The beauty of the surrounding nature of the southern seas rarely leaves anyone indifferent. Having been there at least once, many want to implement something similar on their site. Of course, citrus tree species or pomegranates will not take root in open ground middle zone. However, the Mediterranean style in landscape design can be created through a variety of attributes, small architectural forms and plants that thrive in colder climates.

Mediterranean style in landscape design is characterized by an abundance of climbing, hanging and green plants, mixed with stone paths, and forged furniture and accessories.

The advantage of the Mediterranean style in the landscape, among other things, is the possibility of using it on only 4-6 acres of land.

The narrow and long area in this case is not a disadvantage and does not interfere with the creation of a closed patio. Character traits Terraces will add relief to the landscape. A feeling of privacy will be created by a whitewashed stone or brick fence, or even better -.

When paving paths, massive ones should be avoided. concrete slabs. It's better to replace them natural stone or terracotta tiles. The gaps between the covering are usually seeded with drought-resistant grass. A light gazebo, with straight lines and clear shapes, made of light wood, would be more suitable for this design. In the center of the patio you can install a fountain or build a tiny pond: this style is very restrained in the use of water.

Mediterranean design features a lot of wrought iron garden furniture and painted wood benches. Among the attributes, the most popular are various vessels made of ceramics: flower pots, vases, amphorae. In summer, flowerpots with greenhouse trees are placed on the patio: oleander, laurel, and a small thuja. Pots with geraniums and miniature roses will look good there.

In addition to the usual fruit trees, chestnut, varietal rowan and conifers– cedar, pine, juniper, western thuja. Suitable shrubs include boxwood, euonymus, viburnum Buldenezh, and honeysuckle. If the climate allows, cultivated grape varieties are chosen. For the same purpose, they plant maiden or Amur grapes, as well as hops, clematis, sweet peas.

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Where to start arrangement?

As always, we first draw up a project and prepare materials and tools. To build a gazebo you will need:

• shovel;
• roulette;
• pegs for marking;
• twine;
• saw;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• self-tapping screws;
• nails;
• three-meter-long timber made of oak or larch 100x100 mm;
• timber 50x100 mm;
• crushed stone;
• a little bitumen or tar;
• lining;
• concrete solution;
• roofing material.

When arranging the roof, depending on the chosen project, a wide variety of materials can be used, from canvas, bundles of river reed or straw, to soft tiles.

For a Mediterranean style, a small pond decorated with stone and an abundance of plants would be a good addition.

Materials for creating terraces, hedges, paths and decorative elements in the Mediterranean style:

• gravel;
• sand;
• seashells;
• brick or natural stone;
• ceramic tile:
• In addition, finished products are selected:
• clay pots;
• terracotta vases;
• sculptures;
• fountain;
• garden furniture;
• wrought iron pergolas;
• fabric for decoration.

Finally, seedlings of trees and shrubs, seeds and seedlings of flowers and herbs are prepared. The ideal option for clearings is lavender, but if the climate is unsuitable, it can be replaced with other flowers - scepter-shaped mullein or speedwell. The Mediterranean atmosphere is created by plants of blue, purple, orange and red colors, planted in large groups and forming bright spots along the perimeter of the property.

A large number of ceramic containers of various shapes are used for planting flowers and herbs, and also as individual decorative elements. They are half buried in the ground in a lying position or simply placed throughout the garden. In a well-warmed area, you can grow a lawn of herbs. These are mint, lemon balm, sage, lavender, chicory, different types steppe onion. And, of course, parsley, dill and borage. Steaming in the sun essential oils, they will create a pleasant and helpful atmosphere.

Self-explanatory name landscape style evokes thoughts of a warm, gentle sea, many flowering plants and exterior items. A more severe climate cannot boast of such abundance, but this is not a reason to refuse elegant decoration. personal plot. The disadvantages of cold weather are compensated by the abundance of stone (both natural and artificial), and subtropical plants adapt to the domestic climate in decorative clay vases and huge flowerpots. In the material for garden paths and terraces are dominated by tiles and marble chips.

Mediterranean style - all kinds of stairs, retaining walls and original forms in trimming trees and shrubs. This style makes it special, unlike others, amazing harmonious combination modernity and elements of ancient art (Rome and Ancient Greece). The design of the suburban area is extraordinary and memorable. The main difference from other style directions is the almost complete absence of a lawn. Flowers and other plants are planted in hanging pots, ceramic vases, and floor containers.

Features and basic concept

Externally, the garden with a Mediterranean bias is a fence with blank walls, small area, in which the patio is located. At the core there is a similarity between the southern and. The preferred color scheme is a combination of terracotta, blue, light blue, yellow, purple and white. This is the perfect decoration for a personal plot with a hilly landscape: mountainous banks, ponds, stones.

