Garden visit: A taste of the Mediterranean at Anniken's

Anniken loves France and Spain and wants to recreate that same feeling in her garden.

Light and golden tones inspired by sand and olive groves are a recurring theme in the family’s outdoor space.

“It’s so beautiful with those natural colors mixed with hints of mint and plants in pots. It gives our garden a real holiday feeling,” says Anniken.

Their white greenhouse features cobblestone both as a foundation and a border—materials often seen further south in Europe. The look is combined with rustic furniture. Pots of various sizes in ceramic and terracotta are grouped outside the greenhouse, like a little square in France. Some of the pots and furniture have been given a coat of mint paint to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to their summer celebrations.

As soon as the risk of frost has passed, the family’s citrus trees are moved out to the greenhouse. Here, in the warmth and light, they thrive all summer long.

Anniken loves the purple, drought-tolerant plant with its soothing fragrance.

“Lavender in rustic terracotta pots—does it get any more beautiful? In my eyes, that look never goes wrong, no matter the surroundings,” she says.

A large terracotta pot stands in the middle of the lavender bed, creating an eye-catching focal point and an instant Mediterranean feel at the garden entrance.

Anniken has planted lavender in all her beds, and at the entrance, large purple mounds of lavender welcome visitors around a big terracotta pot.

“They look especially beautiful at the edges of the beds, spilling gracefully over the sides, and the vibrant flowers really make a statement. Lavender that lives permanently in pots with me usually blooms around the end of June, so every year it’s tempting to pick up a few new pots from Plantasjen since they bloom a little earlier,” she says.

After a few years in pots, the plants are moved out into the beds so they can grow even larger. Anniken trims away any unattractive branches as needed. Otherwise, she doesn’t do much with them, and each year they bloom just as beautifully.

“Every spring, I’m just as fascinated by this plant, which looks tired and half-dead after a long winter. Suddenly it comes back to life, turning green and lush, and offers a sea of buds. Eventually, a purple, buzzing cloud of flowers takes over. Few things make me happier,” she says.

Catmint is a great alternative to lavender. It provides a similar look and is beautiful both in clumps, as an edging plant in beds, and in pots.

There is little doubt that the Mediterranean is a major source of inspiration in this garden. Touches of yellow lemons weave the warmth of Southern Europe into the garden style.

Trees with bright yellow lemons and vivid green foliage also make you think of the south, sun, and warmth.

“The lemon trees stay in the greenhouse all summer. Here they enjoy the cozy warmth that reminds me of their native climate. They bloom several times a year, and the flowers smell absolutely wonderful. I leave the lemons on as long as possible because they are so decorative! Eventually, they fall, and then it’s lemonade time,” she says.

Pots of rosemary and basil add a special touch to cooking in the outdoor kitchen. The lemons also contribute flavor and a taste of Southern Europe.

Olive trees in various heights and sizes are also repeated throughout the outdoor space.

“A single olive tree in a large, beautiful terracotta pot does wonders for a patio.”

With their silvery-green leaves and gnarled trunks, they add a beautiful, sculptural form to the garden. The trees can be pruned to fit any garden, large or small, Anniken advises. Just remember to move them indoors before the frost arrives. Anniken stores hers in the garage.

The branches of a staghorn sumac arch over the greenhouse, adding an exotic feel. The tree produces burgundy-red fruits that hang throughout the winter and has become one of Anniken’s favorites. Like the other Mediterranean plants, it prefers dry soil. The family’s palms thrive as indoor plants in the living room during winter and bring a wonderful tropical atmosphere outdoors in the summer months.

Anniken makes sure to acclimate them when moving them outside. This means they start their outdoor life in the shade for a few weeks before being moved into the sun.

Touches of mint green represent the Mediterranean throughout the garden, often combined with terracotta pots.

Herbs add an extra touch to summer meals, and sun-loving basil is one of the family’s favorites.

“We use it for everything! In dishes, in different types of salt we make ourselves, and straight on bread. We love both the classic variety and bush basil ‘Magic Blue.’ The bush variety has a slightly stronger flavor than classic basil and can bloom with beautiful purple flowers, giving it high ornamental value as well,” she says.

Rosemary is another favorite herb that the family grows in pots.

“It smells wonderful, produces light purple flowers already in May, and is a must on top of focaccia and when we make beer bread in a cast-iron pot. It’s also great for drying and storing in jars for use throughout the winter.”

Rustic terracotta pots with perennials adorn an old sewing machine table outside the greenhouse. Personal and charming.

The terrace is set for a barbecue dinner. Straw and daisies adorn the cheerful summer table.

The family loves cooking outdoors in the outdoor kitchen. A pizza oven is high on their wish list.

“I dream of one with a rounded dome framed by green, glossy tiles. Truly Italiano. Just imagine making the sauce from our own tomatoes, sprinkling basil from our own pots, and smelling the pizza aroma fill the outdoor space!”

Pure delight! Anniken enjoys her morning coffee on the steps, surrounded by a purple carpet of fragrant lavender.

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• MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN - relaxed, warm and fragrant

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