Mediterranean Garden Design in Georgia - Southern Mediterranean Garden Landscaping

Georgia red clay is Mediterranean plant enemy requiring extensive modification. Create raised beds 10-15 inches high with amended soil: mix native clay with coarse sand, pine bark fines, and compost for fast drainage. Install French drains if needed. Use generous gravel mulch preventing moisture retention. Ensure slopes direct water away from plantings. Good drainage is absolutely critical for Mediterranean plants in Georgia humidity and prevents root rot.

Choose proven Mediterranean plants tolerating Georgia humidity: society garlic, heat-loving salvias, Russian sage, catmint, lantana, vitex, and rosemary (select varieties). Incorporate Southern natives with Mediterranean aesthetic: yaupon holly, wax myrtle, muhly grass, coreopsis. Avoid traditional lavender except in elevated North Georgia. Select varieties proven in Southeastern heat and humidity. Space plants generously for air circulation.

Blend Mediterranean villa elegance with Southern charm: stucco or painted brick walls, standing-seam metal or clay tile roofs, generous front porches adapted to Mediterranean courtyard principles, local Georgia fieldstone or river rock walls, wrought iron details, painted shutters in Mediterranean colors. Create indoor-outdoor flow through covered porches and patios. Use Southern proportions with Mediterranean detailing.

Feature extensive decomposed granite or pea gravel surfaces reducing humidity impact. Incorporate beautiful Georgia fieldstone and river rock in walls, borders, and accents. Create gravel courtyards and pathways with excellent drainage. Use local stone varieties: gray fieldstone, tan river rock, granite chips. Minimize lawn areas favoring hardscaping. Gravel surfaces dry quickly after Georgia thunderstorms while maintaining Mediterranean aesthetic.

Design generous shade structures essential for Georgia summers: pergolas with climbing vines, covered porches, arbors creating filtered light, strategic tree placement for afternoon shade. Create comfortable outdoor rooms usable during hot months. Install ceiling fans for air circulation. Position seating in morning sun, afternoon shade. Shade extends outdoor season in Georgia heat and humidity.

Prevent fungal diseases through generous plant spacing allowing air movement. Avoid dense Mediterranean-style massing that traps humidity. Space plants 1.5 times typical distance. Prune regularly for open structure. Position plants to catch breezes. Use vertical growing reducing ground-level humidity. Good air circulation is critical for Mediterranean plants in Georgia Southeastern humidity.