A Mediterranean-style garden is a piece of southern nature on your site. Brief description of the vegetation of the Mediterranean Garden Mediterranean style
In the literature, different authors attribute the Mediterranean to different floristic regions. So according to V.V. Alekhin, the Mediterranean subregion belongs to the Holarctic region, and is divided into two provinces: the western Mediterranean and the eastern Mediterranean. And in the book "Floristic Regions of the Earth" by A.L. Takhtajyan separately singles out the Mediterranean region, which is divided into 9 provinces: South Moroccan, Southwest Mediterranean, South Mediterranean, Iberian, Balearic, Ligurian-Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Eastern Mediterranean, Crimean-Novorossiysk.
The Mediterranean subregion occupies all the countries lying along the coasts mediterranean sea: most of the Pereneus Peninsula, the southern strip of France, the coastal parts of the Apennine Peninsula, the coastal parts of the Balkan Peninsula (almost all of Greece), the southern coast of Crimea, most of the Caucasus, the coast of Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, the coast of Egypt, Algeria and Morocco; in addition, all the islands of the Mediterranean Sea, Balearic, Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, etc. Thus, the subregion forms a ring around the entire Mediterranean Sea [Alekhin, 1950].
The region is characterized by dry and hot summers and mild winter with more or less rainfall; towards the east, winters become more severe. The flora is, on the whole, fairly uniform; dominated by a geographical Mediterranean element. There is also an arcto-tertiary element, but it can be assumed that the modern flora evolved from the tropical one as a result of increasing drought. The subregion is characterized by:
1. Presence of many evergreen species;
2. Vegetation throughout the year (flowering plants are different in winter);
3. The presence of numerous southern cultivated plants(Alekhin, 1950).
The Mediterranean flora contains fewer ancient, tertiary relics and much more young, progressive endemics, the emergence of which was associated with its increased xerophilization. The natural vegetation cover of the Mediterranean in a relatively untouched form has been preserved only in some mountainous regions. On the plains and in the foothills, it is strongly modified or more often almost completely destroyed and replaced by cultivated plants. The vegetation of the Mediterranean is most characteristic of coniferous and evergreen hard-leaved forests of low trees with short thick trunks and various formations of shrubs, shrubs and semi-shrubs. The nature of the vegetation varies markedly from west to east and from north to south. In both directions, the vegetation becomes more xerophilous (Takhtadzhyan, 1978).
In the vegetation there are many pines, such evergreens as evergreen oaks, olives, laurels, myrtle, oleander, species of the genus Ruscus, strawberry tree. There are many trees with falling leaves: a noble chestnut, a plane tree and a characteristic bush Vitex sacred. As in arid areas in general, many bulbous and tuberous (most of them spring ephimers) from the families of lilies (tulips), iris (saffrons, irises), amaryllis (daffodils, snowdrops) develop here in spring. In summer, numerous labiales, rich essential oils, Umbelliferae, Compositae, etc. (Alekhin, 1950).
In addition to forests with coniferous and evergreen trees, especially in dry areas of the coasts of the seas, peculiar thickets of xerophilous shrubs develop, called "maquis", "gariga", etc. (Alekhin, 1950).
The Mediterranean region was one of the first introduction centers, from where, in ancient times, they were brought to Black Sea coast Caucasus by the ancient Greeks many plant species [Pilipenko, 1978].
view arboretum sochi mediterranean
Seed propagation in the garden strawberry familiar to us, unfortunately, leads to the appearance of less productive plants and weaker bushes. But another type of these sweet berries - alpine strawberries, can be successfully grown from seeds. Let's learn about the main advantages and disadvantages of this crop, consider the main varieties and features of agricultural technology. The information presented in this article will help you decide whether it is worth giving her a place in the berry.
Often, at the sight of a beautiful flower, we instinctively bend over to smell its fragrance. All fragrant flowers can be divided into two large groups: nocturnal (pollinated by nocturnal butterflies) and diurnal, whose pollinators are mainly bees. Both groups of plants are important for the grower and designer, because we often walk in the garden during the day and relax in our favorite corners with the onset of the evening. We are never put off by the fragrance of our favorite fragrant flowers.
Pumpkin is considered by many gardeners to be the queen of the beds. And not only because of its size, variety of shapes and colors, but also for excellent taste, useful qualities and a rich harvest. Pumpkin contains a large amount of carotene, iron, various vitamins and minerals. Thanks to the possibility of long-term storage, this vegetable supports our health. all year round. If you decide to plant a pumpkin on your site, you will be interested to know how to get the largest possible harvest.
Scotch eggs are amazing! Try to cook this dish at home, there is nothing difficult to prepare. Scotch eggs are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in chopped meat breaded in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and deep fried. For frying, you need a frying pan with a high rim, and if you have a deep fryer, then it's just great - even less hassle. You will also need deep-frying oil so as not to smoke the kitchen. Choose farm eggs for this recipe.
