Italian style in landscape design

Until recently, the Italian style in landscape design seemed to be an unaffordable luxury in a northern climate. However, the search for weather-resistant crops as an alternative to heat-loving Italian plants allows northern gardeners to master this cheerful landscape design trend. The colorfulness and atmosphere of Italy, full of joy of life, does not leave indifferent amateurs and experts in gardening all over the world.

Northern Russian nature, it would seem, is hopelessly far from the sunny Italian landscapes. However, the Italian style, like other trends, has a set of mandatory elements and basic principles, following which it is possible to create the atmosphere of a Mediterranean garden in more severe conditions. How to do this will be discussed in this article.

The Italian style in landscape design is quite simple to define with the help of two equal components. This is a regular basis and rich flavor of southern landscapes. Thus, the Italian trend in landscape design is classified as a regular style. Differs in simplicity of layout. And also the obligatory presence of symmetrical and geometrically correct forms. However, this simple base is diluted with color accents, sculptural and architectural elements. And also a large number of pot crops that are unusual in garden design.

Inheriting the traditions of the ancient era, the Renaissance and the Baroque, the Italian garden is a picture of an exquisite and at the same time not boring combination of seemingly incompatible elements. Most of all, these gardens are reminiscent of paradises, created so that guests resting in them can detach from the outside world. And also immerse yourself in a cozy atmosphere filled with warm and rich colors of southern nature.

From dream to reality

Italian style in landscape design: photo

The dream of the luxury of an Italian garden in the midst of Russia may well be embodied in reality. This becomes possible thanks to the selection of plants typical for our latitudes. They are able to become a worthy alternative to the heat-loving flora of Italy.

The Italian style in landscape design does not require strict compliance with strict principles, but only outlines the framework. The color range and the general nature of the composition, the task of arranging an Italian garden using similar crops and material components is quite within the power of domestic gardeners. It is enough to choose winter-hardy "doubles" for each traditional Italian plant.

Meanwhile, it is worth remembering that in the realities of the harsh northern winters, the design of garden plots completely in the Italian style still remains quite problematic. It is recommended to use the principles of this direction when decorating individual zones of the garden plot, secluded corners. And also when forming multi-level compositions.

Italian style in landscape design: subtleties and features

Italian style in landscape design

Typically, the Italian influence extends to a small area of ​​a garden or a separate object. The rest of the landscape is designed in the spirit of a different direction. The reason lies in the unfavorable climatic conditions of the northern regions.And also in the need for constant maintenance of the garden area. Curly green arrangements, potted gardens, paving and accessories need constant care. Therefore, choosing an Italian style for decorating a garden plot, its owner must measure his strength with the needs of a garden of a particular size and compositional content.

The design of any Italian-style garden can be divided into two important parts:

• The main structure and the elements that form the style originality. In whatever climate you have to cultivate the garden, the mandatory design principles must be followed. Because it is they who make the style recognizable. There can be no alternatives here.
• Plant crops that fill the structural framework. This part of the design may vary depending on climatic conditions. And also the presence in a particular area of ​​a particular stone or plant.

The Italian style is generally ideal for gardens with a slope. And also on uneven surfaces, with hills and elevation changes. No other style is capable of playing with the unevenness of the relief so gracefully. And turn its shortcomings into advantages that allow the gardener to fully express his imagination.

However, a flat surface of the soil does not mean that the garden will turn out to be boring. Or insufficiently appropriate to the chosen style. The Italian landscape design trend has a lot of ideas for flat gardens. As well as techniques for simulating irregularities and artificially changing the relief.

At the same time, green color, simple geometric lines and light stone should remain the dominant feature of the garden.

Italian style in landscape design: basic principles

Italian style in landscape design: photo

A strict layout and symmetry are the basis of the Italian style. The tracks make up the axes - the basis of the design. Along with the central compositional points that define the style features.

Track axles are essential even in a small Italian garden. Because they set the motion vector. There is always a main axis and lateral branches crossing it perpendicularly. They are usually marked with decorative elements. The axle system should not be complicated. Because the essence of the stylistic originality lies in the geometric simplicity of the lines. The center of the composition is the largest object. Namely: a residential building. The order of arrangement of other objects is based on it.

