MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE 

Mention Mediterranean and it immediately evokes images of holidays in Tuscany and Provence; of market stalls in villages of ancient stone buildings set in landscapes of timeless, romantic & breathtaking beauty.  Also special memories of visits to ‘La Louvre’, the most inspiring masterpiece of Mediterranean gardens created by Nicole de Vesian on the hilltop village of Bonnieux. 

The olive tree has been the mainstay of Mediterranean life and culture for centuries.  Left alone, the olive tree will grow into a large tree, however clipping the vigorous growth into compact cloud shapes can add an unusual sculptural quality to the garden and of course maintains the tree to a manageable size in a small garden or large pot.

The pencil pine (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’) reminds me of those much loved and incredibly beautiful Tuscan landscapes, where they stand like majestic sentinels amongst the vineyards & olive groves and frame the views of the handsome Italian villas.

As with the olive tree, Rosemary (Rosmarinus ‘Herb Cottage’ and ‘Chefs Choice’), Teucrium fruticans (Germander), English Box (Buxus sempervirens) and Lilly Pilly (Syzygium sp.) all respond well to regular clipping to give that sculptured, manicured quality to any garden.

A few of the other plants used here include: Teucrium fruticans ball, Lambs Ears, Salvia, Euphorbia, Pittosporum ‘Tobira’ & Juniperus conferta.