Mediterranean Landscape Design

As the mere mention of Mediterranean places sets our mind wandering through the searing afternoons of Spain in summer or the antique splendor of Greece in the spring, it is no surprise that Mediterranean garden landscapes are becoming increasingly popular.

These southern European landscapes are marked by intense colors embedded in earth tones and blues that resonate with the above firmament and the deep ocean. Repeatedly used materials are stone, concrete and ceramics, plants actually functioning as accents in bright pottery. Mediterranean landscapes are best set in sunny courtyards in which trimmed lawns are replaced by stone tile or landscape gravel. Pergolas provide shade and open timber patios provide light and circulation. Drought resistant plants can be adopted to fit a traditional Mediterranean landscape, particularly olive trees and citrus plants. Lavender and geraniums also withstand arid climates as well as the cooking-friendly herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Hot and dry areas such as Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico would do well with Mediterranean courtyards, particularly since they apply some of the same methods of water conservation as xeriscaping.