An important place in landscape design is occupied by interaction with nature itself, contemplation of its vastness and beauty. For this purpose they are building open gazebos and verandas. The Mediterranean patio is probably paved ceramic tiles, imitating the color of clay, or stone light shades. The essential element is water, its noise. Numerous fountains of unusual shapes perfectly fulfill this role.

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Another feature of the style is the vastness of the concept “ central part" Here it is vague, and sometimes simply absent. Each area of ​​the site is important and serves its purpose. Not necessarily connecting link or semantic load between zones. The rest area is surrounded by grapes. Braiding, it creates a pleasant coolness on a hot summer day. This part of the garden, like the rest of the garden, is decorated bright colors in beautiful pots.

Popular interior items in the southern style can be Greek and Roman columns, statues and their remains, fragments of clay dishes, grottoes. And other elements of art that would resemble antiquity. Such design technique called stylization of picturesque ruins. Their construction - distinguishing feature style. This technique combines harmoniously with a fountain, which can be built in any part of the garden or patio. An exclusive model is created on its own from natural or artificial stone.

The abundance of numerous stones, among which are found of natural and man-made origin, is explained by the proximity of the sea coast in the original conditions of the style. Another explanation for rocky motifs is the presence of mountainous terrain in the natural environment. This feature is beautifully played out with the help of a staircase, a retaining wall, or a terraced slope.

The picturesqueness of this design style is multifaceted: lush plants with their rich colors, a skillful combination of elements of antiquity and modernity, abundance and appropriate use of decorative elements.

Recreation areas are famous for their coziness and comfort. Garden furniture is elegant, most often made of wood or forged metal. Having a good time, relaxing and enjoying nature are a guaranteed advantage of the southern garden style. Its regularity, smooth lines, colorful colors, fragrant trees and similarity with " wildlife“create their own microclimate.

What plants and decorative elements are used

Regardless of the conditions and climate of the area being improved, the site must comply with the rules of the Mediterranean style as much as possible. Unfortunately, this is not easy due to snowy and frosty winters. But true admirers of this style do not despair. Most plants are planted not in the ground, but in a container. Plants practically do not lose their decorative value, while at the same time they survive the cold indoor climate well. To do this, heat-loving trees, shrubs and flowers are planted in clay, ceramic or wooden containers. In the warm season, they are taken out into the yard or garden.

You can’t do without the essential components of Mediterranean vegetation:

• ficus;
• pistachio;
• thuja ( , );
• citrus;
• oleander;
• olive;
• laurel

Taking into account the local color of our countries, you can landscape the territory with viburnum and magnolia bushes. This good protection from the scorching rays of the sun.

The Mediterranean garden, being its founder, introduces the art of topiary. This is a special haircut that transforms hedges into any fancy shape. Among the original and distinctive shapes, spherical and cone-shaped are considered common. Their presence transforms the garden and turns it into an object of attention. They can become both a magnificent background and an extraordinary accent for flower beds.

Variegated and fragrant perennials (roses), and herbs (steppe onion, lemon balm, mint, chicory), drought-resistant flowering shrubs decorate shady areas under trees with lush crowns. Fragrant flowers and fine foliage () line the paths, in addition to beautiful landscape. They can bring it closer to the color of the southern seas small fruits- olives. Their taste is slightly different from traditional types, but they are also edible.

It is impossible to imagine a Mediterranean courtyard and garden without a terrace, hedges, fountain, stream or cascade, animal figures, decorative wall fountain, cozy indoor patio. The last architectural element is always located in a place protected from the wind. The patio should offer a beautiful view - it could be gardens, lawns, hills, fountains.

The invisible atmosphere of the proximity of the sea is important. To do this, using the play of colors, they create an association: white like sea foam, blue and blue like sea ​​wave. Furniture and flower pots are decorated in the same color scheme. All materials used in this style should be as simple and natural as possible, such as ceramics, straw, clay, stone, wood, reed.

If you are the happy owner of a private house or cottage, you have probably thought more than once about how to arrange the space around you with benefit and convenience. The Greeks, who spend most of their free time outdoors, have thought through all the elements garden design several thousand years ago) Want to borrow some of their ideas? Then read on!

Naturally, the features of Greek gardening are dictated primarily by the climatic conditions of the country. In the Mediterranean, summers are hot and dry, and winters, on the contrary, are wet; in many regions the influence of the sea is also strongly felt.

