Last weekend we went to a local cafe that just opened it's backyard patio, replete with tile patio, pergolas and climbing vines, fountains and lots and lots of plants. It was so enjoyably relaxing I was convinced I needed to recreate something similar in my own backyard.So, since then I've been thinking about how to create a Mediterranean oasis. I'm planning on getting some outdoor furniture, but it's really the plants and other landscaping that completes the deal. I don't want to spend a ton of time waiting until everything is just right, so I've invested in several potted plants to give my backyard patio an Italian feel. In addition to the wine grapes, fig, bay laurel, and Arbequina olive tree I already have potted, I'm adding a border with tons of different lavender, some red rosemary and a few grasses for good measure.
I replaced my lemon tree, this time with a tree that is more of a topiary and taller and will be completing the deal with several dwarf Italian cypress. I want to get a solar fountain for an additional touch, but I think I'll need to thumb wrestle my husband over that one. It's all starting to come together as the weather is getting nicer. We may end up doing some remodeling: making the back deck smaller and the patio larger with tiles rather than concrete. But even if we end up just adding plants and some patio furniture, I'll be a happy camper.
16 comments:
I converted my water feature to solar and within 24 hours the damn pump died. I was so dissapointed! But do not let my little experiment down your idea! Solar pumps are out there, I could have just gotten a dud. Good luck on your patio project! Caio!
I mourn for your lemon tree. We want to be able to grow lemons, and I always feel encouraged when I know somebody else is able to keep them healthy. But I know you will enjoy the Sicilian parties . . .
Crunchy, just wondering how those colonnade apple trees are doing for you...I purchased 3 in March and they look healthy, leafed out well, but no blooms yet. I remember you getting some as well a few months ago.
Yes, but. Why? Crimanelly- you live in the Pac NW- which is cool, all by itself. Are you a displaced Med? Longing for a walk in the clouds, in Tuscan skies? :-)
I like that a lot of the plants you've chosen are herbs. :) Just keep your mom away from them all! heh
What was the cafe?? Sounds lovely! And I love the idea of creating a Mediterranean oasis with varieties that will do well in our non-Mediterranean climate. You might try lemongrass as an edible grass, too.
You will find that looking at the beauty of it, soothes and relaxes your mind.
BTW I Awarded you A Kreativ Blogger award
I want pictures!!!
mediterranean plants are also very hardy, requiring a lot less water than other plants, an important feature of an eco friendly garden. Ahhh Tuscany...
Miss Crunchy, Time to get a pomegranate tree to make the Med thing complete. It's a lovely plant, and of course, needs little water.
Where you are, keep it very well drained. With the Med theme you may have some problems since all of those plants like it very hot, very dry, very bright. Adjust for that as much as possible.
I have the Caribbean poms {the yellow and the red} and that enormous red one they sell in Costco gave me plenty of new seedlings I am growing out.
You can grow some dates from the seeds inside them that you have left after eating. They do grow.
I got mine that way. Enjoy your little oasis!
that sounds like it will be a beautiful and peaceful retreat. :)
Oh that sounds absolutely wonderful. I'm so jealous....wish I had the time to create one myself.
Great idea!
A piece of advice on the solar fountain: try to buy one that holds as much water as possible, becus of course you want to locate it in the sun so it bubbles, but if water evaporates too much, the pump will run on empty and burn out quickly. I have a copper solar fountain that holds ust a little over a gallon and if you use the solar feature, you have to top it off daily.
Now, to just keep your mother away from the pruning sheers and the trees...
You enabler, you. Guess what I got in the mail yesterday? Olive tree seeds. Yup - I'm going to try to grow my own, but from seed. Weehaw!
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