The picturesque nature of the southern nature will not leave anyone indifferent. The bright colors of the gardens, ponds, arches, grottoes and pergolas cannot but please. Unfortunately, in Russian realities, it is difficult to create a picturesque Mediterranean coast. But you can achieve maximum similarity if you take into account some design tricks and nuances, because the view of the southern garden is one of the richest sources of inspiration.
Features of the Mediterranean style
The main feature is the use of stone, sea pebbles and marble chips in the design. The southern gardens are often located close to the coast and on the slopes of the mountains, so stone is a must. The use of stepped slopes, stairs and retaining walls is also characteristic.
The most popular plants are citrus, olive, conifers and palms. Curly trimming of trees and hedges is also common. Amphoras, pots, flowerpots are used for decoration. Some can even be slightly dug into the ground, this will create the effect of "antiquity".
Which plants are better to choose
In our latitudes, this is a difficult task. Most of the plants that feel great in the sultry subtropics simply will not take root here. They can be replaced by broadleaf crops such as magnolia, boxwood, viburnum. It is imperative to plant flower beds with bright flowers. Roses look especially advantageous. At the foot of the trees, it is good to place meadows with medicinal and spicy herbs - lemon balm, mint, sage. Plants such as periwinkle and cotoneaster will add a southern touch. Cypress trees can be successfully replaced with columnar thuja and junipers. Instead of vines, clematis, honeysuckle or girlish grapes are perfect.
landscape architecture
For relaxation in such a garden, it is recommended to create gazebos, arches, canvas awnings. By planting climbing plants near them, it will be possible to repeat the atmosphere of the Mediterranean. It is also worth paying attention to low hedges dividing the site into zones; stone fences, parapets and all kinds of terraces.
A very important design element is water devices - fountains, both free-standing and wall-mounted; streams, cascades. Fountains do not have to be centered to draw attention to themselves. In the Mediterranean style, they look very advantageous in secluded corners.
Read, how to make a fountain with your own hands, different ideas.
Stylized columns and different types of ruins will successfully fit into the design. It is important to understand that it is better to use natural materials for decoration. Plastic will definitely not work. Forged products look great in the Mediterranean landscape.
Cozy patio
In the Mediterranean style, a secluded patio is very common. He settles down in a place protected from the cold wind and, ideally, the patio should offer a view of a beautiful landscape, best of all, the sea. Since in our area this is in most cases impossible, a certain "marine accent" will fit well in the patio interior. These can be fabric covers for furniture in white and blue stripes or flower pots decorated in the same range. A mosaic, such as a mosaic floor, will look good. For the design of such a site, only simple natural materials are used - straw, soft tiles, reeds. Pretentiousness and pomp will be superfluous here. A rocking chair, sun loungers, rough wooden furniture will highlight the style features. Along the perimeter, you can arrange thuja, oleander, juniper planted in tubs.
When arranging a site, you can use general principles, or you can focus on the peculiarities of one country - Greece, Turkey, Italy. Of course, you will have to spend a lot of effort, but as a result, your garden will beckon to itself with coziness and dispose to serene relaxation and tranquility!
