There’s something undeniably enchanting about the Mediterranean. The sun-soaked coastlines of Spain, the rustic charm of Greek villages, and the fragrant lavender fields of Provence evoke a sense of relaxation and timeless beauty. But what if you could bring that Mediterranean magic to your own garden, even in the heart of the UK? With the right design, materials, and plants, it’s entirely possible to create a Mediterranean-inspired garden that transports you to sunnier climes every time you step outside.
At Forest Stone, we recently had the pleasure of supplying materials for a stunning Mediterranean-style garden designed and built by the talented team at Smith and Gorman. Located in Southampton, this project is a masterclass in how to blend hard landscaping, natural stone, and drought-tolerant planting to create a space that feels like a holiday retreat. Let’s take a closer look at how this transformation was achieved and how you can recreate those Mediterranean vibes in your own garden.
The Brief: A Taste of the Mediterranean in the UK
The clients for this project had a clear vision: they wanted to bring the essence of their holiday home on the south coast of Spain to their garden in England. The goal was to create a space that would make the UK’s often-grey winters feel a little brighter and remind them of the sunny days they enjoy abroad. Smith and Gorman took this brief and ran with it, focusing on hard landscaping materials and planting that would evoke the Mediterranean aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Materials: Natural Stone for Authenticity
When it comes to creating a Mediterranean-style garden, the choice of materials is crucial. In Spain, Italy, and Greece, you’ll often see light, pale beige or cream-coloured limestone used extensively. This natural stone not only complements the warm, sunny climate but also ages beautifully, developing a textured, weathered finish over time.
For this project, Smith and Gorman selected two of our premium materials: Lymington Dune Limestone and Blissford Pavers. The Lymington Dune Limestone, quarried not far from the Mediterranean itself, was the perfect choice for its pale, creamy tones and natural texture. Its slightly rougher finish adds character, reminiscent of the old stone paving you’d find in a Greek village square.
The Blissford Pavers, on the other hand, were chosen for their extra colour variation and texture. These pavers were used to add a touch of flourish to the design, particularly in the paths leading up to the central water feature. By switching the orientation of the pavers around the water bowl and barbecue area, Smith and Gorman created visual interest and a sense of movement that enhances the overall design.
The Hard Landscaping: A Foundation of Elegance
The hard landscaping in this garden is a testament to the power of natural stone. The Lymington Dune Limestone was used extensively for the main paving areas, creating a light, airy feel that reflects the Mediterranean aesthetic. The Blissford Pavers were laid in a fan pattern around the water feature, with their orientation changing to create a dynamic, flowing effect.
To further enhance the Mediterranean theme, Smith and Gorman incorporated Purbeck Limestone rocks and drystone walling. Sourced from the south coast of the UK, this local stone adds a touch of authenticity and ties the garden to its British roots while maintaining the overall aesthetic. The drystone walling was used to surround the water bowl and frame the olive trees, creating a sense of structure and balance.
The Planting: Drought-Tolerant Beauty
No Mediterranean-style garden would be complete without the right plants. Olive trees are a hallmark of Mediterranean landscapes, and for this project, Smith and Gorman sourced beautiful specimens from Folium and Flos Plants, a local supplier in the New Forest. These olive trees not only add height and structure to the garden but also evoke the feeling of being in a sun-drenched Spanish courtyard.
In addition to the olive trees, the planting scheme focuses on drought-tolerant species that thrive in drier conditions. Lavender, rosemary, and other Mediterranean herbs were used to add fragrance and texture, while succulents and ornamental grasses provide contrast and interest. These plants not only look the part but are also well-suited to the UK’s increasingly unpredictable climate.
The Finishing Touches: Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
One of the standout features of this garden is how seamlessly it connects to the interior of the house. The Lymington Dune Limestone paving flows almost seamlessly from the garden into the home, thanks to the property’s bifold doors and warm wood plank-style flooring. This creates a harmonious transition between inside and out, making the garden feel like an extension of the living space.
On sunny days, the clients can throw open the doors and enjoy the garden as an additional room, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. It’s the perfect setup for al fresco dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing with a good book.
The Result: A Mediterranean Oasis in Southampton
The transformation of this garden is nothing short of remarkable. What was once a fairly ordinary space has been turned into a Mediterranean-inspired oasis that feels a world away from the UK. The combination of natural stone, thoughtful design, and carefully chosen plants has created a garden that’s not only beautiful but also functional and low-maintenance.
As one of the suppliers for this project, it was incredibly rewarding to see the garden come to life. When sharing photos of the finished space with friends and family, the most common reaction was, “Where is that?” – a testament to how successfully Smith and Gorman captured the Mediterranean aesthetic.
How to Create Your Own Mediterranean-Style Garden
Inspired by this project? Here are some key tips for creating your own Mediterranean-style garden:
- Choose the Right Stone: Opt for pale, creamy limestone or natural stone with a textured finish. Our Lymington Dune Limestone and Blissford Pavers are ideal for achieving this look.
- Incorporate Drought-Tolerant Plants: Olive trees, lavender, rosemary, and succulents are perfect for creating a Mediterranean feel while being practical for the UK climate.
- Add Water Features: A simple water bowl or fountain can add a sense of tranquillity and reflect the light, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- Use Drystone Walling: This adds structure and authenticity to the garden, particularly when framing key features like olive trees or water features.
- Create Seamless Transitions: If possible, use similar materials indoors and out to create a cohesive flow between your home and garden.
Why Choose Forest Stone?
At Forest Stone, we’re passionate about helping you transform your outdoor spaces. As a family business, we take pride in supplying high-quality natural stone and paving that brings your vision to life. Whether you’re creating a Mediterranean-style garden or something entirely different, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
To find out more about the materials featured in this project, visit our product pages for Lymington Dune Limestone and Blissford Pavers. And if you’re ready to start your own garden transformation, get in touch with us here.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Mediterranean-style garden in the UK is all about capturing the essence of sun-drenched landscapes and translating it into a space that works for our climate. With the right materials, design, and planting, you can create a garden that feels like a permanent holiday retreat. As this project by Smith and Gorman shows, the results can be truly breathtaking.
So, why not bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your own backyard? With a little inspiration and the right materials, you can create a garden that’s not only beautiful but also a joy to spend time in – no matter the weather.
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Paving your way, one stone at a time. 🌿