Among the huge variety of plants common in the region, the Greeks for thousands of years selected those that had the honor of “settled” in the flowerbeds and gardens of most local residents. Besides, appearance and the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding space are valued here no less than what exactly will grow on the ground.

So how can you organize a “Greek-style garden” on your property? Read and get inspired by new ideas!

1. Neutral colors of buildings. In the hot Mediterranean climate, the walls surrounding the garden are painted white or something similar. light color. Why? It's easy to guess: it perfectly reflects the sun's rays.

2.Olive trees. The goddess Athena received an entire city after giving the Greeks the first olive tree (or so the legends tell us). It is no wonder that the inhabitants of Hellas carried love and respect for this tree through the centuries. Nowadays it is difficult to imagine a Greek garden without an olive tree! In large farms they are used to obtain fruits and oil (read how exactly the olive harvesting process works in Greece), but it happens that they also serve a purely decorative role.

By the way, it is also worth choosing an olive tree for the garden because it is drought-resistant, durable (in Greece there are trees that “live” for 300 and 500 years!), and its wood is considered durable and valuable.

For those who live in latitudes with a cool climate, it is better to grow ornamental olive trees in pots: in summer they can be placed in any corner of the garden, and in winter the tree can be brought indoors and enjoy a piece of the Mediterranean right at home!

3. Drought-resistant plants. When selecting inhabitants for your “Greek-style garden,” be sure to buy exactly those plants that are familiar to your climate zone. In Greece, hot summers are well tolerated by rosemary, thyme, sage and other perennial herbs. By the way, they also serve as a good bait for pollinators.

4.Bright accents. On the gray-green background of perennial drought-resistant plants and shrubs there must be some bright spot - preferably a flower with a pink or red color (poppies, pelargoniums, etc.).

5. Indoor flowers. According to archaeological research, the ancient Greeks already decorated their homes with decorative flowers. Nowadays, in many small villages (for example, in Crete), many houses do not have personal plots. In such cases, the role of the “garden” is played by small area near the window sills, entrance doors, in small areas near the house. The housewives carefully decorate these areas with numerous pots with a variety of flowers.

6. Clay pots. Pottery is one of the art forms that the ancient Greeks brought to perfection. It was thanks to the drawings and inscriptions on ancient Greek ceramics that historians learned many facts and details from the life of ancient civilization. But in addition to the cultural component, clay products also have many other benefits that can be used to create the appropriate atmosphere in your garden. Firstly, clay pots retain moisture well, so plants thrive in the scorching sun. Secondly, the flowers in them “breathe”, unlike cheaper plastic pots. Thirdly, clay products look noble!

7.Citrus trees: lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines. citrus tree, like the olive, is a must-have for the Greek garden. If you live in a Mediterranean climate, planting citrus in your garden will not be difficult. For inhabitants of mid-latitudes, pots again come to the rescue. ornamental trees. By the way, citrus fruits also look gorgeous indoors!

8.Symmetry. Even in a small garden you can embody one of the principles of the great ancient Greek architecture. How? Just place two identical benches on either side of the table.

9.Bougainvillea. It is a must-have in any Greek garden (do you remember the point about bright accents?)! This flower looks great both in a pot and on a trellis. In areas where summer temperatures do not drop below 30 degrees, it can grow very quickly, but this problem can be easily eliminated with the help of pruners.

The wondrous natural beauty of the southern seas leaves no one indifferent. The colorful gardens with citrus fruits and conifers, successfully complemented by picturesque ponds and decorated with all kinds of arches, pergolas and grottoes, simply amaze the imagination. But in our latitudes, embodying the Mediterranean style in landscape design is not such an easy task. After all, in order to revive copies of subtropical plants on the site, adapted to our climate, it will take a lot of effort and patience. However, the style is built not only on green spaces. Maximum similarity of the site with gardens on the Mediterranean coast will help design tricks and a whole arsenal of attributes.

The peculiarity of this style is wide application in the design of the site different breeds natural and processed stone, marble chips and sea pebbles. This is due to the fact that in natural conditions gardens are located near the coast and are often rocky. The mountainous terrain caused the widespread use of all kinds of retaining walls, stairs and terraced slopes in the design of the territory.

The Mediterranean style, successfully combining elements of ancient Greek, Roman and modern art, is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque styles of landscape design.

The Mediterranean garden is attractive primarily because of its richness of colors, lush plants and abundance of all kinds of architectural elements decor

The most popular plants have always been citrus fruits, pistachio, olive trees and palm trees, which, in addition to their decorative function, delight with fragrant and juicy fruits. It was in such gardens that the art of creating topiary became widespread - giving plants original shapes through special cutting. Hedges with cone-shaped and spherical shrubs are the real “highlight” of the garden.

