Mediterranean Garden Inspiration & Give-a-way Reminder

Auckland this weekend was absolutely magical. I spent time walking Poppy, visiting La Cigale market and catching up with friends from overseas...oh and even dabbling in a little chalk paint. Sunday I was given a huge bag of fresh figs plucked straight from a friends Mediterranean style garden. I hope to be able to put them to good use in a blog recipe, although I have to admit they are disappearing fast. 

If you are following along with Lee Caroline, you may remember I recently posted the progress of the front of my house. Gradually the house is coming to life and the plants are taking off. It is still a work in progress, there is landscaping to be tackled to the driveway side of the house (the side I haven't yet shown). Window shutters need to be hung and a portico added to the front steps. I hope to share further progress shots in a few weeks time, meanwhile, however I thought you may enjoy some wonderful gardens that evoke the feeling of the Mediterranean. 

You do not need a vast space to create a French/Mediterranean style garden, in fact with a smaller area it is easier to achieve and also less expensive. Large pots are a wonderful way of being able to add plants such as clipped buxus or orange and lemon trees, even olive trees. These will bring  life to a small outdoor area or patio. Planting buxus will add structure to your garden and if you have enough space you can use it to frame flower or vegetable beds. Fountains, weathered sculptures and clipped hedging all help to create a European style garden.

 Small rustic iron gates form the entry to this lovely garden

Olive trees can be grown in pots but I advise the largest pot you can find

Olive trees planted more formally

White chip or gravel is a cheap alternative to expensive paving stones but beware of weeds you will need to underlay weed matting

 Topiary in weathered pots add structure to this gorgeous outdoor area

 Frame areas with clipped buxus such as above, you could even create your own little maze

 Two old doors frame this delightful garden space. The rambling rose has been encouraged to weave around the panels of the doors

Oh for Lavender! 

Make a pretty lavender wand, instructions here.

If you love this style, I hope you have found some inspiration to help you create a beautiful garden or patio area.

PS: Don't forget to comment over at the give a way, $100 credit, including shipping on your choice of beautiful stationery/paperie or art prints at Minted, see Saturdays post. Entries are open until the 5th March.

Lee oxo

I will be sharing this post with the following blogs:

I should be Mopping the Floor
The Dedicated House
DIY Showoff
The Blissful Bee

Savvy Southern Style
Not Just A Housewife

No Minimalist Here
The Real Housewives of Riverton

My Romantic Home

The 36th Avenue

Miss Mustard Seed