Create your own Tuscan garden: Plants and tips for a Mediterranean feel

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Create your own Tuscan garden: Plants and tips for a Mediterranean feel

Do you dream of bringing the charm and warmth of Tuscany to your own garden? With the right elements and planting, you can turn your outdoor space into a Mediterranean oasis. In this blog, you will read how to design a Tuscan garden, which plants are suitable, and how to bring the authentic atmosphere of Italian outdoor living to life.

Features of a Tuscan garden

A Tuscan garden gives a sense of calm, warmth and simplicity. These are the main features:

Rustic elegance: A combination of natural shapes and stylish simplicity.
Warm colours: Think terracotta, olive green and sandy tones.
Typical planting: Plants that resist sun and drought, such as olive trees, lavender and grapevines.
Natural materials: Use of wood, natural stone and terracotta for an authentic look.

Materials for a Mediterranean atmosphere

The right materials give your garden the desired look:

Paving: Use bricks, gravel or terracotta tiles for paths and terraces.
Fencing: Natural stone walls or hedges give structure and privacy.
Garden furniture: Wooden or wrought iron furniture fits perfectly with the Tuscan style.

Design and planning

Start by drawing your garden. Think about the layout, where you want shade or sun, and which functions you want to add, such as a terrace or vegetable garden. Prefer a loose, informal layout with winding paths, low walls and cosy seating areas.

Tips:

Use a pergola for climbing plants and shade.
Add height differences for a playful effect.
Combine paving with gravel or bricks for a natural look.

Mediterranean planting

You will find a wide range of plants that suit a sunny, dry garden in Mediterranean style. Here are some types that fit perfectly in a Tuscan garden:

Trees

Olea europaea
A real eye-catcher with grey-green leaves and a graceful trunk. The olive tree adds a southern feel to your garden and is very drought-resistant.
Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) Not to be confused with a Cypress / Leyland Cupressocyparis Leylandii. The Italian cypress is a slim, column-shaped tree, typical for the Tuscan landscape. It adds height and structure to the garden and is evergreen.

Shrubs

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Lavender is loved for its scent, purple flowers and attraction to bees. It gives structure, colour and a calming atmosphere.
Rosmarinus officinalis
A wonderfully scented shrub that you can also use as a kitchen herb. Rosemary is suitable for borders and grows well in warm, dry conditions.
Nerium oleander
This shrub blooms richly in summer and adds colour with pink, red or white flowers. Oleander loves warmth and sun.

Climbing plants

Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera) A graceful climbing plant that grows well in a sunny spot. Perfect for pergolas or along walls. The vines provide shade and a southern appearance.

Herbs

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is low-growing, strongly scented and easy to care for. Ideal as ground cover or in a herb garden.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
A strong plant with grey leaves and purple flowers. Sage is decorative, loved in the kitchen and by bees.

Water features and decoration

A small fountain, pond or water bowl enhances the Mediterranean feeling. Finish with terracotta pots, cast iron vases or classic garden statues for a charming result.

Lighting

Garden lighting lets you enjoy your garden in the evening too. Use spotlights to highlight trees or low lighting along paths for extra atmosphere.

Maintenance

A Tuscan garden looks natural, but it does need some care:

Pruning: Keep shrubs and climbers in shape.
Cleaning: Clean paths and furniture regularly.
Caring: Water plants during dry periods and check for pests.

Start your own Tuscan garden

With Mediterranean plants, natural materials and a thoughtful design, you can create a garden that shows peace and elegance. Get inspired by the Heijnen Planten collection and give your garden a warm, southern atmosphere to enjoy all year round.

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