italian garden design, made easy

a shaded patio area near the house

The notion of designing an Italian style garden could seem daunting for most people, however, by simply paying attention to few details we can easily suggest an Italian style garden. I have mentioned the importance of structure in previous articles (See Structure in Italian Gardens) but we should also aim to create a shaded patio area near the house, where we can entertain and dine al fresco on summers evenings. Alternatively, the patio can be used to enjoy the garden, while drinking a coffee and fresh brioche in the mornings, with easy access to the house and its amenities.
The summers are scorching in Italy and shade is an essential element in the Italian garden. Shade can be provided by using a simple pergola, made from wood or wrought iron with a strong structure. An even more simple alternative to creating a pergola is to attach a series of taught wires to a strong, uncomplicated structure above and at the sides, which can then have vines, roses and scented plants like Rhynchospernum jasminoides grown over them. In just one year the structure will have a healthy covering- if the plants are maintained well. The best variety of grape vine to use is the strawberry vine (Uva fragola 'Nera') as it is disease-resistant and releases an amazing, strawberry aroma in the summer.
The choice of flooring should be studied well, as it will say a lot so use a broken (crazy paving effect) in travertine, (less expensive than marble) for an, inexpensive elegant Italian feel. Alernatively, for a rustic, informal feel use re-claimed bricks, as they will suggest that Tuscan, country-garden feel.
Italian-style furnishing and relaxed, yet colourful Italian features, like rusted iron chandeliers and candle holders will instantly suggest an Italian ambience and colourful bowls of fruit add a homely, Mediterranean touch.
In the shaded areas beneath the pergola plants like Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) will add a touch of elegance if placed symmetrically either side of the doors of the house or the entrance to the pergola. White Hydrangeas such as H. macrophylla Annabelle, in large vases can make up the body of the planting and elegant evergreens like Olea fragrans and Gardenia jasminoides will fill the area with scent on summers evenings and will address a very important and often overlooked feature of the garden perfume!
In the sunny areas use a small lemon tree, as they grow relatively easily and do not require any particular attention, however they will need sun and a garage to spend the winter in and maybe an iron supplement during the growing season.
Planting schemes around the structure should aim to protect the area from winds and establish a sense of intimate, visual security. Durable and un-demanding, evergreen Mediterranean plants like Oleander (Nerium oleander), Viburnum tinus and Pittosporum tobira can be used as sturdy structure plants. A small Cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens) pruned well and maintained small and compact will instantly add an Italian feel and, although over-used, this plant is still a must for suggesting an Italian feel.
Cypress trees can be maintained at the height you wish, with careful annual pruning and (if pruned) can even be grown right against the house, without causing serious damage.
When the structure plants (Buxus, Cupressus etc) are illuminated from their base one can create a very chic environment for entertaining al fresco. An Italian patio area with a shade-providing pergola will suggest and portray the very best of Italian style in the Italian garden.