7 steps to creating a Mediterranean style garden using terracotta tones
Terracotta is a key trend for gardens this year- Garden Media announced that terracotta is the colour trend of 2023 and this is echoed by interiors trends towards warm, earthy and paprika tones.
We love the soft energising vibe of terracotta. This rich, yet neutral shade lends itself to all kinds of garden designs, particularly for a Mediterranean feel. Mediterranean gardens often have a natural, rustic feel, with an emphasis on warm colours, earthy tones, and the use of natural materials.
The key to creating a Mediterranean style garden is to incorporate elements that evoke the warm, sunny climate of the region, even in the UK. By selecting the right plants, using warm colours, creating paths, focal points and seating areas, adding water features, incorporating decorative elements, and including lighting, you can create a beautiful and inviting garden
Here are some pointers:
1. Choose the right plants:
Bushy, woody herbs such as rosemary, thyme, lavender and sage are fragrant and evergreen, so your garden will be beautiful and evocatively scented all year. These herbs don’t need too much watering so they’re great for a hot summer. Olive, bay and fig trees in stone and terracotta pots are ornamental and introduce height and beautiful shades of green (pots do need a lot of watering though).
2. Use warm, earthy colours and paprika colours:
A colour theme of terracotta, stone, white and muted darker greens conjures up the Mediterranean. Use natural materials such as stone, gravel, and terracotta to create a rustic feel. Use terracotta pots for your plants, and incorporate stone elements such as walls, steps, and paths. You can get them online or cheaply from reclamation yards- it's a warming colour and will bring joy all year round.
3. Create paths:
Mediterranean gardens often feature meandering paths and secluded seating areas. Brick paving or edging will introduce warm earthy colours. Or use gravel or paving stones to create paths that wind through your garden, and place benches or chairs in secluded spots where you can enjoy the view.
4. Create lovely places to sit:
Create a seating area where you can relax and take in the beauty of your garden. Use wrought iron furniture or wooden benches and add cushions in warm colours such as orange, red, and yellow. Garden parasols provide a focal point for a garden and create a convivial atmosphere for long summer lunches. For a chic scene choose a classic white parasol such as our Holly Octagonal. Or opt for the Liberace with its gilded tassels or the Lexham Terracotta if you’d like to introduce more pattern in your garden.
5. Incorporate water features:
Water is an important element in Mediterranean gardens, if it’s feasible then consider adding a small fountains, pond, or pool. Not only is water a calming element it also attracts wildlife to your garden.
6. Add decorative elements:
Wrought iron gates, urns, and statues can add interest and visual appeal to your garden. You can hide them along the paths and in your planting- a joyful surprise to encounter on a wander
7. Don't forget the lighting:
Outdoor lighting means you can use your garden all evening. String lights and festoon bulb lighting always creates an inviting ambiance. Use stake lights to illuminate paths and seating areas.
