34 AMATEUR GARDENING 13 JULY 2019Mediterranean style
pointers
n Bin the grass – lawns
rarely feature in gardens in
Mediterranean countries as
they need too much water
to keep them looking lush.
n Use low maintenance
gravel for paths, and as
a mulch around plants.
n The Med is known for
the intensity of the light in
summer; for a similar effect,
paint walls around a patio
white to reflect more light.
n Use trees with strong
shapes, like the slender,White walls and terracotta
are two key influencesCitrus x limon
‘Four Seasons’
One of the
easiest citrus
trees to cultivate
in the UK: grow
outdoors in
summer, before
moving to
somewhere that
is frost-free
over winter. It’s
possible to have
fragrant flowers
and fruit at
various different
stages of
development on
the plant at the
same time. HxS:
20x4ft (6x1.2m).Olea europaea
Mature specimens of the common olive are hardy to -10°C (14°F),
but lighter frosts can damage younger ones, which are best moved
under cover in autumn. Very slow-growing, so it makes sense to
buy a good-sized plant. HxS: 13-26x5-8ft (4-8x1½-2½m).
4 more tender Med options
Pelargonium
Precision
Burgundy Red
There’s nothing
like deepest red
pelargoniums
to transport you
back to sunnier
climes. An ivy-
leaved trailing
type, this cultivar
is perfect for
tumbling out of
containers. Bring
under cover
before the first
frost, and keep
on the dry side
over winter. H: 1ft
(30cm); trails:
10in (25cm).Jasminum officinale
Features highly perfumed clusters of starry white flowers (Jun-
Aug), set amid dark green foliage. A climber to grow against
a sheltered, south-facing wall, or in a container that can be
moved somewhere frost-free in autumn. HxS: 40x10ft (12x3m).Buying seeds abroad
TEMPTED to bring back
more than photos from
abroad? There are strict
rules in place so that pests,
diseases and invasive
species aren’t introduced
from one country to
another, and to protect
native plant populations.
Plant collectors have to
apply for special permits,
while reputable seed
companies must adhere
to strict phytosanitary tests.
Holidaymakers should
stick to buying retail seeds- you can bring back up to
You can bring home up to
five packs of seedfive packets. For more info
go to gov.uk/guidance/
plant-health-controls.upright Italian cypress, and
clip evergreen shrubs to
provide structure.GAP