Cozy places to relax in Mediterranean gardens. Dreams of a fairy tale, or a garden in a Mediterranean style. Oleander symphony in a Mediterranean garden
The article talks about the Mediterranean style of landscape design. It is ideal for small plots, and does not require ongoing care. The main difficulty in its construction is landscaping, but this task is quite within the capabilities of sun lovers and Mediterranean exotics.
Harmony with nature in eternal rest
Mediterranean Sea, sun, sandy and stone beaches, rocky shores, a riot of greenery, flowers and eternal relaxation. Creating such paradise on its small, and not at all southern site, it will become main task the owner who chose this style.
You can arrange the site, guided by general principles, or you can focus on the style of a specific country - Greece, Italy, Turkey. The most important thing to remember is that general form the site should not remind of hard work invested in the creation of landscape design, but conducive to serene relaxation and fun.
Principles of composition and zoning issues
According to the principle of construction, the Mediterranean style is close to the Moorish: small area, backyard patio, blind fence. But many Mediterranean chalets have open front gardens at the front of the house, and the goal is not to reliably hide their everyday life.
Most interesting feature compositional solution is the absence of a center. All elements fulfill their assigned purpose and there is absolutely no need to worry about their semantic connection with each other.
The appearance of the style does not gravitate towards the novelty and quality of buildings. The main thing is that they are whitewashed and painted in traditional colors for the style - white, blue, yellow, terracotta.
Perspective in Mediterranean Style Planning
Coast Mediterranean Sea in many places it consists of rocks that drop sharply to the water. It makes it Mediterranean landscape design A great find for sites on slopes or hilltops. The more blue sky you can see from the highest point of the site, the better. This perspective will create the illusion of the close presence of the sea, a special mood.
It is very important to provide a feeling of the vastness of the sky. It’s great if at least one side of the site offers views of distant horizons, and this is not the place tall trees, blocking the view.
Small forms, fountains, paths are characteristic features of the style
A very important advantage that distinguishes it from ethnic gardens that are quite complex in stylization is the huge number of elements, methods and design techniques, which will easily and effortlessly help make the style recognizable.
The installation of a fountain is not a prerequisite. But the cheerfully murmuring streams of water falling into a stone bowl will enliven the composition and create the right mood. When creating a fountain, you can safely use expensive natural materials, and cobblestones at hand. You can use statues, bas-reliefs, and frescoes in the composition of the fountain. Unlike the fountains of Mauritania or China, Mediterranean fountains can huddle in secluded corners without claiming special attention.
Picturesque ruins are a simple stylization technique. You can use parts of statues, broken pottery, parts facade decorations, stylized Greek and Roman columns.
Unlike most ethnic styles, Mediterranean involves the presence large quantity various sculptures depicting people, animals, heroes of myths and legends.
Sculptures can be free-standing or can be an element of compositional groups. But even here it is very important to show a sense of proportion and taste. A huge number of pointlessly placed sculptures will not add style to the garden.
Paths in the Mediterranean style are laid according to one rule - to make it convenient.
Mostly, paving with natural stone and tiles of natural colors is used for paths. In different areas of the garden you can lay out areas that are not strict geometric shapes made from natural solid stone slabs.
The calling card of the Mediterranean is clay pots, amphorae, vessels. In whole or broken form must be present in the form flower pots, parts of sculptural and fountain compositions and simply by themselves.
garden furniture
This is a rare case when almost any furniture will do. Openwork forged benches, vintage tables and chairs, stone and even marble benches, arranged in the most cozy corners garden
Pergola - Mediterranean gazebo
A Mediterranean-style recreation area is characterized by the presence of pergolas or open canopies. Initially, the pergola was a structure supporting grapevine, and over time it became business card Mediterranean landscape design.
It is best to place them in places from which it opens best view. Wood is most often used to make pergolas, but stone and forged metal can also be used.
Usually the recreation area is located next to the barbecue area. The recently popular brick braziers will fit perfectly into the style. Especially if you place nearby arches entwined with greenery and openwork trellises on which you can hang pots and containers with flowers.
