As summer approaches and the temperatures steadily rise, people start thinking about their next holiday, but also about their own garden design. After all, planning a holiday doesn't have to be limited to just a few weeks. With a Mediterranean garden and the right selection of Mediterranean plants and materials, you can start your holiday right at home.
In this garden tip, we show you how you can bring a touch of the Mediterranean south into your home and create your own oasis of well-being.
Aspects that make up a Mediterranean garden
The Mediterranean region has its very own charm and therefore attracts tourists from Europe and all over the world. When people think of the Mediterranean, they not only think of long beaches, the vast sea and the glistening sun, but also of Mediterranean plants such as olive trees, cypresses, shrubs, figs, pines and oleanders. By taking a few special aspects of Mediterranean garden design into account, you can transform your own garden into a Mediterranean paradise.
Bright and warm colours
When choosing materials for your Mediterranean garden, you should opt for light and warm colours. Natural stones are particularly popular and are ideal for decorative garden walls and steps. Dry stone walls made of sandstone or beige-coloured travertine slabs give the garden that special Mediterranean flair.
Another popular material is gravel, which creates a relaxed and informal atmosphere when combined with other ground coverings. In addition, seating areas or paths can be clearly demarcated from the rest of the garden, which helps to structure and create space in the design.
Water as a central element
Water in fountains and water features are characteristic of Mediterranean gardens, even if you have little space. They create very special visual accents. Thanks to their diverse design options, they harmonise perfectly with the surroundings and can also be lined with natural stone.
The Biodesign pool is a slightly larger pool that guarantees absolute design freedom and a Mediterranean flair. The good thing about this option is that the shape, equipment and size can be customised. It also gives the Mediterranean garden a beach feeling like no other pool. The unique design and sandy beach look mean that your holiday literally starts on your doorstep and brings Mediterranean flair directly into your city garden.
Water features, geysers, shallow water zones or whirlpool jets can also be integrated as required. This creates your very own personalised bathing paradise.
For those who prefer a classic rectangular pool shape, the Living Pool in Mediterranean garden style is the perfect choice. The water is treated without chemical additives and is gentle on the skin and eyes. The southern style can be seamlessly implemented in your own garden with a surround made of light-coloured natural stone.
At egli jona, we are experts in garden design as well as in the Pool construction and will be happy to advise you on your very own Mediterranean garden feeling. We look forward to your project.
Intense colours when planting with Mediterranean plants
Plants from the Mediterranean region, such as cypresses, are not always suitable for gardens at our latitude. Nevertheless, there are sufficient alternatives or choices that can serve as a good substitute, as they have a similar appearance. In general, most of them need a lot of sun. Therefore, when designing the garden, care must be taken to ensure that they are not shaded by other plants, walls or house walls. They must also be protected from the wind.
When we create a Mediterranean garden, we often opt for lavender. It exudes a wonderful fragrance and contributes to relaxation. The Japanese blue vine is ideal for embellishing pergolas and walls. It forms a kind of cascade of flowers that catches the eye. If you opt for plants such as lemon or orange trees in the Mediterranean garden design, make sure that they have to spend the winter indoors.
Fragrant herbs for your own garden
In addition to Lavandula angustifolia, there are several other plants and shrubs that spread an aromatic scent. These include herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and oregano. They are not only visually appealing, but can also be used in your own kitchen and add a sophisticated and fresh flavour to any meal.
For that certain Mediterranean flair, we recommend planting the herbs in terracotta pots rather than in the ground. This has the advantage that weeds grow less strongly and at the same time the warm colour enhances the southern flair.
Elements for the perfect Mediterranean garden design
If you want to create a Mediterranean garden, you should use plants and stones in the design, but the furniture, lighting and decoration also play an important role. Fortunately, there is a large selection of Mediterranean decoration products on the market.
Mediterranean garden furniture
Rustic wooden furniture or filigree metal furniture fit perfectly into the overall picture. Furniture with a patina, made of teak or with mosaic tiles gives the outdoor area that extra Mediterranean charm. Seat cushions in earthy colours or with floral patterns complete the picture.
Terraces and seating areas for the garden
Every garden needs a specific place to relax. A Mediterranean garden should not only look and smell good, but also be functional. This includes small seating areas with pergolas, awnings or shady olive trees that create cosy corners in the garden.
How about a natural stone terrace with wooden loungers or lounge furniture that invites you to relax? On a terrace like this, all you need is a glass of wine or a book in your hand and you'll feel like you're in Tuscany.
Plants that create a Mediterranean flair in your garden
If you want to create a Mediterranean garden, the following plants, such as trees and perennials, are particularly suitable:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Oleander (in protected locations)
- Olive tree (can be overwintered in a pot)
- Cypresses
- Bougainvillea (ideal for conservatories or south-facing balconies)
- Fig tree
- Lemon tree (as a container plant, as it needs a warm winter habitat)
Many of these plants are sensitive to winter, but can be planted not only in the ground but also in pots and can be brought indoors over the winter in the event of frost. Many shrubs, on the other hand, can remain in the garden or on the patio throughout the winter.
Tips for realisation - how to make your Mediterranean garden a success
Creating a Mediterranean garden requires planning, but is easy to realise, even in smaller gardens or on terraces. In this guide, we have put together a few practical tips to help you enjoy spending your summer days outdoors:
- Limit the colour palette: Stick to a warm, natural colour palette with beige, ochre, terracotta and olive green when selecting materials and all design ideas.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants: Choose Mediterranean plants that need little water. This saves effort and is more sustainable in terms of care.
- Work with different levels: You can choose raised beds, walls and planters, which are also flexible for overwintering plants indoors.
- Combine them with Mediterranean accessories: Terracotta amphorae, mosaic tiles, lanterns, Mediterranean-style garden furniture or a stone bench quickly create a Mediterranean ambience in the right combination.
- Use scent as a design tool: Plants such as citrus trees, lavender and rosemary create an unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere and that certain holiday feeling.
- Make sure you have the right lighting: Indirect light, e.g. with LED spotlights or solar lights, creates an atmospheric evening setting.
Create a Mediterranean garden: Also possible for small areas
Even if you don't have a large garden, you can create a Mediterranean flair on your patio, balcony or courtyard if you love the southern countries. Potted plants, mobile privacy screens and skilfully placed water features can help. For small areas, we recommend thinking in terms of height. How about climbing plants and a vertical garden for a special colour and structure? Always consider materials such as stone, water and metal.
The professionals for the realisation of Mediterranean gardens
With egli jona we have been redesigning gardens for years and creating individual oases of well-being that can withstand all weathers, including Mediterranean gardens. We look forward to getting to know you and your outdoor living space.
When you create your Mediterranean garden, you are not just designing a place, but a way of life. With the scent of herbs, terracotta colours and the calming splashing of a fountain, you can enjoy the southern ambience for a long time. Bring a piece of your holiday home with us and let us fulfil your dream.
