Just the mention of the words ‘Mediterranean’ and ‘garden’ brings to mind sun drenched landscapes, ancient olive trees, courtyards with bright flowering bougainvillea, and rustic country homes lined with lavender. It is no wonder the Mediterranean garden is so highly romanticised. But how can we bring these ideas to life in our gardens at home in Australia?
Mediterranean climate
In 2050 Melbourne will experience a climate similar north of Wangaratta (250km NE, inland of Melbourne, Victoria).
The Mediterranean climate
The climate in the Mediterranean is characterised by hot, dry summers with intense solar radiation and a period of dormancy for plants. The winters are mild and when most of the rainfall occurs. This climate is therefore similar to many parts of southern Australia. Given that climate change scientists have predicted that Melbourne could have a climate similar to Wangaratta by the year 2050, taking tips from Mediterranean gardens may be one way we can plant gardens that are climate appropriate, use water responsibly and stand the test of time as our climate becomes harsher.
Olive tree facts
Did you know that an Olive tree can live up to 3500 years? After just 3 years you can harvest the olives. A well-grown mature tree (9 years of age) produces around 40 kilogram of fruit and a single tree produces about six litres of Olive oil.
Mediterranean garden features in your garden
The features of a classic Mediterranean garden are striking and recognisable, but they also have a function that is rooted in the Mediterranean way of life. Australian gardeners can readily take inspiration from a region that is rich in culture and lifestyle. For example,
- Courtyards provide a garden space that is both private and intimate, quite the contrast to many sprawling Australian backyards.
- Pergolas covered in deciduous vines provide shade from the harsh summer sun, a space for alfresco dining and allow our homes to be bathed in sunlight during winter.
- Paving, gravel or granitic sand can be used instead of a lawn to create an open space in your garden and save on irrigation and mowing.
- Topiary (clipping) of native shrubs can be used to enhance their form and appeal.
- Finally, bringing plants in pots close to your home increases the layers and dimension of your plantings.
- You don’t necessarily need to include neoclassical columns, statues and vases to create a successful Mediterranean style garden in Australia!
Mediterrenean style inspired garden in Australia
Image taken at Lambley nursery (outside Ballarat) who promotes sustainable flowering plants that are drought tolerant and suitable for our warming, dry climate. (Image by K. Coenen)
Mediterranean plants for the Australian climate
Mediterranean plants are usually drought tolerant and evergreen and often fragrant. They also grow on free-draining and often degraded soils meaning they are highly suitable to much of the Australian landscape. Think olive, citrus and bay trees, thyme, rosemary, santolina and lavender. Not only are they well adapted to our climate, but the muted colour palette of deep green, silver, and grey looks fantastic in our intense Australian light. Consider mixing native shrubs like correa and westringia with Mediterranean classics. Or, try your hand at clipping them into spheres or cloud shapes.
Cloud pruning and sphere clipping
Consider using Australian natives instead, such as westringia (native rosemary) and correa to achieve this clipped Buxus effect.
Would you like to learn more about Mediterranean garden? Or would you like a garden design to create this look in your garden, contact us today!
