Create a Mediterranean corner

Whether you fancy a little bit of sunshine, or an ambiance that smells of Provence, the Mediterranean atmosphere has the advantage of finding its place everywhere.

Indispensable plants
What better to epitomize the Mediterranean spirit than the Olive tree? Lavender obviously but also Santolina (Lavender cotton), Cistus (Sun rose), the Provencal Cypress and Rosemary, all these plants will thrive grown outdoors providing they are sheltered from the cold winter wind. Protected from frost and grown in pots in colder areas, Citruses, Bougainvillea and Oleanders complete the array. It is mostly grey foliage which characterise the Mediterranean spirit in flowers ‘displays. Choose them openly, all the more as they do not require a lot of care, some of them do not even need pruning, even less fertiliser and little watering, indeed none at all.

Judas Tree

For larger gardens
In larger gardens, grown in the ground the southern spirit will be brought in by a Cercis (Judas Tree), with its great spring blossom, a fig tree for its fruit and a summer Lilac (Lagestroemia- Crape Myrtle) which blossoms when temperatures are high. A Mimosa can also be interesting if you have a lot of available space as this small tree spreads out more widthways than in height. It is not totally hardy though and must be grown in pot in colder areas, which removes the problem often caused by its bulk.

Minerals: Keep it simple
In Mediterranean scenery, there is no lawn as the dry climate prevents to get a cover of grass as in the north. This is the reason why the mineral element has such an importance in sceneries reminiscent of the south. Light coloured pebbles, or white are the most widespread shades of minerals used in Mediterranean settings. You can also choose slightly darker colours such as beige or grey if the surrounding plants go well with the material and the colour. If you nevertheless want the soil to be covered with plants, grow some ground-covering plants (growing as a short carpet) rather than grass.

Decorative elements
Terracotta has a great importance in Mediterranean settings, but the Mediterranean area is vast. With non-varnished Terracotta or sober colours (pale green for example), you will still be in keeping with the south-Provencal' spirit whether with varnished terracotta in vivid colours you will create a more ‘typed' scenery. This kind of setting requires intense white, irregular looking walls. The plants also must have more vivid blossoms (think about Bougainvillea, Oleanders and climbing roses). Cushions and even a small water feature will complete the scenery.

Lavandula stoechas (French Lavender) grown in pot.

On a terrace
Most of the Mediterranean plants happily thrive grown in pots. However, remember to add some very draining matter at planting time as they do not like having their roots in constant contact with water. Saucers left permanently underneath the pots are to be avoided. Water your plants in summer so that they do not suffer too much but let the top soil dry out before watering them again. Beware: when the plants usually growing in the south are really thirsty, it is not necessarily seen. Do not wait for the first signs of withering before watering them.