is not much left until spring - you will just have time to prepare and plan everything. Well, it's time, finally, to continue our series of materials on world styles of garden art. ,… It's time for Greece and Cyprus!

One of the main functions of a Mediterranean garden is to create shade. In contrast to the Japanese and English styles, correct lines, simple and unpretentious plants become a feature of the coastal garden. And most importantly, architectural forms come to the fore.

Coastal landscape

On the Russian six hundred square meters, you rarely find perfectly flat areas. Sometimes the difference in height is 1-2 m. And the soil at such a dacha is heterogeneous. An original and simple solution will be terracing plot. The inhabitants of the Mediterranean have long figured out how to do this. Think of Greek Santorinia, whose streets descend like steps to the seashore. This is a series of flat sections that are connected by steps and inclined paths.

Terraces can occupy the entire site or be the decoration of a recreation area. It is enough to level two or three sites so that at least one of them is above the rest. Wild stone, tiles, wood are used as paving. Concrete slabs are allowed.

The terraces are connected by steps or paths. With a sharp drop in heights, ladders will come in handy, it does not matter, two or three or seven steps, stone or wooden.

If the elevation difference between the terraces is shallow, paths are used. They can be made from tiles or more traditional gravel. Even the usual trampled earth will not spoil the view. The patio - as it is customary to call terraced areas in the Mediterranean style - allows you to fill the gaps between areas with luscious greenery and flower beds.

There is another way to create a resort atmosphere in your country house. It will suit thrifty owners. It combines paving and pond surfaces: next to a spacious rectangular area, a deep pond is formed with a regular shape. Its side rises above the terrace. Water, reflecting the sun's rays, scatters light and creates an effect of different heights. The pond plays another role - it provides coolness to the recreation area. In it for the warm season, you can settle swordtails or another type of indoor fish, and put pots with flowering plants next to the board.

Colorful paradise

When the “skeleton” of the garden is ready, the owner of the cottage will have to choose the plants. Evergreen conifers will be the basis for a bright and blooming garden. Both in the Mediterranean and in the Russian latitudes, different types of junipers, yews, barberries feel good. The hosts and paportonics maintain a green note. And here the height of the plants plays an important role: as in the case of patios, trees, shrubs and flowers create a “ladder effect”. Evergreens will retain the bulk of the garden even in winter.

In the Mediterranean style, it is not customary to use only perennials. Rose hips, cereals, annuals - their combination will ensure the flowering of the garden for 6-8 months. It is important to choose plants so that their flowering times differ. Immediately after the snow melts, bright yellow forsythia blooms, the usual lilac pleases the eye from late April to mid-May. Then comes the turn of the wild rose and the cinquefoil, which blooms until October.

The Mediterranean style allows you to play with flowers, and not necessarily just plants. Colored glass and multi-colored ceramic chips are often used for decorative bedding of flower beds. This allows you to emphasize the identity of the garden.

It is very rare in Russia to use trees to create the atmosphere of the Mediterranean. Although during the flowering period, the trees of the coastal zone are very beautiful. In addition, their wood is often used for the manufacture of furniture: sycamore chairs and tables are highly valued by connoisseurs for their special strength.

Yellow acacia emits an unusual exciting aroma during flowering. Such a "Mediterranean trench" does not bear fruit, so summer residents are indifferent to them. These trees do not require much maintenance and endure the cold winters patiently. They will help create the shade needed by shrubs, flowers and lawns.

In addition to soil plants, the inhabitants of the coast use trees and shrubs in tubs. For example, lemon or orange. Citrus seedlings are actively sold by greenhouses, and some enthusiasts grow them on windowsills in apartments. Another cheap and elegant option is blooming cactus or oleander. Choose your decorative plant pots carefully. The effect of antiquity, relief drawing is appreciated here. You can take broken jugs, cans and old barrels for pots.

To maintain plant diversity, it is necessary to water the garden abundantly twice a day. Make sure that the soil remains moist at a depth of 5 cm. In particularly dry periods, shelter plants from direct sunlight with awnings or stretched netting. For the winter, junipers are tied with a soft cord, pulling the branches to the trunk, and covered with burlap on top.

Creativity

The inhabitants of the Mediterranean do not separate the garden from the house itself. Sometimes the terrace is a natural continuation of the foundation, and the gazebo roof is inseparable from the pitched roof of the house. Transformer gazebos are very popular: a frame-base from a bar, a pitched roof. Decorative fabrics serve as improvised walls. You can sit on a chaise longue-couch or pillows of different sizes. This version of the gazebo can change according to the mood, it is enough to replace the textiles.

Pergolas - composite structures made of arches connected to each other give a special charm to the garden. They help to hide in the shade on the hottest day. The "corridor" that forms the pergola scatters light and protects plant leaves from sunburn. The pergola is made of processed timber. The tree is painted white or silver, tinted every two years. Often in order to enhance the effect of the “corridor”, bushes 1-2 meters high are planted next to the pergola.

In addition to places equipped for relaxation, small architectural forms are abundant in the Mediterranean garden. These can be statues or geometric shapes: stone balls on a rectangular plinth and cubes illuminated by lamps. The colorful sculptures of turtles and frogs hidden in the flower beds will help revitalize the garden and will not contradict the general style.

… Winter is just a little bit left - and you can already start transforming your garden. Mediterranean style - why not? We hope our tips will help you!

The Mediterranean style of landscape design unites many countries, which, despite their geographical proximity, differ in culture and history. This is the romantic garden architecture of France, Greek terraces, Italian classical style, exotic Spain.

