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Create a European-style retreat in your backyard with these beautiful patio garden design ideas.
European-Style Patio Design Ideas
We just returned from a vacation in the lovely South of France so the European aesthetic is on my mind! One thing I’ve noticed on my travels is that Europeans do an excellent job of maximizing their living space by creating beautiful and inviting patio gardens. These outdoor living spaces blend the home seamlessly with nature. European design is known for its timeless appeal, merging functionality with aesthetics to create outdoor spaces that are perfect for relaxation, dining, and socializing. This post will give you the European patio garden inspiration and tips you need to recreate this look in your own backyard.
Natural materials
Natural materials such as stone, brick, terracotta, and wood are a hallmark of European patio gardens. Cobblestone or flagstone pathways, stone walls, patios with pea gravel, and terracotta pots add rustic charm and durability.
If you live in the US, these materials can be expensive. However, you can often find great deals on stone, bricks, and large garden pots Facebook Marketplace! Also, stores will typically give you a discount on planters that are damaged.
Formal and informal elements
European patio gardens often balance formal and informal elements. For example, a symmetrical layout with neatly trimmed boxwood hedges or matching potted citrus trees may be combined with more pots overflowing with vegetables and herbs or succulents.
Lush greenery
Mediterranean patio gardens are often filled with a variety of plants, including climbing vines, potted shrubs, edible plants, and flowering plants. Popular choices include lavender, rosemary, roses, white hydrangeas, boxwoods, jasmine, bougainvillea, and olive trees.
There was jasmine blooming along almost every wall when I was in France – it was incredible!
Decorative accents
European patio gardens often feature decorative elements such as statues, urns, birdbaths, and mosaic tiles. These accents add character and a touch of whimsy to the garden.
Seating and dining areas
Nothing feels more like summer than dining al fresco. Comfortable seating and dining spaces are essential for a creating a charming and functional patio. Wrought iron furniture, wooden benches, and bistro sets provide places to relax, dine, or just enjoy the garden.
Water features
Pools, fountains, ponds, or small water basins are common in European-style gardens. These water features add southing sounds, serve as focal points within the garden, or provide a place to cool off during the hot summer months.
Pergolas and arbors
Structures like pergolas and arbors provide shade and support climbing plants. They create vertical interest and offer a cozy spot for outdoor dining or lounging. Jasmine or roses are perfect options for a climbing plant to grow on a pergola or arbor in your patio garden because they fill the space with an enchanting scent.
For tips on creating a jasmine trellis, make sure to read this post.
Potager gardens
In keeping with the tradition of kitchen gardens, a European patio garden often includes areas for growing herbs, vegetables, citrus fruit, and potted olive trees. Raised beds or large pots filled with culinary plants add practicality and charm.
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