Comfortable garden furniture is effectively set off against the backdrop of variegated colors of flowering plants. Forged and wooden benches and the tables are conducive to a pleasant pastime and relaxation

Among the attributes, the most popular are ceramic amphorae, pots and all kinds of shapes for planting flowers. They are placed around the garden, placed horizontally on lawns and even buried halfway into the ground. Touches of “antiquity” add garden figures in the form of ancient vessels and broken amphorae, decorated with decorative foliage plants.

We design the site in the same style

Despite a large number of admirers of the Mediterranean style, a limiting factor in choosing it for decoration suburban area is the difference in climatic conditions. Many heat-loving shrubs and trees that feel comfortable in hot summers and calmly endure mild, snowy winters do not take root in our climate zone.

Not only palm trees can fill a garden with southern charm and convey the spirit of warm countries; by the way, they can also be grown as container crops, hidden indoors in winter.

The unique atmosphere of a Mediterranean garden can be created by evergreen emerald conifers: yew, juniper, pine, thuja, spruce

They will cover with branches from scorching sun on a hot afternoon, decorative foliage plants: viburnum, magnolia, boxwood.

A worthy frame for elegant trees and shrubs will be those planted with fragrant and variegated roses. At the foot of the trees, lawns made of herbs will look great: lemon balm, chicory, steppe onion, mint, sage.

The sunny and hot climate of the Mediterranean suggests the presence of drought-resistant plants.

Drought-resistant trees, as if protecting themselves from scorching rays, camouflage themselves by painting their foliage in silvery shades

A successful addition to the picturesque landscape will be the willow pear and various types of oleaster shrubs, which are often popularly called “olive.” For example: the silver sucker is attractive small foliage And fragrant flowers, dotting the branches, in the place of which olives that are quite edible and sweetish in taste are later formed.

Periwinkle, mahonia, and cotoneaster are perfect to match the design with pearlescent foliage. And instead of heat-loving cypresses, you can plant junipers and columnar thujas, which are less demanding of light and heat.

Plants in purple, blue, red and orange colors planted in small groups will help create a Mediterranean atmosphere.

Lavender – perfect option when designing open clearings on the site. But if climatic conditions do not allow growing this heat-loving beauty, a worthy alternative it can be performed by speedwell or scepter-shaped mullein

Well, what would a garden be without? These graceful climbing plants decorate with themselves, . Sun-loving southern vines can be replaced with honeysuckle, clematis or virgin grapes.

To create on the site, instead of traditional hollies and cypress trees, you can plant spirea, barberry, and privet. They also easily tolerate cutting, allowing you to form original “living” decorations from the crown.

Architectural landscape elements

It is convenient to enjoy the contemplation of a picturesque picture, sitting in a cozy gazebo or near one, entwined with a beautiful flowering vine. An appropriate addition to the design will be living vaults from tree crowns, canvas awnings and wooden trellises.

Beautifully tiled paths, with lush greenery breaking through them, lead into the garden, inviting you to relax fresh air and enjoy the enchanting beauty of the created corner of nature

All sorts of things will add special features to the arrangement of the relief. Dividing the area into separate zones and creating an atmosphere of detachment and privacy will help. Low stone fences forming an ideal the background, better to do with uneven surface, decorating them with purple varieties of clematis or painting them “like masonry.”

A significant element of the Mediterranean garden are water devices: streams, cascades and fountains. Spreading drops of life-giving moisture throughout the garden and filling it with the sounds of rushing water, they make the suburban area truly a paradise.

Springs gushing out from under the ground, decorative ponds and swimming pools bring a “marine” touch to the picturesque Mediterranean garden

A small fountain in the Roman style, decorated with animal figures and framed with flowerpots, is an ideal option that will give a unique look to the site. A wall fountain in the form of a lion’s head with an agape mouth will look no less colorful.

The decoration of the suburban area will be “antique” sculptures in the antique style and clay ceramics in light colors

Patio as a Key Design Element

A cozy interior is a fairly popular element of landscape design used when decorating a garden in a Mediterranean style. It is built on a southern slope, protected from the cold north wind. Ideally, the site should have a view of the sea. In the absence of one, it is advisable to provide for opening beautiful views to the emerald green, garden, hills...

The feeling of the proximity of the sea will be given by the stylization of the patio, decorated in white, like foam, azure blue and blue shades

An association with the sea will be caused by pieces of furniture decorated with covers made of fabric with white and blue stripes, and flower pots painted in this color scheme.