Mediterranean style landscaping
At first glance, it may seem that selecting plants and caring for them is a very complicated matter, but this is not entirely true. The Mediterranean style allows for some neglect and unkemptness. We can say that this style is just a godsend for those who like to take care of their garden, but do not spend a lot of time cutting and weeding. When setting up a garden, you can do without exotic heat-loving plants, but use those that can overwinter in open ground.
For example, in last years breeders are delighting gardeners with new frost-resistant grape varieties, the vines of which have bright, juicy greens, and at the same time is able to bear fruit, creating the desired color and mood.
An irreplaceable plant is maidenhair, or wild grapes. In a few years it will cover all vertical surfaces of the site without requiring special care.
Also for vertical gardening perfect climbing roses, clematis, adlumia, honeysuckle.
Plants in pots and containers will enliven the landscape. They can be placed and hung literally anywhere - on the walls and windows of the house, on the fence and pergola, on trees, next to garden furniture. The brighter and more diverse color palette, all the better.
From flowering plants Varietal roses, multi-colored geraniums, ropeworts, ageratum, amaranthus, chrysanthemums and begonias are suitable.
Pool decoration
Usually ethnic styles do not imply the construction of a swimming pool; most often, artificial reservoirs perform only decorative functions. Mediterranean style is an exception. A swimming pool on the site will be the finishing touch to creating a place for carefree relaxation. The most important thing is to bring the design of the pool into full style.
When constructing it, a contrasting blue-yellow-white color scheme is most often used. Used in decoration a natural stone, mosaic. The pool must be maintained perfect cleanliness, water should always be clean and transparent.
Right arranged area in a Mediterranean style, with its cheerful colors and thoughtful design, it will allow its owners to feel like they are at a Mediterranean resort, even on gloomy and rainy days.
If you are the happy owner of a private house or cottage, you have probably thought more than once about how to arrange the space around you with benefit and convenience. The Greeks, who spend most of their free time outdoors, thought of all the elements of garden design several thousand years ago) Want to borrow some of their ideas? Then read on!
Naturally, the features of Greek gardening are dictated primarily by the climatic conditions of the country. In the Mediterranean, summers are hot and dry, and winters, on the contrary, are wet; in many regions the influence of the sea is also strongly felt.
Among the huge variety of plants common in the region, the Greeks for thousands of years selected those that had the honor of “settled” in the flowerbeds and gardens of the majority local residents. Besides, appearance and the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding space are valued here no less than what exactly will grow on the ground.
So how can you organize a “garden in” on your property? greek style"? Read and get inspired by new ideas!
1. Neutral colors of buildings. In the hot Mediterranean climate, the walls surrounding the garden are painted white or something similar. light color. Why? It's easy to guess: it perfectly reflects the sun's rays.
2.Olive trees. The goddess Athena received an entire city after giving the Greeks the first olive tree (or so the legends tell us). It is no wonder that the inhabitants of Hellas carried love and respect for this tree through the centuries. Nowadays it is difficult to imagine a Greek garden without an olive tree! In large farms they are used to obtain fruits and oil (read how exactly the olive harvesting process works in Greece), but it happens that they also perform a purely decorative role.
By the way, it is also worth choosing an olive tree for the garden because it is drought-resistant, durable (in Greece there are trees that “live” for 300 and 500 years!), and its wood is considered durable and valuable.
For those who live in latitudes with a cool climate, it is better to grow ornamental olive trees in pots: in summer they can be placed in any corner of the garden, and in winter the tree can be brought indoors and enjoy a piece of the Mediterranean right at home!
3. Drought-resistant plants. When selecting inhabitants for your “Greek-style garden,” be sure to buy exactly those plants that are familiar to your climate zone. In Greece, hot summers are well tolerated by rosemary, thyme, sage and other perennial herbs. By the way, they also serve as a good bait for pollinators.
4.Bright accents. On the gray-green background of perennial drought-resistant plants and shrubs there must be some bright spot - preferably a flower with a pink or red color (poppies, pelargoniums, etc.).
