Marvels of the Med
The sun-kissed beauties that will leave your plot smelling just as good as it looks
A statement plant is a must – and nothing beats an olive tree
ABOTTLE of olive oil or decorative fridge magnet will be among souvenirs snapped up by holidaymakers to t he Mediterranean this summer. However, those with green fingers might return home with something different… a plan to create a display inspired by gardens in their favourite sun-kissed destination.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve spent time in Spain, the French Riviera or Greece, the indigenous gardens have an irresistible appeal. Many want to capture the look by introducing some key plants or aspire to a carefree Mediterranean lifestyle by establishing a space for relaxing, eating and entertaining.
Over the years I’ve seen loads of plots in this country influenced by the owners’ trips abroad, from a Moroccan-style patio in Essex to an Italianate garden in Northumberland. Even the planting in my own city patch has been inspired
by holidays taken in places such as Turkey, Crete and Cyprus.
As far as I’m concerned, Mediterranean-style gardens have a lot going for them. Apart from their striking good looks and laidback atmosphere, they are based around a palette of plants that pretty much take care of themselves; they require little pruning or feeding and are often remarkably drought-tolerant.
Portuguese laurels, holm oaks (Quercus ilex), common myrtles and other small trees and large shrubs are ideal for creating an evergreen background to displays. Augment with rock roses (cistus), Convolvulus cneorum, Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) and other lower-growing, flowering shrubs.
A statement plant is a must. For my money, you can’t go wrong with an olive tree with its twisted, craggy trunk and foil of silvery leaves. Alternatively, consider a slender Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) or fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), which grows to 5ft and is hardy down to -10C. Bear’s breeches (Acanthus mollis), osteospermums, verbascums and Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii are among perennials suitable for arranging in beds and borders. Dramatic and architectural, agapanthus are essential, whether planted in the ground or shown off in containers.
Med gardens always smell as good as they look, so select some plants with fragrant flowers and foliage. Rosemary, French lavender and jasmine will all provide an olfactory overload. One of my favourites is Helichrysum italicum, a compact, 15in-tall shrub with grey-silver leaves that pack a lovely spicy scent.
To avoid importing pests and diseases, don’t buy plants when you’re away on holiday, just pick up what you fancy from UK nurseries on your return – all the ones I’ve mentioned are available in this country.
They will all thrive outdoors in a sunny, sheltered spot with welldrained soil – but not all plants seen in the Med are happy in our climate. Lantana, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and bougainvillea are all lily-livered beauties that are best raised in pots and moved to a frostfree place over winter.
Capture the spirit of a Mediterranean garden by using hard landscaping materials l i ke gravel, terracotta, ceramic tiles and wood. Ensure there’s a generous area for eating, kitted out with suitable furniture. Try a long, rectangular table with benches or a shabby-chic bistro set, if space is tight.
Water is an important element, delivering sound, movement and a cooling effect. Instead of a conventional pond, install a stone fountain or wall-mounted water spout above a pool. A geometric, raised pond will make an impressive feature if rendered and painted white, or covered with glazed Moorish tiles.
A traditional rustic pergola will add a Mediterranean feel to any garden, especially when the structure is clothed with a grape vine, passionflower or climber with scented blooms. They can be sited anywhere, but are best erected over a patio or eating area, where the canopy will provide some respite from the sun.
Finish off the space with some well-placed and carefully selected ornaments. Terracotta pots or brightly coloured glazed ones, wicker baskets and classical figurines that have weathered beautifully are all in keeping. Don’t overdo it – too many decorative items will create a chaotic effect.