Mediterranean Front Yard Ideas
A Mediterranean front yard feels warm and relaxed: gravel instead of lawn, silvery aromatic plants, olive trees and terracotta pots. It's naturally drought-tolerant and pairs especially well with stucco, tile and light-colored homes.
Try this style on your yardMediterranean Front Yard: before & after
Same house, same angle. Only the landscaping changes.
Before
AfterWhat makes a mediterranean front yard
Plants
- Olive trees and Italian cypress
- Lavender, rosemary, sage and santolina
- Citrus in large pots
- Bougainvillea on warm walls (mild climates)
Materials
- Pea gravel and warm natural stone
- Terracotta pots and tiles
- Stucco or rendered walls
- Weathered wood for pergolas and benches
Features
- Clusters of terracotta planters
- A small fountain or water bowl
- Pergola or freestanding shade for outdoor dining
- Drought-tolerant, aromatic planting
Design tips
Swap lawn for gravel courtyards
Pea gravel with planted islands of lavender, rosemary and grasses gives the classic look and needs far less water than grass.
Frame the entry with pots
A pair of large terracotta pots with olive trees or citrus by the front door is the fastest way to give a house Mediterranean character.
Plan for scent
Plant lavender and rosemary where people brush past them along the walkway, so the front yard smells as good as it looks.
See a mediterranean design on your own yard
Upload a photo and we’ll preselect the front yard and mediterranean style for you. New accounts get 3 free designs.
1. Upload a photo of your yard
2. What are we designing?
3. Pick a style
Your redesigned yard will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow olive trees in a cold climate?
Olive trees need mild winters. In colder areas, grow them in pots you can move to shelter, or use hardy silver-leaved shrubs for a similar look.
Is a Mediterranean front yard drought tolerant?
Yes. Most Mediterranean plants are adapted to dry summers, and gravel ground cover needs no watering at all.