An Introduction To Rustic Tuscan Gardens

Tuscan gardens are the kitchens of the gardening world, being abundant in herbs and fruits. Couple this with rich terracotta's and ochre's, and a rustic Tuscan theme can capture the spirit of summer at any time of year.

Hard landscape features are key to a Tuscan design. Terracotta paving in sets and blocks should lead up to the house, perhaps to a loggia which is perfect for climbing plants like an ornamental grape. Combine these features with plenty of terracotta pots.

A successful Tuscan garden must be able to hold on to the garden's historic and rustic elements, whilst marrying this with the freshness that the many thriving plants provide.

The olive tree is a vital ingredient. It is surprisingly hardy for the UK, and loves a south facing garden. You can try protecting it with a fleece in the harsh winter months.

The Tuscan garden is considered as a "kitchen garden", so fill your garden with the scents of Italy, not just with olive trees, but with pots full of oregano, sweet basil, and even fruit trees such as lemons.

Cypress trees can provide an accent to the garden as well as height. They are also evergreen and fragrant.

An edible vine, perhaps climbing up a pergola for support is a must. You could even end up producing your own wine from it.

Tuscan gardens often revolve around a central axis, such as a wall mounted or free standing fountain. This can create a whole new dimension to the area, introducing sound and movement to the already abundant scent and colour.
These plants doesn't need to face south, they can cope well facing west, and even north to some extent. Avoid east facing gardens as this is by far the harshest. Foliage based plants cope a little better with less sun than flowering ones.

Introduce plants that are fragrant and sweetly scented such as lavender and rosa veilchenblau for a heady aroma.