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Mediterranean Landscape Design
The word Mediterranean brings to mind thoughts of hot sunny Spain, or the earthy delights of Greece, so it's no wonder Mediterranean garden landscapes are growing in popularity.
Mediterranean landscapes are characterized by bright, intense colors interspersed in a bedding of earth tones. They reflect the brilliant blues of the skies above and the nearby ocean.
The main materials used repeatedly in Mediterranean landscapes are stone, concrete and ceramics. Plants are actually just accents potted in the colorful ceramic pottery so readily available throughout the region. This helps to conserve the amount of water needed for this landscape design.
Mediterranean landscapes are typically set in sunny courtyards where the standard manicured lawn is usually replaced by stone tile or landscaping gravel. This again eliminates the need for the excessive watering that would be required in this dry, breezy climate.
Shade is mainly provided by pergolas, open air patios constructed of open timber framework similar to the shade houses found across North American landscapes.
These handsome structures cut out the brunt of the noonday sun while still allowing light and air circulation. Plants may be found hanging from the rafters in more of the same brightly colored pottery previously mentioned.
Water features in a Mediterranean landscape area are designed more for function than for form. You'll find little in the way of ornamental waterfalls. This landscape style's swimming pools, ponds and fountains all provide relief from the heat and, with the exception of the swimming pool, water for the patio plants.
Speaking of plants, you may be wondering just what types of landscape plants are suitable for an arid climate, but still fit the traditional Mediterranean landscaping style. Any drought resistant landscape plant that is hardy for your region can be adapted into a Mediterranean landscape, especially when potted in traditional style planters for the patio. But there are some plants that are typically associated with this type of landscape. Olive trees and citrus are long standing favorites of the Mediterranean landscape design. Lavender and geraniums also do very well in the hot full sun. Herbs such as rosemary and thyme not only look interesting, they come in handy for cooking. Even roses can be potted to provide beauty and fragrance in a Mediterranean courtyard landscape.
Mediterranean landscaping is actually quite beneficial for many regions in the United States. Areas that regularly experience intense heat and drought like Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico are terrific candidates for Mediterranean courtyards, which tend to look perfectly at home in these landscapes. The Mediterranean style landscape employs many of the same principles of xeriscape landscaping, mainly applying water conservation techniques to make beautiful landscapes possible.
Your local landscape professional will be happy to help you get started designing your own Mediterranean landscape paradise.
Bonsai landscaping is the fascinating art of cultivating miniature trees to mimic the age and characteristics of full size trees found in the natural landscape. Fine green moss