But we associate all these countries with hot sunny summers, blue sea and spicy herbs, so a Mediterranean-style garden is suitable for lovers of the south who prefer a relaxing holiday surrounded by fragrant herbs and flowering bushes.

This garden-architectural style is an excellent proposition for small areas as it does not require a lot of lush greenery and lawns.

Site selection

To create a Mediterranean landscape, several main factors must be taken into account, the most important of which are good illumination of the site and its protection from strong winds. A small garden surrounded by a stone wall or hedge is ideal. The uneven terrain has its advantages, as it allows the creation of terraces that are characteristic of this style.

Color palette combination

In the Mediterranean regions, colors play an important role, therefore, in creating a design, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the harmonious combination of color and space.

It should be dominated by natural warm tones of pink, yellow, brown, which boldly contrast with areas of blue, purple, lilac and light blue.

You can also opt for a more subtle version, reminiscent of French Provence, by choosing a palette of whites, blues and pastels without flashy accents.

What plants to plant in a Mediterranean garden?

The vegetation of the Mediterranean climate is rich in colors, shapes and smells. But when choosing plants for this style, it is necessary to take into account certain restrictions associated with the climate of the middle zone, since many southern crops do not tolerate frost well, and some simply do not survive in winter.

However, many of the plants growing in our climate are ideal for this style, and some varieties of thermophilic species have adapted well in cooler conditions. For good growth of crops that are predominantly drought tolerant, it is very important that the soil has good water permeability.

The southern nature of the garden is emphasized by such evergreen shrubs as: boxwood, rhododendron, privet, representatives of conifers. To reach the southern oasis landscape, also use columnar plantations such as Blue Arrow juniper, cypress trees, pyramidal thuja, yew varieties. In warmer regions, you can try planting a pine or dwarf pine.

Flowering shrubs and vines are an important element of this garden design. The favorites here are buddleys, hibiscus, rhododendron, yucca, honeysuckle, wisteria, ivy. A bright accent is created by bushes of multi-colored hydrangea in large terracotta pots that can be placed in partial shade. Here http://elki-vtapkah.ru/listvennye_kustarniki/gortenzia/ you can buy any sort of hydrangea for garden decoration.

It is impossible to imagine a southern garden without herbs that give Mediterranean design a unique atmosphere and aroma.
Lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano are indispensable cultures of the southern landscape that give Mediterranean design a unique flavor.

Do not forget also about such plants as sunflowers, catnip, yarrow, santolina, nasturtium, pelargonium, sedum, rejuvenated, cereals. Ampel flowers in hanging baskets add extra bright accents.

Place a layer of fine gravel around the plantings. Rocky mulch perfectly reveals the beauty and individuality of cultures. Plant ground cover plants such as mazus, erinus, or thyme between stones on paths and in masonry fences.

Materials and small architecture

The landscape style of the southern regions provides for the use of such natural materials as sandstone, limestone, light gravel, stones, concrete surfaces, terracotta, mosaic fragments. You won't find polished and shiny items here. This style is characterized by artificially aged, matte surfaces, rough masonry.

The Mediterranean style design provides a seating area. Usually it is a small wrought-iron table with graceful chairs or gazebos, entwined with ivy, roses or covered with white canvas, patios with various awnings. The bench in the garden should be small, preferably made of stone with bright colorful cushions.

An important addition is the variety of vases, jugs, small pots or boxes for herbs and flowers, preferably made of clay, terracotta, ceramic or wood. Clay pots with vibrant floral arrangements are freely placed on stairs, terraces, or in the back of the garden to create the impression of a slight mess. Small fountains are also typical elements of small architecture for this type of garden.

Mediterranean style garden maintenance

To maintain the decorativeness of the site, it is enough to take care of the plants, depending on their requirements. The main challenge lies in maintaining a comfortable environment for southern cultures. In this case, it is preferable to grow them in a container and bring them indoors in the fall.

Shrubs sensitive to frost, especially flowering ones, are covered with agrofibre for the winter and mulched with a thick layer of soil, which protects the root ball from damage. Perennial grasses, especially taller ones, also require shelter for the winter. Their stems are cut and then covered with leaves or spruce branches.

If you love Mediterranean resorts for their joyful sunny landscapes, why not leave a piece of your vacation on your backyard? The Mediterranean-style garden will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the coastal regions of Greece, Cyprus and Spain on your own countryside plot.

Peculiarities

The main feature of the Mediterranean style is the widespread use of natural stone: from overall boulders to small pebbles. This feature is due to the rocky relief of the Mediterranean coasts.

Popular plants include palm, olive and citrus. Fruit plants are selected taking into account their practical purpose - it is always pleasant when the garden is beautiful and healthy. Toparia look nice - trees with fancy crowns created with the help of a special haircut.

When choosing decorative elements, preference is given to the antique style - vases, amphorae and other ceramics look quite appropriate. You can place them anywhere: in the recreation area, along the paths, in the middle of the lawn, etc.

Landscaping

The Mediterranean direction is an excellent solution for those who like to take care of their plantings on their own, but cannot or do not want to spend several hours in the garden every day. When landscaping the territory, you can limit yourself to hardy plants that do not require careful maintenance, and insignificant neglect of plantings within the framework of the concept is considered as a virtue, not an omission.

Frost-resistant grapes are perfect for landscaping the garden. It looks great and is able to please its owner with delicious fruits. Vertical surfaces are designed with maiden grapes, clematis or climbing roses. You can diversify the palette with potted plants. They are placed on windows, next to trees, decorative items and outdoor furniture.