What to plant when creating a Mediterranean style garden ?
My wife and I are seeking to create creating a “ Mediterranean “ section in our garden partly because we like the concept and partly from a practical point of view that if we have a section with plants shrubs and herbs which can withstand very dry conditions there will be less watering to do - in the recent prolonged drought which is still continuing we have lost many items despite regular and very time consuming watering
Preferably low maintenance and preferably evergreens if possible so that we have something all year round
Preferably low maintenance and preferably evergreens if possible so that we have something all year round
We are thinking on the lines of Senekio Hebes Yucca / Palms Heuchara Santolina Sedums and Sempervivum which we already have experience of
An olive tree would be nice but would it survive our winters - we live in West Lancashire
A few pencil Cypress trees spring to mind but again would they survive our winters
As for herbs we are familiar with Lavender Rosemary Thyme Sage and Oregano as being drought tolerant
Roses seem to tolerate dry conditions well
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated
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For the easy care, evergreen bit, Broom, Cistus, Portuguese laurel, Mastic, Strawberry Tree, Euphorbia, Privet, Phlomis, Nandina, Tree Mallow (semi-evergreen), Oleander, most pine and cypress can withstand cold winters.
If you look up what your USDA hardiness zone is, that’s a good indication of what is cold hardy enough for your garden, but it does depend on its aspect and how exposed it is as well. A sheltered south-facing courtyard garden will give you a greater range than an exposed, windy site, for example.
Many of the plants you mention, are certainly foreign, but are not Mediterranean.
Are you just looking for a low maintenance garden?
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Most cypress trees are hardy enough for Lancashire but if in doubt, juniper is a good stand in, tough as old boots and also common right across Europe including the med. 'Skyrocket' is the right shape.
Marjoram is tougher than oregano, more reliably evergreen and more fragrant. Bees love it.
Roses need heavy soil, then they'll tolerate dry weather better. There are a few - rugosa types and 'Canary Bird' for example - that will cope with lighter soil. They can both be inclined to spread though.
Thank you all for your valuable contributions which are all very helpful
The section of the garden in question is well away from the house and therefore not easy to water
The plot gets plenty of sun starting with sun from the east first thing and then from the south as it moves round but not much in very late afternoon and evening from the west because there are trees to the west on neighbouring land
There are also trees to the north on neighbouring land so the plot is reasonably sheltered
We are basically looking for plants shrubs and herbs etc which will be low maintenance as well as having the ability to withstand very dry conditions and my first thought was that “Mediterranean “ types would fit the bill and be apt as one of our favourite holiday destinations is the Greek Island of Kefalonia but as long as they reduce the amount of watering and maintenance which I need to do I do not mind what the origin of the plants shrubs and herbs are
Fire has hit the nail on the head with the comment “ As you have Mediterranean in quotes, I take it you might be looking for a Med feel, rather than all Med plants only. With low watering, low maintenance, plants that like poor soil “ that is exactly what we are seeking to achieve
We have a patio / alfresco dining area close to the house dotted with well establish plants etc of various types and origins in pots which are easy to water with the watering can as they are close to the outside water tap
We do all the gardening ourselves without any help
I am 76 and although I am fit and active ( touch wood ) and spend many hours gardening ( including heavy stuff ) as we have an acre and a half it would be of great benefit if I could transform the section in question into a relatively low maintenance low watering area but still attractive area
I have made list of all suggestions and first of all will take a look at what local garden centres have in stock which would fit the bill
Origanum is doing well in the dry soil here this year, also Eryngiums and Nepetas
In the sticks near Peterborough