One of the most amazing large-flowered tub cubanola Dominican fully justifies the status of a tropical miracle. Heat-loving, slow-growing, with huge and in many ways unique bells of flowers, cubanola is a fragrant star with a difficult character. She demands special conditions content in the rooms. But for those who are looking for exclusive plants for their interior, the best (and more chocolatey) candidate for the role of indoor giant cannot be found.
Chickpea Curry with Meat is a hearty hot dish for lunch or dinner inspired by Indian cuisine. This curry is quick to prepare, but requires pre-preparation. Chickpeas need to be soaked in in large numbers cold water for several hours, preferably at night, the water can be changed several times. It is also better to leave the meat in the marinade overnight so that it turns out juicy and tender. Then you should boil the chickpeas until tender and then cook the curry according to the recipe.
Rhubarb can not be found on everyone garden plot. It's a pity. This plant is a storehouse of vitamins and can be widely used in cooking. What is not prepared from rhubarb: soups and cabbage soup, salads, delicious jams, kvass, compotes and juices, candied fruit and marmalade, and even wine. But that's not all! A large green or red rosette of plant leaves, reminiscent of burdock, acts as a beautiful backdrop for annuals. Not surprisingly, rhubarb can also be seen in flower beds.
Today, experiments with non-banal combinations and non-standard colors in the garden are in trend. For example, plants with black inflorescences have become very fashionable. All black flowers are original and specific, and it is important for them to be able to select suitable partners and a position. Therefore, this article will not only introduce you to the range of plants with slate-black inflorescences, but also teach you the intricacies of using such mystical plants in garden design.
3 delicious sandwiches - cucumber sandwich, chicken sandwich, cabbage sandwich with meat - great idea for a quick bite or for a picnic in nature. Only fresh vegetables, juicy chicken and cream cheese and some spices. There is no onion in these sandwiches, if you wish, you can add an onion marinated in balsamic vinegar to any of the sandwiches, this will not spoil the taste. Having quickly prepared snacks, it remains to collect a picnic basket and go to the nearest green lawn.
Depending on the variety group, the age of seedlings suitable for planting in open ground is: for early tomatoes - 45-50 days, medium ripening - 55-60 and late terms - at least 70 days. When planting tomato seedlings in more than young age the period of its adaptation to new conditions is significantly extended. But success in obtaining a high-quality crop of tomatoes also depends on the careful implementation of the basic rules for planting seedlings in open ground.
Unpretentious plants of the "second plan" sansevieria do not seem boring to those who appreciate minimalism. They are better than other indoor decorative foliage stars for collections that require minimal maintenance. The stable decorative effect and extreme endurance of only one type of sansevieria are also combined with compactness and very fast growth - Khan's rosette sansevieria. The squat rosettes of their stiff leaves create striking clusters and patterns.
One of the brightest months of the garden calendar pleasantly surprises with the balance of the distribution of favorable and unsuccessful days for working with plants according to the lunar calendar. Gardening and gardening in June can be done throughout the month, while the unfavorable periods are very short and still allow you to do useful work. There will be their optimal days and for crops with plantings, and for pruning, and for a reservoir, and even for construction work.
Meat with mushrooms in a pan is an inexpensive hot dish that is suitable for a regular lunch and for a festive menu. Pork will cook quickly, veal and chicken too, so this meat is preferable for the recipe. Mushrooms - fresh champignons, in my opinion, the most successful choice for homemade stew. Forest gold - mushrooms, boletus and other goodies are best harvested for the winter. Boiled rice or mashed potatoes are ideal as a side dish.
I love ornamental shrubs, especially unpretentious and with an interesting, non-trivial foliage color. I have different Japanese spireas, Thunberg barberries, black elderberry ... And there is one special shrub that I will talk about in this article - the viburnum vesicle. To make my dream of a low maintenance garden come true, it's probably the perfect fit. At the same time, it is able to diversify the picture in the garden very much, moreover, from spring to autumn.
In the flora of the Mediterranean region there are a lot of endemics (species found in very limited areas) - 38%! Their abundance is associated with the peculiarities of the geological development of the region. The Mediterranean Sea in its present form was formed over a million years ago. Species that lived on the emerging islands and peninsulas turned out to be isolated and developed independently of related species for thousands of years. So, in Crete there are now 131 endemic species, in Cyprus - 69, in the Balkans - more than 300, and on Olympus alone in Greece - 16 endemic species. In the Tertiary period, the Balkans were a peninsula of Asia Minor, so here and on the islands Aegean Sea, which are the remains of a land that once existed, connecting the Balkans with Asia Minor, many species characteristic of Western Asia are found. Sicily and the southern part of Italy in the Tertiary period were also peninsulas of Africa, and northern Italy was still under water before the Neogene! It is not surprising that tertiary relics were preserved here under favorable conditions, and simultaneously with the geological development of the region, intensive speciation took place within many genera and families of plants. Especially many species arose among Compositae (more than 3000), legumes (about 2000) and cruciferous (1400 species). As for the families of cereals, cloves and labiales, they number over 1000 species each! The genera Mullein are very rich in species ( Verbascum), astragalus ( Astragalus), bell ( Campanula) and cornflower ( Centaurea).
