Mediterranean Garden Design in California - Authentic Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Choose authentic Mediterranean plants with minimal water needs once established: lavender, rosemary, santolina, Jerusalem sage, rockrose, and Mediterranean herbs. Group plants by water requirements in hydrozones. Eliminate high-water plants entirely. Create sustainable gardens that thrive on 30-50% less water than traditional landscapes.

Feature extensive decomposed granite, gravel, and stone surfaces that reduce water needs while creating classic Mediterranean aesthetic. Use generous hardscaping as permanent design bones. Create gravel courtyards, pathways, and dry gardens. Minimize or eliminate traditional lawn areas completely.

Design enclosed or semi-enclosed courtyards that define outdoor living spaces in true Mediterranean tradition. Create sunny terraces, patios, and intimate seating areas. Use walls and structures to create garden rooms. Emphasize outdoor dining and entertaining spaces that capture California sunshine.

Embrace warm terracotta, sun-bleached white, deep azure blue, and warm ochre that evoke Mediterranean villages. Use silver and gray-green foliage as living color. Add vibrant purples, pinks, and yellows from blooming lavender, salvias, and perennials. Paint walls and structures in traditional Mediterranean hues.

Feature Mediterranean herbs as cornerstone plants: rosemary hedges, lavender borders, thyme groundcover. Plant near pathways and seating where brushing releases fragrance. Use herbs as edging, specimens, and in containers. Harvest regularly for kitchen use and to maintain compact growth.

Design gardens to require minimal supplemental water after establishment. Deep, infrequent watering encourages drought tolerance. Use efficient drip irrigation on timers. Many plants thrive on winter rainfall alone. Embrace the natural summer dormancy of truly drought-adapted plants.