Build Your Own Mediterranean Garden in New Orleans

Mediterranean gardens are gaining popularity in the country.

But what are they exactly? There is no dictionary definition for it, but a Mediterranean garden is typically a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant sanctuary for plants.

Inspired by the coastal regions of Italy and Greece and Spain and France’s countryside.

These gardens are perfect for generally hotter areas.

The Mediterranean garden style can best be defined as a combination of laid-back plants and colorful accents.

It is one of the most sought-after garden styles in New Orleans because of our community’s love for sunny outdoors.

Southern City Farm and Landscaping has built many Mediterranean style gardens over the years, and we’d love to tell you about them.

New Orleans Mediterranean Plants

The best Mediterranean garden plants are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.

Here are some locally-grown plants we regularly use for Mediterranean gardens.

Mediterranean Fan Palms

Often used as a barrier planting, Mediterranean fan palms are one of the most versatile and ornamental palms. Due to their versatility, they can be grown indoors.

Juniper

Juniper is an evergreen shrub or small tree that bears berrylike cones, widely distributed throughout Eurasia and North America. Many kinds have aromatic cones or foliage and the fragrant wood of some species is made into cabinets, fence posts, and pencils.

Olive Trees

Olive trees alone can give your garden that rustic feel. They require warm summer temperatures as well as about 200 hours of winter temperatures below 45°F.

The strength of an olive tree can lead it to overcome fire. They have a great regeneration capacity thanks to their dormant buds.

Italian Cypress

They grow in a very upright columnar shape and can get to 70 feet or even taller. This tree fits in small spaces and can be planted close to your home but its overall elegance offers huge impact as a landscape feature.

Oaks

Oaks are Mediterranean plants that can provide year-round shade to any space, from a small Mediterranean garden to a large event area.

Apart from providing shade, they also add value through their beautifully-colored leaves and a wide variety of wildlife.

They are a great addition to any garden because they require little care and can survive the harshest weather conditions apart from their majestic appearance.

Hollies

Hollies can adapt to shadowy environments and are often found in the company of oaks.

They thrive in temperate microclimates and sunny areas. They are great decorative landscaping trees known for their shiny, spiky leaves and bright red berries that spread joy during the holidays.

Crepe Myrtles

Crepe myrtles are multi-stemmed, deciduous flowering plants that provide colorful and long-lasting flowers.

They bear flowers in summer and autumn, with lovely colors ranging from white to dark purple, and are typically used in landscaping as shrub borders and container plants.

Camellias

Our hybrid camellias flourish in extreme temperatures and can bring any garden to life.

These plants are some of the best flowering ones in the world.

They are disease-resistant and can display their vivid colors even during the colder months of the year when most gardens look dull.

Azaleas

Azalea shrubs are recognizable through their funnel-shaped flowers.

They are famous in the South and add a touch of elegance when planted under trees’ shade.

They have stunning colors that are perfect for any garden theme.

Boxwoods

Boxwoods are slow-growing evergreen shrubs typically used as borders, hedges, or topiaries.

They are usually grown in warmer climates, but there are now boxwood varieties that can hold their own during the colder months.

Wisterias

Wisteria is a genus of plants that includes mesmerizing twining vines. Most wisteria plants are used for ornamental purposes and are great for covering fences and pergolas.

Agaves

Agave is a genus of monocots that are commonly found in hot regions in America. Agaves are known for their succulent properties, and they typically form rosettes of fresh leaves.

Lavenders

Lavenders make a valuable addition to borders and perennial gardens and provide bursts of color from summer to fall.

With their bright foliage, upright spikes, and naturally compact form, they are ideal for Mediterranean gardens.

Rosemary

Rosemary only requires sunlight, adequate drainage, and ample air to survive.

It’s a great addition to a Mediterranean garden. Rosemary is generally used because of its distinct aroma.

Elements of a Mediterranean Garden

Apart from plants, Mediterranean gardens are filled with flexible materials and colorful accents. Here are some elements we use in creating Mediterranean gardens.

Gravel Flooring

Mediterranean gardens use gravel flooring instead of having large green lawns because doing so saves water. This feature is advantageous in terms of being low-maintenance and long-lasting.

Shaded Seating Areas

Seating areas are essential to set the tone in a Mediterranean garden.

These areas are great for the whole family to relax in. We love filling seating areas with aromatic and hanging plants.

Terracotta Containers

Terracotta jars and pots come in many colors and sizes, from centerpieces to large hanging containers.

They are typically used as focal points or containers in the garden.

Colorful Accents

Cobbles and pebbles are used to add colorful accents to Mediterranean gardens.

Stones of various colors, shapes, and sizes are often turned into beautiful mosaics in such gardens.

Raised Beds

Raised beds are appealing, and they also provide plants with well-drained areas. Raised beds can make gardening much more manageable.

Mediterranean vs. Tuscan Gardens

The Mediterranean style differs from the Tuscan style because the former has many cultural influences from the Spanish, French, Morrocan, Turkish, and Grecian cultures.

Still, the latter is influenced by Italy alone. Tuscan landscapes are usually built around stone structures such as walls and walkways and often incorporate edible elements, including herb gardens.

These elements portray the importance of Italian cuisine in their lifestyle.

These two landscaping styles are sometimes mistaken for each other because Tuscan designs sometimes incorporate Mediterranean elements.

Mediterranean Garden by Southern City Farm and Landscaping

Southern City Farm and Landscaping has extensive experience in creating Mediterranean gardens for different land sizes.

This style is great for the New Orleans weather.

To create the Mediterranean garden you’ve always dreamed of, call us at 504-214-7521. Let’s discuss how we can achieve your dream garden together!