Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Plants That Thrive in a Mediterranean Climate


The garden and landscape in Asti is a little trickier than most to keep looking good, mostly because we aren't there all the time, but also because of the Mediterranean climate.

The front lawn is a perfect example. It was once an area that I couldn't get much to grow. Even my attempt at a lavender field failed.

Now with the lush lawn and fire pit, we love to sit here in the evening and watch the sun set.
With temperatures soaring in the 100's in the summer, the green grass is a nice respite.

There is also a grass area across the driveway with olive trees.
They thrive in this hot, dry climate.

When I planted the front lawn, I also planted more olive trees. Olive trees, white roses and rosemary. The tried and true plants that love the sun and also our well water.

When we bought the house, we were told that our well had significant amounts of boron, a natural occurring element that is toxic to most plants.
No problem, we'll just plant the few plants that don't care about boron!

Boron is supposed to be toxic to grapes, but our Concord table grapes are thriving!

The kitchen garden is a little trickier! Tomatoes grow, but zucchini, not so much.
Herbs also are growing. The boron doesn't seem to be toxic to them.

So far, by process of elimination, I have narrowed down a handful of plants that will grow in Asti's Mediterranean climate:
Olives, figs, Italian cypress, rosemary, lavender, roses, and a few veggies.

Tomorrow, I'll feature our garden at home, so stay tuned!

I'm joining Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.
I'm also joining Kim for her WUW party at Savvy Southern Style.
On Friday, I'm joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.
Be sure to visit these blogs for lots of indoor and outdoor inspiration!

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23 comments:

a quiet life said...

so many pics to love, but the bird at the end won my heart :)

you are brave with a fire pit, fire danger is just to real here, we have had 8 fires surround us in 22 years, i would love one, but tooooo terrifed to imagine. but, such a perfect place to enjoy the night...

with that darn pool house i adore!

Blondie's Journal said...

You have the most beautiful views from your home. And in spite of the boron, you have created beautiful landscapes! We have the same problem with watering at our lakehouse since we are only up on weekends. Our plants and flowers are tough though...you just learn which to grow.

Your last picture should be framed! Beautiful!!

XO,
Jane

Martha Z said...

A lovely garden. I've been working on my Northern Cal garden for five years. While still a Mediterranean climate it is significantly different than the Southern California climate I am used to.

jninecostumes said...

Thanks for the lovely views of your garden. I'm in Nor Cal too, the valley and it takes a ton of water to keep the lawn looking decent. However, I find that going out and watering my pots is a nice break from the day.
I love your gardens and views.

Marlis said...

your fire pit and the surrounding scenery is magnificent. I love olive trees and thinking of putting one in. Your photo of the bird is striking. I cannot wait to see your home gardens. I just love your style!
many blessings, marlis

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

We also have a Mediterranean climate here in Cape Town so I am growing similar plants. I love your olive trees, so reminiscent of Provence and Italian cypresses are one of my favourite trees. Your last photo featuring the bird is just amazing. x Sharon

The enchanted home said...

THAT IS YOUR YARD??? I AM SOOOO JEALOUS...OMG it looks like a painting, I kept scrolling up and down, its truly breathtaking. The vistas are OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!!!!!!! Wow if that was my yard I would plant myself on one of those chairs all day long and never move!!!! Breathtaking!

Sarah said...

What a wonderful spot to unwind and take in the sunset. You live in paradise!

Anonymous said...

Here in NorCal, we have the same exact plants with the addition of Italian cypress in pots, and citrus trees. They can handle the 100+ heat, and the cold, damp winters. Love your vistas. Becky

Anonymous said...

Not only is your garden beautiful, this was really helpful. Great selections of plants and trees.
Miranda
SF Bay Area

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Love your outdoor fire pit sitting area. Such stunning views. Love the patina on that old bench. Great shot of the bird with the lavender in the background. Thanks for joining WUW.

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

So lovely. Can you tell me the type of plant - ivy??? - growing up the wall? I need a climber. Thank you!

Babs said...

How lovely that your white roses bloom in all that heat. I'd love a variety that takes the heat and humidity of the southeast. Beautiful yard, Delores.
Babs

Kelley said...

love it!

kelley

Katie, Julep and Derby's Mom said...

Beautiful photo's and gardens - the work it must take!

All the best, Katie from
www.westiejulep.blogspot.com

Razmataz said...

You are so smart in your choices of plants. Watering the wrong types is such a waste. I love that circle of chairs and the view is spectacular.

Southwest Cottage Designs said...

Absolutely beautiful garden!

Southwest Cottage Designs said...

Absolutely beautiful garden!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

What an absolutely breathtaking yard and view!! Oh I am in *love*!!! So gorgeous!!! Sharing this on FB~ thank you for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

Donna, The Decorated House said...

Soooo beautiful!
I can't image how you grow grass with such high temps. It takes a ton of water way over here in FL.
You have done an amazing job with your gardens. So nice to see you enjoying all your hard work.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I saw your thumbnail at French Country Cottage. That weathered bench drew me in. The rest is absolutely stunning.

Rebecca said...

Oh the views are amazing! What a most lovely garden. Enjoy it this weekend!

Waving from Our Back Porch,
Rebecca

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I don't know how I missed this post but WOW, everything is gorgeous! We have well water topo, never heard about the boron issue. Thanks! XO, Pinky

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