Apart from cultivated plants, very few species are distributed throughout the Mediterranean region. More often they are confined to either the western or eastern Mediterranean. This can be explained by the geological development of the region; Naturally, Italy (whose territory is geologically younger) is not as rich in species as Spain and Greece, where there are especially many endemic relics.
Characteristic woody plants of the Mediterranean region
The most characteristic plants of the Mediterranean include the olive ( Olea europaea), cypress ( Cupressus sempervirens), pinia ( Pinus pinea), laurel ( Laurus nobilis), evergreen oaks (species of the genus Quercus), fig ( ficus carica), strawberry tree ( Arbutus), erica tree ( Erica arborea) and rod-shaped blizzard ( Spartium junceum). This can also include introduced species of citrus fruits - lemons, oranges, tangerines - which are cultivated over large areas and determine the appearance of the area. The primary role is played by the olive (it is also an olive or an olive tree). The Mediterranean region is the birthplace of this tree; its external diversity and endurance are admirable. With its silver-shiny leaves below, the olive resembles the Central European basket willow. The olive tree is probably the longest-lived of all cultivated plants; it reaches a very impressive age. For example, some specimens growing near Jerusalem appear to be at least 2,000 years old.
Of the other woody plants that partly determine the nature of the landscape, one should name the Greek fir growing in the Balkans ( Abies cephalonica), the sycamore mentioned in the Bible ( Ficus sycomorus) from Palestine and different types juniper; juniper incense ( Juniperus thurifera), as evidenced by its specific epithet, receive frankincense. Pistachios are everywhere ( Pistacia lentiscus) and oleander ( Nerium oleander). Coniferous trees are also very abundant here. These include black pine ( Pinus nigra) - the most undemanding of all the Mediterranean trees growing in the mountains. Pines Pinus leucodermis and P. peuce found only in the Balkans. In total, 11 species of fir are represented in the region, but almost all of them have very small areas in Asia Minor, Sicily, North Africa, and many grow in the mountains of the Balkan Peninsula. Amazingly beautiful Spanish fir ( Abies pinsapo), found in the south of this country.
The strongest wood of the famous Lebanese cedars ( Cedrus libani) already 4000 years ago were used for the construction of magnificent buildings; The Phoenicians built ships from it. Not surprisingly, the Lebanese forests have suffered significant damage. In addition to this species, the Atlas cedar is found in North Africa ( C. atlantica).
Holm oak woods. Holm oak ( Quercus ilex) grows in all soils throughout the Mediterranean. Usually it forms rather rare (but with densely closed crowns) forest stands up to 12 m high. Holm oak forests, almost not affected by human influence, have become a rarity these days. Strawberry trees are also typical for these forests ( Arbutus unedo in the West, Arbutus andrachne in the east), broad-leaved philirea ( Phillyrea latifolia), viburnum laurel ( Viburnum tinus) and wolfberry oil-leaved ( Daphne oleaefolia). Often, impenetrable thickets form lianas, especially rough sarsaparilla ( Smilax aspera), a plant from the lily family. The composition of the lower, subsoil layer, which develops only in unshaded places, includes cistus ( Cistus), cyclamen ( Cyclamen repandum), various orches ( Orchis picta, O. papilionacea), Neotinea intacta, limodorum ( Limodorum abortivum) and many of the idiosyncratic ofris ( Ophrys scolopax, O. apifera).
Cork oak woods. Another evergreen oak is cork oak ( Quercus suber) - occurs on acidic soils only in the rainfall-rich western and central parts of the Mediterranean region. The shrub layer and the layer of herbaceous plants of cork oak forests have a large species diversity. In addition to the species mentioned above, we should also name erica rod-shaped ( Erica scoparia), hold a tree, or Christ's thorns ( Paliurus spina-christi, = P. aculeatus), cnidian wolfberry ( Daphne gnidium) and common myrtle ( Myrtus communis). The herbaceous cover is formed by shakers ( Briza maxima, Briza minor), many orchids, Bonjeania hirsuta from the legume family, etc.
There are also endemics here. For example, in Corsica and Sardinia, you can see the dwarf hyacinth is equal to the top ( Hyacinthus fastigiata) and the magnificent Illyrian pancratium ( Pancratium illiricum), while in Portugal it grows Drosophyllum lusitanicum- a "insectivorous" plant related to our sundew.
Limited distribution of oak forests. Forests of Lusitanian or Portuguese oak ( Quercus lusitanica), found only in the Iberian Peninsula. This species occupies, as it were, an intermediate position between evergreen and summer-green oak species: during the winter, the leaves remain on the tree, but in the spring the plant sheds them. On the islands of Crete, Corfu, Cyprus, in the Crimea and in Greece, on the humid northern slopes, it grows in fairly large quantities. Quercus calliprinos*. In the eastern part of the Mediterranean there are forests of large scale oak, or Walloon ( Quercus macrolepis, = Q. aegilops), the fruits of which are rich in tannins.
