In a Mediterranean-style garden small gestures of beauty are everywhere. Style is relaxed, reflecting the atmosphere of long and hot summers that are mostly dry. ‘Bringing the outdoors in’ is a dominating theme in any Mediterraneanstyle garden. The choice of plants is often simple and impact is achieved by repeating the same planting, either in a formal pattern or randomly.

Mediterranean gardens are a delightful blend of perfume and riotous colour, with the added formality of repeat plantings, statues, fountains and topiary.

Palettes or drifts of colours using plants of similar height and spread can come together, rather like a jigsaw puzzle. Pots of flowering plants are used extensively to enhance living spaces. Wood-framed windows look out onto courtyards that are filled with potted plants.

Traditionally, some gardens are simple orchards, while others are kitchen gardens planted with thyme, basil, coriander and rosemary. Vibrant colours like those of the bougainvillea are evident. Conifers, with their formality and strong shapes are often used. An emphasis is placed on flowering ornamentals, although fruit, vegetables and herbs can even be allowed to dominate.

Interpreting the Mediterranean style to create the right look

• Plants are visually combined with structures, especially around wooden doors and window frames to create interesting effects ranging from upright plants for formality to draping climbers to soften the effect.
• Groups of pots in terracotta or Tuscan colours can be attached to walls and filled with flowering plants, like pelargonium. Quantity matters here - the more pots you can space on the wall, the bigger the impact will be.
• Troughs are essential, especially on balconies. These should be planted with a riot of colour spilling out.
• Classic topiaries as individual features are important and add to the formality.

Think Mediterranean and images of courtyards containing fountains, blue pools, tiles, stone and concrete.

• Water features should be confined to just one style, but you can repeat the same style.
• Gravel, concrete and stone can all be used for paths.
• Wrought iron furniture is very suitable. Wrought iron tables with mosaic tiled tops are ideal for a relaxed lifestyle.
• Use pergolas and terraces for creating relaxed, covered eating areas.
• Simple pergolas can make the perfect structure to support climbing plants to create cool, inviting rest areas.

Pots are perfect and so is artistry

Pots and ornaments add the finishing touch. Terracotta pots are traditional, ideal and readily available. Be creative with garden artistry like wall plaques and statues.

• Mix shapes and sizes of pots from the biggest right down to half-pots and herb pots. Troughs can dominate.
• Herbs, vegetables, fruits and ornamentals can all be planted in pots.
• Position groups of mixed-sized pots on paved areas or beside entrance doors and feature windows.

Ideally, the impression should be relaxed but with some formality and plants will complete the job of creating the right look.

In general, the Mediterranean climate is drier than here in S-E Queensland, so care must be taken to ensure traditionally-used plants have the benefit of perfect drainage and plenty of space for air-circulation during our more humid months. In some cases, plants that enjoy a drier climate can be grown in pots and placed under-roof so that watering can be more easily controlled.

Once the framework for your Mediterranean garden is in place, the structural impact of tall and narrow conifers will add to the formality. Groups of large pots spaced evenly and planted repeating the same species will also add to formality. Bold and colourful flowers and herbs are more relaxed.

Ask the experts at Hawkins

Here are just some of the plants readily available at Hawkins Home & Garden Centres to help you create a Mediterranean-style garden. It is by no means comprehensive but rather, an indication of types of plants that should thrive in gardens in and around Brisbane. Horticultural Advisors are always available to help you with your selection.

Fruiting trees

Figs, Citrus (various), Persimmon, Olive, Avocado

Herbs

Oregano, Curry Plant, Thyme, Rosemary, Sweet Pepper, Lavender, Garlic

Flowers and foliage

Pelargonium, Marguerite Daisy, Petunia, Salvia, Verbena, Artemesia, Diosma, Nandina, Nerium

Climbers

Wisteria, Petrea, Grape

Plants for structured shape

Conifer, Cycad, Yucca, Agave

Plants for perfume

Gardenia, Murraya

Palms

Jubaea chilensis (Chilean Wine Palm)
Butia (Jelly Palm)
Phoenix (Date Palm)
Washington (Cotton Palm)