Outdoors: 12 Key Elements That Give the Gardens of Provence Their Charm
Lavender, terraces, old stones and wells all combine to give these French gardens their character and beauty
Vanessa Cottin
9 January 2015
The Provence region in the southeast of France has a mild and temperate climate, enabling people to enjoy the pleasure of living outdoors all year round. Its climate means that the gardens of Provence are particularly wonderful, and can be cultivated throughout the seasons. Here’s a look at the various elements that contribute to their charm.
Terraces
Most of the land in the Provence region is sloped, so terraces were built in order to not waste space. Also known as ‘restanques,’ their primary purpose was for the farming of grapes, olives and other fruits and vegetables.
This landscaping feature is still very much in use today and continues to best suit the land, and currently protects against landslides and erosion.
Much like natural stairs, these terraces create flat surfaces to plant on. They are also very useful when it comes to irrigation. The height of each terrace will vary depending on the slope and the number of restanques required.
Check out 11 solutions for sloping gardens
Most of the land in the Provence region is sloped, so terraces were built in order to not waste space. Also known as ‘restanques,’ their primary purpose was for the farming of grapes, olives and other fruits and vegetables.
This landscaping feature is still very much in use today and continues to best suit the land, and currently protects against landslides and erosion.
Much like natural stairs, these terraces create flat surfaces to plant on. They are also very useful when it comes to irrigation. The height of each terrace will vary depending on the slope and the number of restanques required.
Check out 11 solutions for sloping gardens
Old stones
These were the foundation of any building in the Provence region. The heritage has been nicely preserved, and today these buildings can be found all across the region.
The oldest terraces are supported by dry-stone walls, which reflect ancestral knowledge and tradition. The method is repeated today in contemporary gardens, where the walls are strengthened by a binder. The stone wall creates a balance between stone and vegetation, and is therefore important for the harmony of the garden.
These were the foundation of any building in the Provence region. The heritage has been nicely preserved, and today these buildings can be found all across the region.
The oldest terraces are supported by dry-stone walls, which reflect ancestral knowledge and tradition. The method is repeated today in contemporary gardens, where the walls are strengthened by a binder. The stone wall creates a balance between stone and vegetation, and is therefore important for the harmony of the garden.
Vegetation
What makes a true Provence garden is its vegetation. An olive tree, a cypress tree and a variety of aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, are all very typical. Plants local to the region are very present throughout the year. These include dry-land shrubs such as laurestine, cistus, myrtle and strawberry trees.
These gardens call for idleness; for lolling in the shade of a fig or olive tree while admiring the lavender fields and cypress trees.
What makes a true Provence garden is its vegetation. An olive tree, a cypress tree and a variety of aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, are all very typical. Plants local to the region are very present throughout the year. These include dry-land shrubs such as laurestine, cistus, myrtle and strawberry trees.
These gardens call for idleness; for lolling in the shade of a fig or olive tree while admiring the lavender fields and cypress trees.
In this garden, Pittosporum, Teucrium fruticans and fig trees offer a gradual blend of green to create a naturally luxurious atmosphere.
Terracotta tiles
These can be found both inside or outside, square-shaped or rectangular, on the floor or on the wall… terracotta tiles are a quintessential material of the Provence region.
These can be found both inside or outside, square-shaped or rectangular, on the floor or on the wall… terracotta tiles are a quintessential material of the Provence region.
The pergola
The pergola is a very popular way to create a shaded area and can often be found shading the patio area of a house. The basic structure is usually made of cast iron or wood, and it allows climbing vines such as wisteria to grow rapidly between the poles.
The pergola is a very popular way to create a shaded area and can often be found shading the patio area of a house. The basic structure is usually made of cast iron or wood, and it allows climbing vines such as wisteria to grow rapidly between the poles.
The arbour
It decorates a passageway with its arches, and it can also serve as supporting structure for climbing vines, like the grape vines seen here.
It decorates a passageway with its arches, and it can also serve as supporting structure for climbing vines, like the grape vines seen here.
The fountain
In a region where droughts are common, water is a very precious element. Over time, the usage of water in the garden has changed - the practical need for wells has been replaced by the recreational and aesthetic enjoyment of water in swimming pools and fountains.
In a region where droughts are common, water is a very precious element. Over time, the usage of water in the garden has changed - the practical need for wells has been replaced by the recreational and aesthetic enjoyment of water in swimming pools and fountains.
Stone walls can offer the perfect opportunity to install an integrated fountain.
The swimming pool
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing pool to escape the summer heat, and it looks wonderful when set against the Provence landscape too.
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing pool to escape the summer heat, and it looks wonderful when set against the Provence landscape too.
The stone well
Wells were once an absolute necessity for families in the region, but today they are rarely in use. They stand instead as proud reminders of previous times and traditions, and add charm and character to the garden.
Wells were once an absolute necessity for families in the region, but today they are rarely in use. They stand instead as proud reminders of previous times and traditions, and add charm and character to the garden.
Pots and jars
These can be found all over the garden, and are great for giving your flowers that little bit more character, not to mention protection during the winter months when you can move them to shelter.
These can be found all over the garden, and are great for giving your flowers that little bit more character, not to mention protection during the winter months when you can move them to shelter.
Little pathways
These are found all across the hills of the Mediterranean, and when used in your garden, they break down any rigidity and strictness.
TELL US…
Do you love the gardens of Provence? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Tour a beautiful English garden
These are found all across the hills of the Mediterranean, and when used in your garden, they break down any rigidity and strictness.
TELL US…
Do you love the gardens of Provence? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Tour a beautiful English garden
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Provençal plants will indeed thrive, Mark Harris. Because, according to Wikipedia, Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate.
Yes, Mark Harris, they thrive here in the Sacramento region.