* (Apparently, we are talking about sessile oak (Quercus petraea).)
Floodplain forests. In the river valleys of the Mediterranean region, floodplain forests play the same role as in Central Europe. The woody and herbaceous plants that make up their composition are also somewhat reminiscent of Central European ones. A characteristic tree of the floodplain forests of the eastern Mediterranean is the eastern plane tree ( Platanus orientalis). For the banks of reservoirs with running water and drying up streams, the already mentioned oleander with magnificent pink flowers is typical. Together with it, the sacred vitex shrub, or Abraham's tree, often grows ( Vitex agnus-castus), from the verbena family, the branches of which are covered with dense gray-felt pubescence, and the flowers are blue-violet. In similar habitats in the western part of the Mediterranean region, there are also combs (species Tamarix).
Forests of Aleppo pine. On calcareous soils and along the seashore, large areas are occupied by light forests of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) similar to pine. In such forests there are many shrubs and herbs characteristic of Macchia. These are, first of all, erica tree, pistachio, myrtle and rockrose. Among herbaceous plants there are many orchids (for example, Serapias lingua, Ophrys lutea, Ophrys bombyliflora), small squill (Urginea maritima) and a very beautiful pink onion (Allium roseum).
Coastal pine forests. In the coastal regions of the western Mediterranean, on sands and siliceous rocks, forests grow from heat-loving resinous maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster). Her typical companions are strawberry tree, tree erica, myrtle, prickly gorse ( Calycotome spinosa) and large-fruited juniper ( Juniperus macrocarpa). The bracken growing in Central Europe is also found here ( Pteridium aquilinum). Among the grasses, plants that prefer sands predominate, in other words, psammophytes, such as cumin, or immortelle ( Helichrysum stoechas), cineraria ragwort ( Senecio cineraria) and Santolina cypress ( Santolina chamaecyparissus).
Pine forests. Italian pine, or pine ( Pinus pinea), is one of the most beautiful trees in the Mediterranean region. It has long been cultivated for its edible seeds, this tree with a characteristic umbrella-shaped crown, whose birthplace, apparently, the Iberian Peninsula. Pine forests are found on thick calcareous and sandy soils in habitats with an even climate. Under the crowns of these trees there are mainly the same plants as in the evergreen oak forests; there are many orchids and cereals, including, for example, an elegant ovoid haretail ( Lagurus ovatus). In humid forests, a lush undergrowth develops from pines, in which in autumn the red pyracanthus shrub, strewn with shields of fiery red fruits, is especially striking ( Pyracantha coccinea). This plant is now bred in the gardens and parks of Europe, where, as in its homeland, it is able to tolerate long periods drought.
Olive groves. The modern Mediterranean region is poor in forests; mostly forests here are represented by olive groves. The homeland of the olive tree has not been definitively established, since it was introduced into culture over 4500 years ago. The shrub form of the olive is now considered wild.
Olive groves are very light, so the layer of herbaceous plants includes many species. The constant companions of olives include Italian skewer ( Gladiolus italicus) and tacet ( Narcissus tazetta). Olive groves are excellent habitats for orchids. Groups meet serapias lingua; in addition, almost all species (about 15) of the genus are represented here Ophrys, among them - ofris mirror ( O.speculum) with a shiny spot on the so-called lip (different from other tepals). blooms in spring Barlia longibracteata- a plant with the smell of lily of the valley. Then the windmills bloom - Anemone hortensis with pink-purple flowers and A. coronaria with blue, red and white flowers, as well as Arisarum vulgare. Numerous Compositae dominate in summer, for example Hyoseris radicata, similar to the kulbaba common in the middle latitudes, and the tail seed ( Urospermum dalechampsii). One of the most beautiful plants, blooming in autumn, - Sternbergia yellow ( Sternbergia lutea), resembling a crocus.
Groves from carob. In the hottest and driest regions of the Mediterranean, a special role is played by groves of carob, or the so-called carob tree ( Ceratonia siliqua). In the layer of grasses under the shady crowns of ceratonia, there are both plants characteristic of olive groves and drought-resistant steppe grasses. We will name only the types of bearded man ( Andropogon), dwarf onion Allium chamaemoly only a few centimeters in size and iris Iris sisyrinchium, with great blue flowers, which make their way out straight from the hardened soil.
Macchia. Thickets of predominantly evergreen shrubs and trees are common throughout the Mediterranean. Despite their relatively small height (no more than 3 m), they are often impassable - this is due to the fact that they are densely intertwined with vines. Such thickets are called macchia (in French literature, the name "maquis" is accepted). Macchia almost always represents the secondary vegetation of habitats that were formerly occupied by forests. It is usually developed in coastal areas, but also rises to the mountains to the level of clouds to a height of more than 1000 m. Its main area of \u200b\u200bdistribution is the western Mediterranean, where there is a lot of precipitation; in the eastern regions, however, it becomes more sparse and floristically not so rich.
