The Most Beautiful Garden Inspiration
Garden Planning Mode
Spring is on its way and that means I'm in full garden planning mode. Who's with me?
I'm thinking about what kinds of things I want to be growing this season, both in the orto (the vegetable garden) as well as the giardino. I've already started seeds indoors preparing for this year's orto—things like eggplant, tomatoes, plenty of herbs, and more.
For now, let's focus on the ornamental garden and of course, take our inspiration from the Italian garden, both classic and more renaissance influenced as well as the simple garden you might find in the campania.
Roman Inspiration
While living in Rome, one of my favorite spots to take a walk is in Villa Borghese. There are countless gems to be found on the grounds of the historical estate.
The museo is also worth visiting as it is filled with beautiful art treasures created by artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael and Titian. You'll enjoy a visit to this museum to soak in the beauty both inside and outside among the gardens.
Villa Borghese
On the grounds of the estate, you'll find structured, classic Italian garden designs in shapes that create a form and foundation for the garden. There are water features and plenty of terra cotta.
Italian Garden Design & Elements
When I'm thinking about my own garden and what colors to use, I notice that Italian gardens use so much green. There are shades and various textures, but most of it is green creating a simple landscape for little pops of color with the use of roses or citrus trees.
For the more simple garden, choosing plants that are both beautiful and functional are a must. Utilizing the space for both beauty and function are ideal. Using herbs like rosemary and sage add beauty to a garden, but also implement elements of a kitchen garden or potager. I personally love a garden that I can walk out to and clip some herbs to use in my cooking.
Another inspiration for my garden this year, is how the Italian garden uses hardscaping. There is nearly always some sort of pathway, be it stones, bricks, or crushed gravel. The sound of the crunch of gravel in a garden instantly transports me to any Italian garden. I'm thinking of ways I can incorporate more of these kinds of elements and how I can create patterns with them. They create a sense of emotion as well as help the visitor wander through and truly experience the garden.
Other elements I notice from the Italian garden are things like statues, water features, potted plants, walls or retaining features, fences or iron gates, places to sit at—like a table and chairs or a perfectly placed bench. Remember, these spaces are meant to be used. How will you and the people you love gather in the space? The Italian garden also has such an amazing way of using space, creating "little rooms" to display or highlight certain plants or elements of visual interest.
Italy Inspired, but Where You Live
One thing I think that is really important in garden planning is making sure you are thinking about where you live. Italy has an amazing microclimate and choosing plants that grow well in Sicily may not work for your growing zone. That can make garden planning in the Italian style seem challenging. But, it's not impossible.
Think about what will grow in your zone. What plants are similar to the plants you love in Italy? Or, maybe it's not the plants you love, but the method they use to display the plants. How can you re-create that "feeling" in your own garden?
For some of these Italian garden design tips, here are some photos I've taken throughout central Italy that can help to inspire you and give you some ideas as you plan and look forward to this year's garden.
ITALIAN GARDEN DESIGN TIPS
use greens and minimal pops of color
implement hardscaping: pathways, fencing, gates, statues, etc.
include water features of some kind
use terra cotta for potted vases all around the garden and especially near entraces or transitional spaces
have a place to sit and linger—at a table or on a bench
create “rooms”