5. Indoor flowers. According to archaeological research, the ancient Greeks already decorated their homes decorative flowers. Nowadays, in many small villages (for example, in Crete), many houses do not have personal plots. In such cases, the role of the “garden” is played by small area near the window sills, entrance doors, in small areas near the house. The housewives carefully decorate these areas with numerous pots with a variety of flowers.
6. Clay pots. Pottery is one of the art forms that the ancient Greeks brought to perfection. It was thanks to the drawings and inscriptions on ancient Greek ceramics that historians learned many facts and details from life ancient civilization. But in addition to the cultural component, clay products also have many other benefits that can be used to create the appropriate atmosphere in your garden. Firstly, clay pots retain moisture well, so plants thrive in the scorching sun. Secondly, the flowers in them “breathe”, unlike cheaper ones plastic pots. Thirdly, clay products look noble!
7.Citrus trees: lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines. citrus tree, like the olive, is a must-have for the Greek garden. If you live in a Mediterranean climate, planting citrus in your garden will not be difficult. For inhabitants of mid-latitudes, pots again come to the rescue. ornamental trees. By the way, citrus fruits also look gorgeous indoors!
8.Symmetry. Even in a small garden you can embody one of the principles of the great ancient Greek architecture. How? Just place two identical benches on either side of the table.
9.Bougainvillea. It is a must-have in any Greek garden (do you remember the point about bright accents?)! This flower looks great both in a pot and on a trellis. In areas where summer temperatures do not drop below 30 degrees, it can grow very quickly, but this problem can be easily eliminated with the help of pruners.
Hello, dear friends! Who among us does not dream of warm countries and the sea... Where there is eternal sun and a lot of bright colors positivity always seems to prevail and Summer mood. However, in our climatic conditions you can create an island of warmth and positivity.
In this article you will learn how you can recreate a piece of the sunny Mediterranean on your site. I really like the Mediterranean style! Let's talk about it!
Mediterranean style – diverse and many-sided. It has absorbed the characteristics of many countries, such as France, Italy, Spain and Greece, Morocco. Having recognized him distinctive features, you can enjoy the riot of colors and good mood for a long time.
Spanish style may include Moorish or Moroccan influences such as wrought iron, vibrant tile and plaster patterns, and vibrant fabrics. A riot of colors and always a summer mood - this is the Spanish style.
Greek style closely connected with the sea, with big amount dark blue tones - crisp turquoise mixed with white plaster. This style is characterized by white walls, blue shutters and doors. Main principle construction is minimalism and functionality; the houses look like a box. Houses without attics . Mostly houses are built on the basis of a concrete frame - structures made of pillars and floor slabs. Brickwork and the concrete frame is usually covered with colored plaster light colors. In some cases, they are used for finishing natural stone. Mandatory presence of terraces and loggias, awnings and shutters. The roof is usually flat or has small angle slope, roof - ceramic tiles.
Italian style contains many natural materials such as ceramic tile, clay tiles, tree. Great importance give color. The Italian garden is dominated by the dark green color of evergreen pine trees and boxwood. Curly pruning of trees is one of the main accents in an Italian style garden. Italian style goes quite well with various shades stone - beige, pink, gray, golden.
Do not think that the Mediterranean style is not suitable for Russian regions. Many of them greenhouse plants can be replaced with our analogues. After all, we will not simply copy this style. We will draw from it the most interesting and acceptable for each of us and add something of our own!
The main features of the Mediterranean style.
Creating a landscape Mediterranean style starts with plants, which are classics in the Mediterranean region. These are olive trees and cypress trees, palm trees and citrus fruits. Olive Tree Of course, it will not grow in cold regions, because it is a very heat-loving tree that requires special care. It can be safely replaced with a plant such as silver oleaster or sea buckthorn. In general, it is better to give preference to plants that have leathery or glossy leaves. Barberry and cotoneaster, boxwood and mahonia are suitable here.
WHY NOT OLIVE?!!
Our conifers (spruces, pines, thujas) and evergreen shrubs (boxwood, euonymus) will create the illusion of the Mediterranean. Cypress can be replaced with juniper virginiana (skyrocket), it resembles cypress with its elongated crown shape. The varieties Pyramidalis and Schotti have a similar crown shape.