Macchia is most characteristic of evergreen oaks - holm oak ( Quercus ilex) and shrub, or Hermes ( Q. coccifera), large-fruited strawberry tree ( Arbutus unedo), noble laurel ( Laurus nobilis), common myrtle ( Myrtus communis), angustifolia filirea ( Phillyrea angustifolia), gesture evergreen ( Rhamnus alaternus), pistachio mastic, or mastic tree ( Pistacia lentiscus), erica tree ( Erica arborea) and viburnum laurel ( Viburnum tinus). Due to the insufficient water supply of the habitats occupied by Macchia, all the plants included in its composition have adaptations that limit transpiration. So, in addition to hard-leaved shrubs, conifers grow here, in particular red juniper ( Juniperus oxycedrus), and plants with tomentose-pubescent leaves, such as labiales zopnik Phlomis lychnitis and dubrovnik Teucrium polium, as well as many types of cistus ( Cistus). Other plants, such as thorny gorse ( Calycotome spinosa) and spurge tree ( Euphorbia dendroides), shed most of their foliage before the summer drought.
There are very few herbaceous plants in Macchia, usually they grow only in open areas. But there is an abundance of plants with tubers or bulbs; their leaves and flowers develop shortly after the winter rainy season. These are the types of scilla ( Scilla), narcissus ( Narcissus), viper bow ( Muscari) and asphodels ( Asphodelus). The latter reaches a meter height, but the common ferula turns out to be even higher ( Ferula communis). Many of the orchids mentioned above are also found in Macchia.
Plants of Macchia, Gariga and Olive Groves
Plant communities reminiscent of Macchia (the so-called pseudomacchia and shilyak) develop in the regions of the Balkan Peninsula adjacent to the Mediterranean region, however, these shrubs contain many summer green woody plants, for example, skumpia ( Cotinus coggygria) and hold-tree ( Paliurus spinachristi).
Gariga. Dry, shallow stony soils are occupied plant communities low shrubs. Apparently, all these thickets are nothing but a certain stage of Macchia degradation. They contain many rhizomatous, bulbous and tuber-forming herbaceous plants. Such communities, also typical of the entire Mediterranean region, are represented by many variants. Sparse thickets of stunted shrubs in France are called gariga, in Spain - tomillars; the composition of the latter includes mainly tall grasses with perennial underground organs. Finally, in the frigana of the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor, there are also individual specimens of relatively large trees and shrubs. The floristically rich gariga is a variegated mixture of oppressed macchia shrubs, hard-leaved grasses ( Ampelodesmos mauritanica and shorts Brachypodium ramosum), many terophytes, such as evax ( Evax pygmaea) and plantain ( Plantago psyllium), many cistus and orchids growing in olive groves and in macchia. The composition of this flora also includes odorous labiales: lavender ( Lavandula stoechas) and rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis), wild tulip ( Tulipa sylvestris), poetic narcissus ( Narcissus poeticus), iris ( Iris chamaeiris) and sparrow ( Lithospermum suffruticosum). This also includes annual representatives of the calendula genera ( Calendula), flaxseed ( Linaria) and nigella ( Nigella).
Littoral steppe. In areas where less than 500 mm of precipitation falls during the year, there are steppes. Such dry areas are characteristic of Spain (the valley of the Ebro River and New Castile). A special position is occupied by the littoral steppe, located on the coast of Spain (from the Sierra Nevada to Alicante) in a very dry area with a hot climate, determined by the influence of a sultry wind from North Africa. Steppe grasses, adapted to endure drought, dominate here. feather grass bushes Stipa tenacissima are found mainly on gravelly soils, and cereals grow on calcareous soils and marls Lygeum spartum. The main cereals of the steppes of the entire Mediterranean are feather grass Stipa tortilis and S. juncea, found mainly in territories from the island of Sicily to Asia Minor. Of the woody plants, only a few can develop here; among them is the dwarf palm Chamaerops humilis. Small shrubs are fairly abundant. A very remarkable trend is the appearance of woody plants belonging to families whose other species are herbs. So, from the nightshade there is a kind of dereza ( Lycium intricatum) - its branches sticking out in all directions turned into thorns. Lignified and many Compositae, such as cumin Helichrysum stoechas and safflower Kentrophyllum (Carthamus)arborescens. Among labiales, woody plants are found primarily in the genus ironwort ( Sideritis).
Frigana from spherical shrubs. Unlike the steppes of Spain, where there are no frosts, the arid mountainous regions of Asia Minor are characterized not only by very hot and dry summers, but also by extremely cold winters; about 250 mm of precipitation falls here annually. Summer nights are cool, and night frosts continue until June. Probably, under the influence of frequent frosts and grazing, many plants developed a peculiar life form - the form of spherical semi-shrubs. Such shrubs usually grow among bare stones. These characteristic cushion-shaped thorny plants include species of the genus Acantolimon ( Acantholimon), related to Central European armeria, prickly blackhead ( Poterium spinosum) and many prickly and woody astragalus. Last genus finds the greatest species diversity: let's call a typical astragalus Astragalus tragacantha and pubescent with snow-white hairs A. denudatus. Dense, stone-hard cushions form areciform kachim ( Gypsophila aretioides). Together with them there are many representatives of the Smolevka genera adapted to endure drought ( Silene) and carnation ( Dianthus), thorny plants from the families of Compositae, leguminous and labiales, as well as other plants little known in Europe.
