Mediterranean Garden Design in Oregon - Pacific Northwest Mediterranean Landscaping

Eastern Oregon: authentic Mediterranean design with extensive gravel, drought-tolerant plants, minimal irrigation, hot-climate selections. Western Oregon: Mediterranean-inspired design emphasizing exceptional drainage, raised beds, hardscaping structure, architectural bones, fungus-resistant varieties. Southern Oregon: balanced approach with authentic plants and good drainage. Ashland area perfect Mediterranean conditions. Recognize dramatic climate differences requiring different approaches. Design for your specific Oregon region.

Western Oregon requires raised beds 12-18 inches high with fast-draining mix: coarse sand, pumice, bark, and compost. Install French drains removing standing water. Use generous gravel mulch. Never plant Mediterranean species in poorly-drained ground expecting success. Wet winters fatal without perfect drainage. Eastern Oregon naturally well-drained requiring minimal modification. Southern Oregon intermediate. Drainage determines western Oregon success.

Use Oregon materials: basalt and volcanic rock from Cascades, river rock from numerous waterways, weathered wood from forest tradition, contemporary materials reflecting Portland modern aesthetic. Blend Pacific Northwest character with Mediterranean forms: clean modern lines with classical proportions, regional stone with Mediterranean patterns, northwest plant palette additions. Create uniquely Oregon Mediterranean fusion celebrating regional identity.

Feature extensive gravel surfaces using decomposed granite, crushed rock, or local gravel providing excellent drainage (critical west) and water conservation (essential east). Create gravel courtyards, pathways, and dry gardens as primary surfaces. Use hardscaping as permanent garden bones beautiful year-round including gray western Oregon winters. Minimize lawn areas. Eastern Oregon can use authentic Mediterranean extensive gravel. Western Oregon uses gravel for drainage and structure.

Choose Mediterranean plants tolerating Oregon winter cold: hardy lavenders (Zones 5-6 proven), cold-tolerant rosemary varieties, Russian sage, catmint, hardy herbs and perennials. Eastern Oregon requires very cold-hardy selections (Zone 5-6). Western Oregon milder but still experiences occasional freezes. Southern Oregon supports broader palette. Test plants before mass investment. Select for simultaneous drainage tolerance (west) or drought tolerance (east).

Design gardens with strong structural bones beautiful through Oregon wet seasons: evergreen Mediterranean herbs maintaining form, architectural hardscaping carrying design, gravel surfaces looking intentional year-round, winter-blooming rosemary providing color. Western Oregon particularly needs year-round structure. Eastern Oregon enjoys more traditional seasonal Mediterranean garden with summer emphasis. Create gardens beautiful in all seasons.