It is better to display citrus fruits in flower pots summer season from the house to the terrace. The same geranium in clay pots will fit perfectly into Mediterranean style.
Mediterranean landscape It wouldn't be complete without herbs such as English lavender and rosemary. They can be grown in raised beds and plant pots.
The most basic and important thing when setting up a garden in a Mediterranean style is the presence of an enclosed space. Because it's real cozy atmosphere possible only in limited space. High stone or clay walls usually surround the entire garden. Although this is the main condition, not everyone can build additional buildings in their garden. But additional construction there is an alternative - to use existing walls various buildings, creating small patios between them. For example, between a house and a bathhouse or barn. Many plots are not large - on these it is better to create a single patio with a terrace or garden herbs, a fountain or a flowerpot with flowers. The entire area can become a recreation area. The vegetable garden can be separated by a pergola or hedge.
In traditional Mediterranean garden it is appropriate to use stone for small architectural forms (, etc.) to add color and texture to the landscape. It is better to use sandstone or yellow brick white flowers. When creating paths, choose light-colored stone, which is often used in Mediterranean gardens, as sidewalks and patios are sunlight They get very hot and this creates inconvenience. Light stone solves this problem. Stone tiles, such as travertine will provide more professional look For pedestrian paths and patio.
Such a garden is characterized by the installation of fountains, waterfalls and cascades. The murmur of water on a hot day brings coolness and peace. In a garden, a stone fountain usually serves as the central composition. Most often he has correct form(circle, square, polygon), but you can also use a flowerpot or jug. Moreover, the fountain can be small in size.
Relief is the main decoration of the garden. Elevation changes on the site are a traditional phenomenon for the Mediterranean landscape. The stylization of the garden in the Mediterranean style is especially enhanced by terracing, numerous retaining walls and Various canopies, pergolas, wooden trellises, arches, canvas awnings, living arches of trees and benches located under them will create volume in your garden and radically change the overall atmosphere
Use of statues and ceramics throughout the yard, helps highlight character and highlight the visual appearance of the Mediterranean style. You need to choose traditional statues - statues with images of Roman numerals, greek gods and animals such as lions all also fit into the style. This is of course not for everybody. I wouldn't imitate the Mediterranean style so much. And statues are not cheap, unless you are Tsereteli!!!))
By the way, it is welcome if there is one on the site. It's great if the site . Look for ideas using the link!
I thought for a long time about the style of my garden and settled on the Mediterranean. Firstly, we have an area with elevation changes; secondly, there is a natural reservoir; thirdly, I really love stone, wood and forging, plants in clay pots and conifers. In addition, based on this, we plan to paint the facade of the house in a light color... The frames are dark, the facade is light ( textured plaster), there is an exit (both fell in love with the house project) from the house directly to the terrace, when entering the garden down the steps of the patio in a secluded corner (this is in the plans). So it's mine!!! Many probably thought that it would be expensive (judging by the photos) to create such a style on the site? However, in defense of this style, I will say that many accessories and basic elements are completely replaceable with more budget ones. Let's consider:
Furniture - a durable alternative could be a sturdy wooden table or small table, or comfortable wicker furniture. Informal furniture, for modern Mediterranean, in metal or wood can be painted to suit your mood or preference. Here too, slightly peeling paint can add charm. Various changes can be made quite quickly and will not cost much - using a variety of tablecloths and pillows.
Fountain - where are we from big fountains with statues!!! Large jug or a flowerpot will ideally replace dimensional elements.
Paths – For a rustic feel, opt for gravel to add texture. By the way, this is more a budget option paving. Gravel is good for isolated areas or as filler between flowerbeds where there is little foot traffic; cobblestones are effective for curved elements and path details. All this will create the desired antiquity effect and will absorb and radiate the heat needed by the plants.
Pots - pots, pots...pots with flowers everywhere! They can be displayed along the steps or on the terrace in groups, and it all blooms, smells, and pleases the eye!!!