Separate fragments of such a freegana are also found to the west, up to the central regions of the Mediterranean region. For example, in Sicily life form spherical subshrubs have spurge Euphorbia spinosa with very prickly lignified tops of the shoots and prickly pillow-shaped cornflowers ( Centaurea horrida, C. spinosa).
Communities of drought-resistant plants are also found in the mountains of the Canary Islands at cloud level. However, here they acquire the character of deserts, as they are formed mainly by African plants - species of milkweed ( Euphorbia) and woody representatives of the genus Kleinia from the Compositae family.
The Mediterranean-style garden is similar to the southern cities with their charming little streets lined with fragrant greenery, beautiful and cozy terraces. All this beauty can be recreated on your own site, and you don’t need to devote too much time to care, because in the Mediterranean garden the main areas are occupied by recreation areas, paved areas, open terraces and potted gardens. Here, as in a mirror, the lifestyle and mentality of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean are reflected, who love to spend as much time as possible not behind the walls of their houses, but on the street, having friendly conversations in the open air in an atmosphere of warmth and carefree fun.
The main styles of the Mediterranean garden
There are several trends in the design of a green zone of this kind, which are available in a particular country. The most common Italian-style garden, built on the principle of clear zoning, perfectly combines strict geometric lines and a romantic mood. Typical elements will be sculptures made in classical style, graceful terracotta vases, fountains, weaving plants, potted gardens and a lot of other small elements that together give the garden a unique charm.
The Provencal-style garden features elegant wrought-iron furniture and pavilions with metal walls. The colors in this garden are not so bright, the main plant is lavender. More often you can see very fragrant mixborders than potted gardens.
Flowers, essential oil and ornamental plants are usually planted in mixborders in various combinations.
Finally, the third type is the Greek garden, which inherited the traditions of the gardens of ancient times. It is difficult to look away from the snow-white walls of buildings, furniture and pergolas, painted in ultramarine tones, modeled on the roofs of ancient Greek temples. The paths are covered with rough stone (mainly rubble), the antique spirit of the garden is given by the presence of amphorae, sculptures and dishes made in the ancient Greek style.
Main area - terrace
Main zone mediterranean garden is a terrace - an ideal place for relaxation, pleasant pastime and a friendly feast. As a rule, the terrace is located so that it opens beautiful view for herbal compositions. Considerable importance is given to the coating for the terrace area, priority is given to stone, which is sometimes replaced with concrete or paving slabs.
Not often, but you can find terraces lined with wood. But regardless of the material, the coating should have a light color, terracotta and ocher tones are also acceptable.
The site may have several levels, if the landscape allows. The potted gardens located here will serve as decoration and outline the boundaries of the zone.
On the sides of the terrace adjacent to the house, there should be walls that protect against gusts of wind. Best of all, materials that resemble sandstone or white marble will match the style. However, glazed walls with blinds are also acceptable. If on the site it is not possible to equip a terrace at south side at home, you can build a portable terrace in any other suitable place. To do this, a pergola is built above the site, tables, chairs, and other pieces of furniture are placed.
Plants in a mediterranean style garden
Of course, plants of southern latitudes do not tolerate our cold weather well, but fortunately, potted and tub plants are the main elements of the Mediterranean garden, while perennials growing in open areas play a secondary role. Heat-loving plants in pots will perfectly decorate the garden area, and with the onset of cold weather they are simply transferred to the room. Therefore, myrtle, and evergreen citrus fruits and luxurious palm trees with vines can decorate the garden in warm weather.
There is another method of growing heat-loving crops in our latitudes. To do this, you need to plant plants near a stone niche, which will collect heat during the day in order to heat the plants at night. For example, yucca can be planted in such a niche, and stonecrop, euphorbia, catnip will take root in open areas, and although all these plants come from our places, they have a certain southern flavor. A few tropical plants in pots placed nearby will enhance the atmosphere of the south.
A collection of southern plants in tubs, of course, will greatly decorate the Mediterranean garden, but if you don’t have such plants, then they can be replaced by those planted in pots annual crops and spicy herbs, their bright flowering will make the color scheme of the garden area even more juicy.
On the open ground in European gardens, usually slender cypresses and coniferous pines grow. If the climate of the area for these plants is not suitable, then you can try to find a replacement for them. Thuja, Lawson's cypress, juniper are perfect. Skillful shearing of these plants can work wonders. From shrubs, you can use jasmine, tamarix. And if we talk about perennial plants for the Mediterranean garden, then we must definitely mention sage, santolina, lavender, various types of ornamental and spicy herbs.
