Mediterranean

The Mediterranean we all know and love is generally dry in the summer with the bulk of the rain falling during the winter. The summer skies are often cloudless, and the sun is very strong, so land temperatures are high during the day, plummeting by night. Then there are powerful winds like the Mistral, Bora, Meltemi and Sirocco so plants need to be tough and resilient. Many have evolved with reduced leaves, grey foliage is common, as are minute hairs or waxy surfaces on the leaves, or the presence of oils, as these can all act as a protection against the effects of the sun.

In your garden, site these evocative, beautiful Mediterranean plants in full sun in sharply drained, poor soils and these tough characters will adapt well to our grey, mild little island. Where would we be without our beloved rosemary and lavender, olives and citrus, bay and cupressus trees?