What Are The Main Features Of A Mediterranean Water Garden?
This garden design pattern originated around the Mediterranean sea. They are essentially raised pools that have tilted and colored brick surrounds that are similar to North African pools enclosed in courtyard that look Moroccan or Spanish. The Mediterranean water garden can be described as crisp, clean and very colorful.
The water gardens have a patio, high walls, water pools and colorful mosaics. The Mediterranean pattern is a split level patio with a spout running water into a long rill at the lower level.
Why should I choose the Mediterranean water garden
This water garden pattern would suit a small courtyard garden which has walls around it. Do not live your garden in the open. Build high rendered walls. If this is possible with your garden then this will be the perfect garden style for you.
The Mediterranean water garden design is symmetrically centered on the rill. You can lower or increase this arrangement to suit the size and shape of your garden. Its possible to use smooth-curved shapes such as work by Antonio Gaudi.
How to create the water garden pattern...
- Draw up a sketch of the design - then make a detailed diagram taking into consideration the house, boundaries, structures and large trees. Drains also need to be noted.
- Get rid of all unwanted plants - give them to your friends if you do not want to destroy them.
- Build smooth-rendered block walls all around the site, or render existing walls
- Build the pattern of low walls that divide the two levels, and define the various steps and planting areas
- Dig a hole out for the pond and throw the earth up to the higher level
- Set the rigid linear in place and sort out the shallow liner in the upper level. Link the two with chute or sprout of your choice
- Spread rubble to build up both the top and bottom levels and the steps. Compact the rubble so as to fill all voids
- Set all the paving slabs in place
- Tile or mosaic all vertical faces
- Install a pump and filter so that the water will be pumped from the lower pool to the upper chamber
- Plant exotic plants such as Carex and Chusan Palm around the site
- Frost tender plants must be planted in containers
- Plant water plants such as Sweet Grass and Bog Arum
- Cover the earth with mulch or crushed stone, or crushed and rolled colored grass
Care and maintenance
Ensure that the pump is always functioning correctly as it is the one that pushes the water down the slope. Dead leaves, debris, dirt and mud need to be removed from the sump. Keep both ends of the water pipe clear and clean the pump regularly. Do not allow the sump to become dry...always top up the water level. Pruning The Water Garden Plants