The fountain is an important element of the composition
Water features bring coolness to the green area, and the soothing murmur of water contributes to a relaxing environment.
Landscape design trends (video)
The most typical and indispensable object of the garden is a fountain, ideally it should be made in the style of Roman street fountains decorated with lion heads, or look like a round bowl standing on a long leg. But do not limit your imagination, fountains with a different design will also fit perfectly into the Mediterranean garden. The fountain should be surrounded by a potted garden, best of all herbs and plants in violet and blue tones, swaying easily from the slightest breath. For large fountain forms with several levels, a frame made of ampelous plants, which, like the jets of a fountain, will move from level to level. Fountains of large sizes are best placed on terraces, where they will look more spectacular.
When creating a Mediterranean garden, pay special attention to details. All of them must be designed in a certain style, match the overall design and emphasize the southern flavor of the composition. At the same time, you should not be afraid to overdo it with their number, the more there are, the more interesting it will be to walk through the garden and the more pleasant discoveries you can make in it.
Mediterranean style in the garden (20 photos)
Hello dear friends! Who among us does not dream of warm countries and the sea ... Where there is eternal sun and a lot of bright colors, it seems that positive and summer mood always prevails. However, even in our climatic conditions, it is possible to create an island of warmth and positive.
In this article, you will learn how you can recreate a piece of the sunny Mediterranean on your site. I like it very much mediterranean style! Let's talk about him!
mediterranean style - Diverse and multifaceted. It has absorbed the features of many countries, such as France, Italy, Spain and Greece, Morocco. Having recognized its distinctive features, you can enjoy the riot of colors and good mood for a long time.
Spanish style may include Moorish or Moroccan influences such as wrought iron, bright tile and stucco patterns, and bright fabrics. A riot of colors and always a summer mood - this is the Spanish style.
Greek style closely connected with the sea large quantity dark blue tones - a clear turquoise mixed with white plaster. This style is characterized by white walls, blue shutters and doors. The main principle of construction is minimalism and functionality; in appearance, the houses resemble a box. Houses without attics . Mostly they build houses on the basis of a concrete frame - structures made of pillars and floor slabs. It is customary to veneer brickwork and a concrete frame with colored plaster in light colors. In some cases, natural stone is used in the decoration. Mandatory presence of terraces and loggias, awnings and shutters. The roof is usually flat or has a small angle of inclination, the roof is made of ceramic tiles.
Italian style contains many natural materials such as ceramic tiles, clay tiles, wood. Great importance give color. The Italian garden is dominated by the dark green color of evergreen pines and boxwood. Topiary trees, one of the main accents in the Italian style garden. The Italian style is quite well combined with a variety of shades of stone - beige, pink, gray, golden.
Do not think that the Mediterranean style is not suitable for the Russian regions. Many of their greenhouse plants can be replaced by our counterparts. After all, we will not just copy this style. We will draw from it the most interesting and acceptable for each of us and add something of our own!
The main features of the Mediterranean style.
Landscape creation mediterranean style starts with plants, which are classics in the Mediterranean region. These are olive tree and cypress, palm trees and citrus. The olive tree, of course, will not grow in cold regions, because it is a very thermophilic tree that requires special care. It can be safely replaced with a plant such as silver sucker or sea buckthorn. In general, it is better to give preference to plants that have leathery or glossy leaves. Barberry and cotoneaster, boxwood and mahonia are suitable here.
WHY NOT AN OLIVE?!
Our conifers (spruces, pines, arborvitae) and evergreen shrubs (boxwood, euonymus) will create the illusion of the Mediterranean. Cypress can be replaced with virginian juniper (skyrocket), it resembles cypress with its elongated crown shape. The varieties Pyramidalis, Schotti have a similar crown shape.
Citrus fruits are best placed in a pot on summer season from the house to the terrace. The same geranium in clay pots will fit perfectly into mediterranean style.
mediterranean landscape would not be complete without herbs such as English lavender and rosemary. They can be grown in elevated beds and in pots.
The most basic and most important, when arranging a Mediterranean-style garden, is the presence of an enclosed space. Because a real cozy atmosphere is possible only in a limited space. High stone or clay walls usually surround the entire garden. Although this is the main condition, not everyone can build additional buildings in their garden. But there is an alternative to additional construction - to use the already existing walls of various buildings, creating small courtyards between them. For example, between a house and a bathhouse or a barn. Many plots are not large - on such it is better to make a single patio with a terrace, a garden of herbs, a fountain or flower pots. The whole site can become a recreation area. The garden can be separated by a pergola or hedge.
In a traditional mediterranean garden appropriate to use stone for small architectural forms(, etc.) to add color and texture to the landscape. It is better to use sandstone, or yellow brick and white flowers. When creating paths, a light-colored stone is chosen, which is often used in Mediterranean gardens, since sidewalks and patios get very hot from sunlight and this creates inconvenience. Light stone solves this problem. stone tiles, such as travertine will provide a more professional look for walkways and patios.
