1. EVERGREEN STRUCTURE IS IMPORTANT
Evergreen structure is important in Italian garden design. Shrubs and hedging will often be sheared and shaped, lining walkways or planting beds. For those seeking year-round interest, landscaping with evergreens is ideal, creating a verdant backdrop that appears just as attractive in the winter months as in the summer.
2. USE AGED AND ANTIQUE STONE
To create an Italian garden, choosing the right hardscaping materials is important. For paved backyard ideas, consider using warm and earth-toned stonework prevalent in Tuscany. Using old, aged stone in different hues of gray, terracotta and red is effective, as opposed to modern slabs or tiles. Natural flagstones will work well and any chips or imperfections will complement the aesthetic.
3. SEATING AREAS SHOULD BE CENTRAL
Outdoor living is an important facet of Italian garden design, with seating and dining areas for relaxation and entertaining considered the primary purpose of any outside space. Old tables and chairs, with rusting metal or crumbling wood, should take advantage of the best viewpoints of the surrounding landscape, ideal for enjoying an evening glass of something cold. While you might not have a view of the rolling Tuscan hills at the bottom of your yard, consider the best location for a seat or a bench when designing your space.
4. CHOOSE HARDY, DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTING
Tuscan gardens are typically full of Mediterranean plants that thrive in the Italian climate, characterized by hot and dry summers. Incorporate trees and shrubs in your yard that are suitable for your US hardiness zone. Olive trees, for example, are a popular option that can be grown in most climates and do well in pots or the garden border.
5. INCORPORATE HERBS IN PLANTING BORDERS
Growing a selection of the best drought-tolerant herbs is recommended for those seeking to create a Tuscan or Italian garden. Lavender, for example, is floriferous and fragrant, making it the perfect plant for pollinators. Growing well in backyard borders or containers, lavender can help to add color and scent to any outside space.