When designing the site and arranging the roof, gazebos are used only simple materials: straw, reeds and soft tiles. No pretentiousness, the main thing is convenience. But, focusing on northern conditions, it is advisable to provide for the construction of walls that will protect the site from snow and rain.

The site is often covered with stone masonry, which can be successfully replaced if desired wooden flooring or terracotta tiles

Wooden stairs and umbrellas also successfully complement the design of the recreation area. Will fit organically into general style and rough furniture warm shades. To decorate the outdoor area, use container plants planted in large beautiful containers: thuja, laurel, oleander.

Finally, we offer you a few more ideas for decorating your site in this style.

All details of the garden should be successfully combined with each other and together and at the same time emphasize the temperament of the Mediterranean garden.

How nice it is in the summer! We associate summer with exciting travel, water, sun, relaxation and holidays. outdoors. Why not delay summer longer by creating a corner of the Mediterranean in your summer cottage? A Mediterranean-style garden is spectacular, cozy and cheerful, reminiscent of the sunny south, as if you were in Italy or Greece. If your plot is small (and this style looks best on miniature pieces of land, from 1 to 6 acres) and sunny and, moreover, its configuration allows you to arrange patio, there is every reason to create a garden in this style. And the narrow and long plot in this case becomes an advantage! The Mediterranean garden does not require constant care and is suitable for those who cannot constantly be in the countryside.

Key elements of landscape design:

Inner patio.
Natural materials: limestone, ceramics.
Bright plants.
Paving and platforms.
Handmade items and accessories.
Garden screens.
Cozy nooks.
Lots of garden furniture.
Moderate use of water - in the form of small fountains.
No lawns.
Islands of light gravel, through which individual stone slabs are laid.

Layout features:

A fountain or tiny pond is located in the center of the patio.
The patio should be hidden from prying eyes on all sides by walls or vertical landscaping.
Containers with plants are displayed in picturesque groups on the patio or gravel backfill. There are a lot of containers, and the sizes range from gigantic to tiny.
Bright, colorful plantings of flowers and groups of trees are located mainly along the perimeter of the site.
Garden areas are visually separated by numerous pergolas and trellises, preferably wooden.

Color solution:

Predominant colors: beige, sand, white, terracotta (reddish). There is no black and gray, dark colors and shades. In addition, the following are characteristic: azure blue, blue, sunny yellow, orange, bright red. Contrasting combinations are popular.

Plants style:

Trees: plum, pear, cherry, apple and columnar apple, apricot, serviceberry, cherry, varietal rowan, chestnut, Manchurian walnut. Ornamental fruit trees are well suited; among conifers, it is best to plant thuja occidentalis.
Shrubs: boxwood, euonymus, weigela, viburnum buldenezh, ornamental honeysuckle, grapes. It would be great if it was cultural, but it could also be girlish or Amur.
Perennials and flowers: clematis (any), sweet peas and hops, morning glory, fire beans, irises, dahlias, various “daisies”, coreopsis, rudbeckia, echinacea, sweet tobacco, varietal calendula, marigolds, ageratum, zinnia, petunia. Decorate the garden: dark amaranth, decorative mint, salvia ( better mixture varieties). Along the fence you can plant a lot of gladioli, bindweed, and giant onions. Nasturtium fits very well with the Mediterranean theme. Lavender can be replaced with scepter mullein or speedwell. It is good to plant clumps of thyme among the gravel.

Small architectural forms:

Ceramics.
Geometric ornament.
Terracotta containers and plant pots.
Gazebos in the form of pergolas with a canopy.
Mosaic - inside the patio and on the walls.
Figures made of terracotta are conventional, stylized.
Sea shells.
Benches made of painted wood.
Garden “curtains” made of twisted wires and spirals.
Garden furniture - elegant wrought iron chairs and a round table.
Decorative terracotta balls.

Landscape designer tips:

The house itself and all buildings should be light.
For tracks, in addition natural stone, you can use cast tiles in matching colors, especially when you need to lay out a pattern.
To decorate the barbecue, it is better to take white or yellow brick.
A spectacular composition for a Mediterranean garden: a pot lying on gravel and a handful of mosaics, as if scattered from it.
The vegetable garden can be placed in large pots. In a garden of this style it is usually small: mainly made up of greenery and herbs.
Plain boards painted blue can be used to make shutters summer house or kitchens.
Use the fence area to hang containers of hanging plants.
Strongly aromatic plants, as well as plants with narrow foliage, are very suitable for this style. So in the summer, use your patio to bring out decorative houseplants- dracaenas, cordilines, sansevierias, laurel, lemon, aspidistra, yucca.

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