Such a garden is characterized by the installation of fountains, waterfalls and cascades. The murmur of water on a hot day brings coolness and peace. In the garden, usually a stone fountain serves as a central composition. Most often, it has the correct shape (circle, square, polygon), but you can also use a planter or a jug. Moreover, the fountain can be small in size.
The relief is the main decoration of the garden. Elevation differences on the site are a traditional phenomenon for the Mediterranean landscape. Terracing, numerous retaining walls and various sheds, pergolas, wooden trellises, arches, canvas awnings, living vaults of trees and benches located under them will especially enhance the stylization of the garden under the Mediterranean style.
Use of statues and pottery throughout the courtyard, helps to highlight the character and emphasize the visual appearance of the Mediterranean style. Choose traditional statues - statues with images of Roman numerals, Greek gods and animals such as lions, all this also matches the style. This is of course an amateur. I would not imitate the Mediterranean style so much. Yes, and the statues are not cheap, unless you are "Tsereteli" !!!))
By the way, it is welcome if there is one on the site. It's great if the site . Check out the link for ideas!
I thought about the style of my garden for a long time and settled on the Mediterranean. Firstly, we have a site with elevation changes; secondly, there is a natural reservoir; thirdly, I really love stone, wood and forging, plants in clay pots and conifers. In addition, we plan to paint the facade of the house in a light color, based on this ... The frames are dark, the facade is light ( textured plaster), there is a way out (both fell in love with the project of the house) from the house immediately to the terrace, when you exit into the garden down the steps of the patio in a secluded corner (this is in the plans). So this is mine!!! Many probably thought that it would be expensive (judging by the photos) to create such a style on the site? However, in defense of this style, I will say that many accessories and basic elements are quite interchangeable with more budget ones. Let's consider:
Furniture - a solid alternative can be a solid wooden table or small table, or convenient wicker furniture. Informal furniture, for the modern Mediterranean, in metal or wood can be painted according to your mood or preference. And here, too, slightly peeling paint can add charm. Various changes can be made quite quickly and they will be inexpensive - with the help of a variety of tablecloths and pillows.
Fountain - where are we from big fountains with statues !!! A large jug or flowerpot will ideally replace the overall elements.
Walkways - For a rustic vibe, opt for gravel to add texture. This, by the way, is a more budget option for paving. Gravel is good for individual plots or as an aggregate between flower beds where there is little traffic; cobblestones are effective for curved elements and details of the track. All this will create the desired effect of antiquity, will absorb and radiate the heat needed by the plants.
Pots - pots, pots ... flower pots everywhere! They can be displayed along the steps or on the terrace in groups, and all this blooms, and smells, and pleases the eye!!!
You can use earthenware for planting, or simply arrange pottery at the corners of your patio or terrace to add a visual touch of Mediterranean style. Terracotta pots will fit perfectly into the Mediterranean landscape, if you dig a little jug in a secluded corner of the garden and lay out pieces of ceramics (as if it had crumbled from it), and “forget” it there. Handmade pots are well suited, especially aged, with a touch of antiquity, so to speak.
Urns, bowls, and even olive jars can serve as planters. decorative stones and other materials will come in handy in a Mediterranean-style garden.
Mosaic is one of the most important decorative elements of a Mediterranean style garden.
Especially luxurious combinations are obtained when four elements meet at once in one corner of the site - water, stone, dense vegetation and mosaic. Flower pots you can decorate yourself pieces of broken tiles, shells, pebbles or colored glass. This author's work will definitely not require large investments!
When you choose color palette for mediterranean landscape Don't stick to soft hues like pastels. Instead, include bold, bright hues for furniture cushions, ceramic tableware, and other accessories. Other shades that are appropriate in the Mediterranean style are red, yellow and orange.
We looked at the photos, noticed something for ourselves and go ahead, create, make sketches !!!
So, to summarize briefly:
The house itself and all buildings should be light.
For tracks other than natural stone, you can use cast tiles of appropriate colors, especially when you need to lay out an ornament.
For finishing a barbecue, it is better to take a white or yellow brick.
A spectacular composition for a Mediterranean garden: a pot lying on gravel and a handful of mosaics, as if scattered from it.
The garden can be placed in large pots. It is usually small in the garden of this style: mostly from greens and herbs (well, this is for those of course who do not keep a large garden)
Plain boards painted blue can be used to make shutters summer house or kitchen (Greek style)
Use the fence area to hang containers of ampelous plants.
Strongly aromatic plants, as well as plants with narrow foliage, are very suitable for this style. Therefore, in the summer, use your patio to bring out decorative houseplants - dracaena, laurel, lemon, aspidistra, yucca.
What is good about this style— because it is very diverse! You can choose any direction for yourself - Spanish, Italian, Greek, and each will delight you with warmth and its own mood!
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Don't let your yard look like your neighbor's!
Regards, Tatiana!