You can use pottery for planting, or simply place ceramics in the corners of your patio or deck to add a Mediterranean-inspired visual appeal. Terracotta pots will fit perfectly into the Mediterranean landscape if you dig a little jug in a secluded corner of the garden and lay out pieces of ceramics (as if it had spilled out of it), and “forget” it there. Pots work well self made, especially aged ones, with a touch of antiquity, so to speak.
Urns, bowls and even olive jars can serve as plant pots. Decorative stones and other materials will be useful in a Mediterranean-style garden.
Mosaic is one of the most important decorative elements garden in Mediterranean style.
Especially luxurious combinations are obtained when four elements meet at once in one corner of the site - water, stone, dense vegetation and mosaic. Flower pots you can decorate it yourself pieces of broken tiles, shells, pebbles or colored glass. This original work will definitely not require large investments!
When you choose color palette for Mediterranean landscape , don't stick to soft shades like pastels. Instead, turn on the brave ones, bright shades furniture pillows, ceramic tableware and other accessories. Other shades that work well in Mediterranean style are red, yellow and orange.
We looked at the photos, noticed something for ourselves and go ahead, create, make sketches!!!
So, let's summarize briefly:
The house itself and all buildings should be light.
For paths, in addition to natural stone, you can use cast tiles of appropriate colors, especially when you need to lay out an ornament.
To decorate the barbecue, it is better to take white or yellow brick.
A spectacular composition for a Mediterranean garden: a pot lying on gravel and a handful of mosaics, as if scattered from it.
The vegetable garden can be placed in large pots. In a garden of this style it is usually small: mainly made up of greenery and herbs (well, this is for those, of course, who do not keep a large garden)
Plain boards painted Blue colour, can be used for making shutters summer house or cuisine (Greek style)
Use the fence area to hang containers of hanging plants.
Strongly aromatic plants, as well as plants with narrow foliage, are very suitable for this style. So in the summer, use your patio to bring out decorative houseplants- dracaenas, laurel, lemon, aspidistra, yucca.
What's good about this style?- because it is very diverse! You can choose any direction for yourself - Spanish, Italian, Greek, and each will delight you with warmth and its mood!
By the way, leaving comments is now easier - no need to enter e-mail, Just a name is enough! We will be grateful for your comments! We read everything. We will answer as soon as possible!
Don't let your plot look like your neighbor's!
Regards, Tatiana!
The article talks about the Mediterranean style of landscape design. It is ideal for small areas and does not require constant maintenance. The main difficulty in its construction is landscaping, but this task is quite within the capabilities of sun lovers and Mediterranean exotics.
Harmony with nature in eternal rest
Mediterranean Sea, sun, sandy and stone beaches, rocky shores, a riot of greenery, flowers and eternal relaxation. Creating such a piece of paradise on your small, and not at all southern, plot will be the main task of the owner who has chosen this style.
You can arrange the site, guided by general principles, or you can focus on the style of a specific country - Greece, Italy, Turkey. The most important thing to remember is that the overall appearance of the site should not remind you of the hard work put into creating landscape design, but should be conducive to serene relaxation and fun.
Principles of composition and zoning issues
According to the principle of construction, the Mediterranean style is close to the Moorish: a small plot, a backyard patio, a blind fence. But many Mediterranean chalets have open front gardens at the front of the house, and the goal is not to reliably hide their everyday life.
The most interesting feature of the compositional solution is the absence of a center. All elements fulfill their assigned purpose and there is absolutely no need to worry about their semantic connection with each other.
The appearance of the style does not gravitate towards the novelty and quality of buildings. The main thing is that they are whitewashed and painted in traditional colors for the style - white, blue, yellow, terracotta.
Perspective in Mediterranean Style Planning
The Mediterranean coast in many places consists of cliffs that drop sharply to the water. This makes Mediterranean landscaping a great choice for sites on slopes or hilltops. The more blue sky you can see from the highest point of the site, the better. This perspective will create the illusion of the close presence of the sea, a special mood.
