Hi GPODers!
The week is winding down, and our time on the Ponte Vedra Beach Secret Garden Tour in Florida is almost over. As a refresher, we’ve already explored three incredible gardens, thanks to the generosity of Anne Eshelman (check those out if you missed them: Teresa’s Serene Space, Anne’s Abundant Kitchen Garden, and Allison’s Cacti Courtyard), but we have two more gorgeous gardens to showcase. Today we’re getting a taste of Johanna Rahal’s Mediterranean-inspired gardens, with striking plants and stylish water features that make the space feel like a European getaway.
Johanna Rahal had a Mediterranean vision for her courtyard and front garden, featuring several flowering beds, mandevilla trellises, Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens, Zones 7–10), and olive trees (Olea europaea, Zones 8–10). Two lovely water features add to the beautiful calming atmosphere.
Johanna was very smart to select the Mediterranean for her source of garden inspiration, as the region has a lot of the same climates that can be found in northern Florida. Pops of bright and bold florals with plenty of vibrant foliage is a signature of Mediterranean gardens, and that is easy to execute in Florida’s sun. Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’, Zones 9–11) is a favorite across Florida, and trellises of mandevilla never disappoint.
A close-up of those gorgeous mandevilla
For Johanna’s climate, false heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia, Zones 9–11) is a fabulous plant that brings foliage interest and colorful blooms. The small, delicate flowers can stand up to the intense Florida sun, and it’s glossy foliage is equally as resilient.
A trio of rustic pots also has a distinct Mediterranean feel, with some colorful tropical plants giving them a Florida garden twist. A rusty garden bench in front continues this aesthetic and makes for a great place to enjoy the garden.
I love how Johanna has matched the themes of colorful flowers and vibrant green—some bordering yellow—foliage in her beds with similar combinations in her containers. You can see this in the trio of planters above and this desert rose (Adenium obesum, Zones 11–12) underplanted with bright chartreuse creeping sedum.
Another signature element in Mediterranean gardens is the use of water. From a simple birdbath to elaborate and ornate fountains, the sound of flowing water and the patterns created in its reflective surface are a soothing contrast to bright, intense sunlight. This feature also incorporates plenty of stone and gravel, also common elements in a Mediterranean design.
One last look at Johanna’s assortment of bold blooms and vibrant foliage: It’s clear that she is a pro at selecting sun-loving plants with flowers that won’t instantly scorch in the sun, and she has a wonderfully colorful garden to show for it.
If you participate in a yearly garden tour that you would like to showcase on the blog, please send me a message! One of the best aspects of gardening is the communities we build around them, and I would love an opportunity to highlight your garden community on Garden Photo of the Day! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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