Think of the hot rocky coastline, sandy soils and beautifully old architecture amongst gnarled trees and silver, blue shrubs. Mediterranean, or sometimes referred to as Dry gardens, are a perfect solution for hot, dry areas, creating a beautiful garden oasis in an otherwise ungrowable situation.

Key Features

• Low, coastal shrubs with silvery blue and olive green tones
• Olives, Lavender, Rosemary, Pencil Pines, Agave, Aloe and succulents
• Gnarled old trees and not too many!
• Large, square or slate stone steps, sandy tones, earthy rendered brick walls
• Columns – either with plants like the Glauca Pencil Pine or amongst the garden architecture
• Large pots, concrete or stone sculptures, water fountain
• Mixture of formal hedging and natural coastal growth
• Blending of paths and garden beds, often no real garden edging
• No lawn

Maintenance

Low maintenance as the plants used need to be able to handle hot and dry climates and often harsh conditions. Watering may be needed when first planting the garden but once established the Mediterranean garden is self sufficient.

Tools

Secateurs, trowel, hose, watering can for spot watering, gardening gloves and sun hat!