It is very important to provide a feeling of the vastness of the sky. It’s great if at least one side of the site offers views of distant horizons, and there is no place for tall trees blocking the view.
Small forms, fountains, paths are characteristic features of the style
A very important advantage that distinguishes it from ethnic gardens that are quite complex in stylization is the huge number of elements, methods and design techniques that can easily and without much effort help make the style recognizable.
The installation of a fountain is not a prerequisite. But the cheerfully murmuring streams of water falling into a stone bowl will enliven the composition and create the right mood. When creating a fountain, you can safely use both expensive natural materials and cobblestones at hand. You can use statues, bas-reliefs, and frescoes in the composition of the fountain. Unlike the fountains of Mauritania or China, Mediterranean fountains can huddle in secluded corners without claiming special attention.
Picturesque ruins are a simple stylization technique. You can use parts of statues, fragments of pottery, parts of facade decorations, stylized Greek and Roman columns.
Unlike most ethnic styles, Mediterranean involves the presence of a large number of different sculptures depicting people, animals, heroes of myths and legends.
Sculptures can be free-standing or can be an element of compositional groups. But even here it is very important to show a sense of proportion and taste. A huge number of pointlessly placed sculptures will not add style to the garden.
Paths in the Mediterranean style are laid according to one rule - to make it convenient.
Mostly, paving with natural stone and tiles of natural colors is used for paths. In various areas of the garden, you can lay out areas of non-strict geometric shapes from natural solid stone slabs.
The hallmark of the Mediterranean are clay pots, amphorae, and vessels. In whole or broken form, they must be present in the form of flower pots, parts of sculptural and fountain compositions, and simply by themselves.
garden furniture
This is a rare case when almost any furniture will do. Openwork wrought-iron benches, vintage tables and chairs, stone and even marble benches, placed in the most cozy corners of the garden.
Pergola - Mediterranean gazebo
A Mediterranean-style recreation area is characterized by the presence of pergolas or open canopies. The pergola was originally a structure that supported grapevines, and over time it became a hallmark of Mediterranean landscape design.
It is best to place them in places that offer the best view. Wood is most often used to make pergolas, but stone and forged metal can also be used.
Usually the recreation area is located next to the barbecue area. The recently popular brick braziers will fit perfectly into the style. Especially if you place nearby arches entwined with greenery and openwork trellises on which you can hang pots and containers with flowers.
Mediterranean style landscaping
At first glance, it may seem that selecting plants and caring for them is a very complicated matter, but this is not entirely true. The Mediterranean style allows for some neglect and unkemptness. We can say that this style is just a godsend for those who like to take care of their garden, but do not spend a lot of time cutting and weeding. When setting up a garden, you can do without exotic heat-loving plants, and use those that can overwinter in open ground.
For example, in recent years, breeders have been delighting gardeners with new frost-resistant grape varieties, the vines of which have bright, juicy greenery, and at the same time are able to bear fruit, creating the desired flavor and mood.
An irreplaceable plant is maiden or wild grapes. In a few years it will cover all vertical surfaces of the site without requiring special care.
Climbing roses, clematis, adlumia, and honeysuckle are also perfect for vertical gardening.
Plants in pots and containers will enliven the landscape. They can be placed and hung literally anywhere - on the walls and windows of the house, on the fence and pergola, on trees, next to garden furniture. The brighter and more varied the color palette, the better.
Flowering plants include varietal roses, multi-colored geraniums, ropeworts, ageratum, amaranthus, chrysanthemums and begonias.
Pool decoration
Typically, ethnic styles do not imply the construction of a swimming pool; most often, artificial reservoirs perform only decorative functions. Mediterranean style is an exception. A swimming pool on the site will be the finishing touch to creating a place for carefree relaxation. The most important thing is to bring the design of the pool into full style.
When constructing it, a contrasting blue-yellow-white color scheme is most often used. The decoration uses natural stone and mosaic. The pool must be kept perfectly clean; the water must always be clean and clear.
A properly arranged plot in the Mediterranean style, with its cheerful colors and thoughtful design, will allow its owners to feel like they are in a Mediterranean resort, even on gloomy and rainy days.