Mediterranean landscapes are effortless retreats full of engaging textures. They are havens from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and can make your home feel like a resort.
In the Dennis’ 7 Dees Mediterranean Landscape Design Guide, we detail the principles of this low-maintenance design style, the materials that should be used to create the look, and the plants that are essential to creating a clear and unmistakably Mediterranean aesthetic.
Mediterranean landscapes can be paired with any architectural style to create a resort-like atmosphere. Mid-century modern homes, bungalows, and ranch-style houses all look fantastic when paired with Mediterranean landscapes. Pairing a Mediterranean landscape with a more traditional craftsman home provides an unexpected and exciting departure from the norm.
The small, light gravel and unusual plants that thrive in hot Pacific Northwest Summers provide an escape from reality, even in the middle of an urban setting.
Mediterranean Style Plants
An extensive list of hardy, Mediterranean-style plants for Pacific Northwest landscapes is detailed in our Mediterranean Design Guide.
- Punctuate and anchor corners of the garden by using statement trees like Crape Myrtle and Italian Cypress, or grow Citrus or Olive trees in large, rustic pottery for a look that is unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Sturdy, aromatic, and evergreen subshrubs are the primary layer of the garden, weaving together to form a dense and engaging carpet 2–3’ tall.
- Flowering perennials bring a color palette to life and provide seasonal engagement with their summer blooms.
- Groundcovers are used to fill any vacant spaces, providing an aromatic carpet full of texture.
Mediterranean Color Palettes
When designing a Mediterranean landscape, color can be used to engage and uplift, or to calm and relax. Two thoughtful color palettes were pulled together for our Mediterranean Design Guide, each with their own attitude and perspective.
- To evoke an inviting, laid-back feeling, use flowers in a dynamic and glowing Uplifting Plant Palette filled with flowers of golden yellow, warm peach, and enriched by a saturated purply pink.
- For a plant palette that feels more tranquil and rejuvenating, rely on a Calming Plant Palette of cool blues, dusky lavender, and glaucous grey-green foliage.
Mediterranean Landscape Materials
Materials and plants in a mediterranean landscape set the stage and cultivate a feeling escapism. While plants are hardy and the materials are readily available in the Pacific Northwest, the combination creates a sense of being whisked away on vacation. Full hardscaping details and a list of finishing touches for patio and décor are included in the Mediterranean Design Guide.
- For hardscapes, rely on small, light-colored gravel to cover paths or act as a border around natural stone or light concrete pavers.
- Pottery should be true to the aesthetic in warm, terra cotta clays and unglazed finishes.
- Bring serenity and balance by using water to contrast the dry elements of the landscape.
Mediterranean Landscape Maintenance Tips
Mediterranean Landscapes are very low-maintenance and easy to care for once they are established. The subshrubs and trees included in the Mediterranean Design Guide’s plant lists do not require shearing, deadheading or pruning and form naturally dense and attractive shapes. Perennials and Spikes like grasses, Iris, and Agapanthus should be cut back in Winter after they have gone fully brown.
Mediterranean landscapes often benefit from a Spring cleanup, where debris is cleared and fresh gravel is brought in to top dress paths or mulch beds. Dennis’ 7 Dees Residential Maintenance division is skilled in cleaning up landscapes of any style and can be hired for a one-time enhancement or cleanup.
Creating the Perfect Mediterranean Getaway
Dennis’ 7 Dees Mediterranean Design Guide is the perfect starting point for creating your own Mediterranean resort-like landscape, whether you do the work yourself or rely on the experts.
Follow the principles outlined in the guide to ensure you have set up your garden to become the low-maintenance haven of your dreams. Use our comprehensive plant lists to make sure the plants you select will work well together in similar conditions and help bring the style to life. Utilize our color palettes to ensure that foliage, flowers, and textures of your plants blend together with intention and that nothing looks out of place.
Our Residential Construction Team can design, oversee and install any landscape style, and including increasingly popular Mediterranean landscapes. You can trust our award-winning Landscape Designers and skilled installation crews to help you bring your dream destination landscape to life. Book a free consultation and start your transformation today!