MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN - relaxed, warm and fragrant
Longing for warmer climates? Why not bring the Mediterranean feel right into your own garden? The Mediterranean garden style is a unique blend that combines southern charm with Nordic resilience and adaptability. It mixes warm materials and sun-loving plants with those that can withstand the Nordic climate.
Instead of copying the traditional Mediterranean garden, it's about adapting southern elements to Nordic conditions. For example, plants like lemon trees (perfect in a terracotta pot on the terrace during the summer) can be combined with Nordic alternatives, such as the willow pear. This way, you'll create a garden that's both visually appealing and practical.
How to create a Mediterranean garden
To create a Mediterranean garden in our Nordic climate, there are several things you should keep in mind:
- Choose the right plants
Tailor your plant choices to the Nordic climate. Select hardy plants that can withstand cold or can easily be moved indoors when the weather gets cold, but still give a Mediterranean vibe. Think olive trees in pots, lavender, and rosemary in garden beds.
- Use warm colors
Mediterranean gardens are known for warm colors. Include terracotta, sandstone, and olive-toned shades when planning your garden.
- Create a focal point
Your garden should have a place where you can gather and enjoy time together, and that space should ideally feature a pizza oven. An outdoor kitchen is also a great way to bring family and friends together for delightful evenings.
- Build an orangery
An orangery is a greenhouse that offers space for both socializing and growing. It’s practical for protecting sensitive plants during the cold months and adds an exotic touch to your garden.
- Use natural stone and ceramics
Materials like natural stone and ceramics are typical of Mediterranean gardens and provide an authentic feel. They’re a quick way to achieve the right atmosphere.
- Plant in pots and containers
Use pots and large urns to grow your plants. This provides flexibility and makes it easy to move plants inside when winter arrives.
- Don’t forget shade
Build a pergola or set up a sailcloth to create shaded areas. With a lovely shaded spot, you can enjoy your Mediterranean garden even on the warmest days of the year.
20 popular plants in a Mediterranean garden
Here are some plants that can give your garden a Mediterranean vibe:
- Lemon tree in a pot
Lemon instantly brings to mind the Mediterranean; plant it in a pot so it can be easily moved indoors. - Olive tree
Evergreen Mediterranean plants that thrive in warm, sunny environments. - Cypress
Adds height and structure. - Lavender
Tolerates heat and smells great, perfect for a Mediterranean garden. - Rosemary
A hardy herb that thrives in the sun. - Oleander
A beautiful and colorful Mediterranean plant that does well in pots. - Fig tree
Can be grown in pots and adds an authentic feel to your Mediterranean garden. - Grapes
Make a beautiful focal point and provide natural shade. - Iris
Blooms beautifully and is hardy. - Bluebell
Blooms with beautiful blue or white flowers. - Geranium
Easy to care for and colorful, perfect for pots. - Sage
An herb with beautiful flowers and aromatic leaves. - Bougainvillea
Needs protection in winter but is incredibly beautiful in summer. - Echinacea
Strong and colorful, well-suited for northern conditions. - Alchemilla
A low-growing plant that thrives in sunny areas. - Willow pear
Hardy and a beautiful tree, also known as the Northern olive tree. - Eucalyptus
Can be grown in pots and adds an exotic touch. - Honeysuckle
Fragrant and fast-growing, perfect for pergolas. - Clematis
A climbing plant that can quickly create a green wall. - Agapanthus
Blooms with beautiful blue or white flowers.
Colors and shapes in the Mediterranean garden
In the Mediterranean-inspired garden, the colors are warm and sun-kissed, with shades of terracotta, olive, and sea blue. These colors reflect the natural landscape of the Mediterranean and create a sense of warm welcome. Use these colors in both the flower beds and decorative elements to create a cohesive and harmonious atmosphere.
The shapes in such a garden are often simple and geometric, reflecting the architecture of the Mediterranean. Rectangular and circular shapes are common, both in flower beds and when designing pathways and outdoor areas. These structured forms give a sense of order and balance.
To further enhance the Mediterranean-inspired feel, you can go all in with elements like stone walls, limestone slabs, and ceramic pots. These materials are not only beautiful and timeless but also reflect the traditional materials used in the Mediterranean region.
Feel free to include elements like pergolas and climbing plants to create shaded and inviting areas. Such structures provide protection from the sun and are perfect places for relaxation and social gatherings.
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