Traditional centers of composition:

• The main one is a residential building. It is invariably located on the central axis. Or on the nearest perpendicular track.
• Parterre is a garden area located on the flattest site. As a rule, next to the house. This is a place to walk. Saturated with elements that create a ceremonial atmosphere. These can be flower beds, reservoirs, statues. The parterre is traditionally fenced off from the main part of the garden with a stone hedge.
• Ponds and fountains are also typical centers of the garden's composition. There are a lot of options here. The ponds are round in shape with fountains in several tiers, fountains of the Roman type. And also ponds of various shapes, portable reservoirs.
• Hidden nooks, secret gardens with benches. Designed for secluded relaxation. Such places should be completely masked by green or stone-built walls. And to remind of the atmosphere of the southern monasteries with their simultaneously pragmatic and picturesque flower beds.
• The recreation area is a stone-paved area. Or a terrace with furniture and pot compositions located on it. Often, a place for her is chosen next to a reservoir. But always - in a secluded and protected from the sun part of the garden. On its territory there may be tables, benches, chairs, awnings. As well as small gazebos. In a word, everything that creates coziness and promotes relaxation.Paving material, type of wood for the platform, and the appearance of furniture do not play a big role. Unlike the obligatory potted garden.

Basic components and materials

Italian style in landscape design: photo

Italians prefer natural materials in a sunny shade. Because it resembles Mediterranean limestone and sandstone. Gravel and stone in the warmest and sunniest tones will create a Mediterranean summer atmosphere. Even in the conditions of the Russian middle zone.

Terracotta, cream, white will serve as the best guidelines when choosing materials. But natural stone or concrete, skillfully placed in the general color scheme, will also find application in the Italian garden. It is important to create a contrast between the lush green of the plants and the lighter finishing materials.

The basic components of this area include:

• tiered gardens and playgrounds;
• numerous types of walls;
• different types of stairs and ramps;
• recesses (niches, grottoes);
• decorative railings;
• sculptural compositions in ancient traditions;
• clay containers for flowers.

When using accessories for an Italian garden, you should take into account the traditional combination of several elements on one site. Thus, the sculpture is often located in the vicinity of large tub plants. Or by the fountain for a mile next to the grotto.

Italian style in landscape design and green frames

Italian style in landscape design: photo

Separate zones and compositional centers of the Italian garden are traditionally filled with different types of flower beds. Enclosed in clear forms, vibrant florals enliven the green backdrop of the garden. Each flower garden is necessarily framed with a green frame. boxwood border... Thus, the geometry of the forms is emphasized.

When choosing plants for filling a flower garden, you should focus on the colors typical of the Mediterranean climate. Yellow, orange, red, blue. It is recommended to use pure colors. However, it is possible to accentuate one bright shade. And complementing it with gentle pastel notes.

For filling flower beds, bright crops adapted to the northern climate such as euphorbia, daylily, and marigolds are suitable. And also gladiolus, sage, herbs. Ferns will allow you to completely cover the soil and add luscious green blotches.

Vertical and figured gardening

Italian style in landscape design: photo

Fences formed from winter-hardy crops (yew, privet are suitable) will replace the vertical decorative elements of heat-loving crops. Green walls of varying heights form the boundaries between the garden areas. They also hide secluded corners from prying eyes, create a background. The creation of vertical accents is made possible by plants trimmed in the form of geometric shapes, animals, statues.

For Mediterranean trees, there are also more unpretentious analogues. As a substitute for Italian cypresses, it is possible to use thuja, fir trees, cypress trees. Apple, acacia and cherry trees, quite traditional for the Russian climate, will also look organic in an Italian garden.

Among the deciduous shrubs, it is recommended to choose sea buckthorn and hawthorn. And also the silver sucker replacing the olive. But the dominant shrub plant in Mediterranean gardens, the rose, is perfectly cultivated in the northern regions. And here the choice of a gardener is practically unlimited. Any kind of rose will ennoble the ensemble like a king. Hydrangeas, Japanese quince, treelike St. John's wort will make a worthy competitor to the rose.

A real southern garden is necessarily decorated with vines. To create the atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast, pergolas, arches, trellises are suitable. And also entwined with twisting stems of clematis, grapes, roses.

Pot compositions

Italian style in landscape design: photo

Potted and tub plants are necessary for decorating a recreation area or creating compositional centers. They are also a constant element of the Italian style. And here the principle applies: the more, the better. Containers with flowers, shrubs, vines, trees can fill all the free space on the terrace. Or in a recreation area. And also be located on balustrades, stairs, paths.

It is in pots and tubs that original Italian plants can be grown. Because they do not take root in the open ground of the northern regions. Laurel, almond, olive, cypress, figs will bring the spirit of authenticity to the garden design.

The only thing that should not be forgotten when creating pot compositions is the material of the containers. The Italian style involves the use of clay and ceramics.

Italian style in landscape design: photo