Plant Inspirations
August 2008 ~ Mediterranean Chic

The Mediterranean style of garden reminds us of those idyllic holidays spent in countries bordering the Med. With our climate getting warmer, it’s possible to recreate similar gardens in southern England. So why not think about doing so if you have a warm and sunny part of the garden, a walled area or even a courtyard?
Mediterranean-style gardens offer continual colour and interest as well as a sense of rest and relaxation. They’re the perfect places in which to entertain friends and family or to just simply enjoy a glass of chilled wine. A main feature of the garden is a patio area, often shaded by smallish evergreen trees and shrubs, or a pergola with climbing plants. The evergreens provide the permanent lay-out and are complemented by terracotta pots filled with herbs and other flowering plants.

For structure and height, try Cupressus sempervirens ‘Pyramidalis’ (Italian Cypress), a wonderful drought tolerant tree forgiving of poor soil as long as it’s well-drained. It’s happy in acid or alkaline conditions. Also try Laurus nobilis angustifolia (Narrow-Leafed Bay) which can be clipped into pyramid or cone shapes. Plant in slightly richer soil and once established, its need for water is minimal.  Both are fully hardy. Another Mediterranean essential is Olea europea (European Olive), hardy enough if planted in a protected and sunny spot. It’ll even produce small olives if the summer is warm enough! Olive trees put up with most soil conditions provided the drainage is good.

Once the basic lay-out is in place, add some smaller plants such as Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom), a fantastic shrub that produces fragrant white flowers in spring and often again in autumn. Or try Pittosporum tobira (Japanese Mock Orange), another beauty producing scented white flowers in spring. Both enjoy any well-drained soil and are drought tolerant once established.

Create some small beds around the patio area and fill these with plants whose foliage and flowers are aromatic when brushed against. Lavender ‘Hidcote’ is a good choice as is Rosemary. Also try a selection of Sages and Thymes. Other small and sunny areas can be planted with both Cistus (Rockrose) and Convolvulus cneorum (Silverbush). Both have beautiful foliage and eye-catching flowers in spring and summer. All these plants can cope with dry conditions.

If you have a pergola, plant some climbers at the base of the framework. For early summer colour and aroma, plant Jasminum officinale (White Jasmine). Also try Passiflora caeruluea (Blue Passion Flower) for mid to late summer flowers. Campsis radicans (Trumpet Creeper) is another good choice for late summer to autumn blooms in vibrant red. All plants are fairly vigorous and put up with most well-drained soils. All like to be in sunny and protected situations and are hardy in our part of the UK.   
Don’t forget to fill terracotta pots with colourful plants such as Agapanthus, Cannas, Hibiscus and Oleanders. Agaves and Aloes as well as the beautiful Lampranthus are also great in decorative pots. All need to be over-wintered in the greenhouse so pot planting makes moving easy.
All of the plants listed above require very little water, apart from the Agapanthus and Cannas in dry spells, therefore saving a precious commodity. Plant maintenance is fairly minimal giving you maximum time to enjoy and relax in your little corner of the ‘Mediterranean’!

Newington Nurseries, a haven for plant lovers, on the A329, Newington, nr. Stadhampton, Oxon

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