The Tuscan landscape style is a magical blend of iconic plantings, warm colors, and vibrant flowers that thrive under the bright sunshine. It brings together the fragrance of lavender, rosemary, and Italian cypress with the timeless beauty of terra cotta urns and natural stone. If you’re looking to create a Tuscan-inspired garden, landscape designer Gabriel Frank, the owner of Gardens by Gabriel, has shared his expert tips to help you achieve the perfect Tuscan oasis.
Dos
- Choose traditional Tuscan garden plants: Olive trees, bay trees, grape vines, and Mediterranean herbs like lavender and sage are essential in capturing the sensory experience of Tuscany. These plants not only add fragrance to your garden but are also useful in the kitchen.
- Feel free to modernize: Ornamental grasses can give a contemporary touch to the Tuscan theme. They add a bold, flowing element and help soften the naturalistic stone outcroppings typical of Tuscan design.
- Opt for warm colors: When selecting stone and patio materials, go for warm hues. Decomposed granite, Santa Barbara cobble, and gold granite are excellent choices. Local stone in warm earth tones will also work beautifully.
- Amend planting beds with compost: To give your plants a good start, add about two inches of compost to new planting beds. This applies even to drought-tolerant plants, as they benefit from compost and regular watering during their initial growth.
Don’ts
- Avoid pale or pastel colors: Baby pink and similar tones can appear washed out under the intense midday sun. Opt for brighter colors like red, orange, hot pink, or yellow to create a stronger contrast with the flower colors and silvery foliage of traditional Tuscan plants.
- Don’t overuse succulents: While succulents are beautiful and sustainable, they do not align with the agrarian roots of Tuscan planting style. If you choose to include succulents, use them sparingly.
- Steer clear of gray tones: The Tuscan style is all about warm earth tones. Gray gravel, concrete, and rock are not suitable. Instead, stick to warm-colored stones that capture the essence of Tuscany.
- Replace your water-hogging lawn: Don’t be afraid to swap out your thirsty lawn for a colorful Mediterranean-inspired landscape. An established landscape uses significantly less water and requires less maintenance. Creating garden rooms or different environments will make your space more versatile and enjoyable to use.
Gabriel Frank’s expertise lies in designing sustainable landscapes, and the Tuscan theme perfectly aligns with his values. He suggests incorporating rainwater capture, greywater harvesting, and lawn replacement techniques to maximize water usage effectively and beautifully.
Adding ornamental varieties of edible plants to your landscape is another specialty of the Gardens by Gabriel team. By incorporating edible plants, you not only provide delicious foods and flavors for your family but also reduce the number of trucks on the road, avoid pesticides, and minimize your carbon footprint. Edible plants complement the Tuscan theme perfectly, as many traditional Mediterranean plants are edible herbs or fruits.
Gabriel Frank’s Tips for a Sustainable Landscape
- Use the resources you have: Design your landscape with the stone and materials available on-site. Transporting heavy materials can be costly and consume unnecessary energy.
- Select local stone: In a Tuscan landscape, the colors are more important than the specific types of stone. Any stone that features beige, buff, rusty-orange, or warm brown hues will fit the theme.
- Choose native plants: Incorporating native plants that are well-adapted to your region’s climate will thrive in any landscape style.
- Opt for drip irrigation: Utilize drip irrigation systems instead of sprinklers. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to where it is needed most, resulting in more efficient water usage.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to create a stunning Tuscan-style garden that exudes warmth, beauty, and sustainability. So, get inspired by the Tuscan landscape and transform your outdoor space into a Mediterranean paradise.