Maintaining a Mediterranean garden

In a Mediterranean garden, understanding the soil and managing watering are essential to promote plant growth while respecting water-saving principles. Here are the key points to remember for a successful garden that is resilient in a dry, drought-prone climate.

1. Cultural requirements regarding soil, cold and drought

In a Mediterranean climate, one must seek out species adapted to the local environment, rather than fighting against growing conditions.

• Soil : Mediterranean soil is generally calcareous, which is popular with ceanothus, rockrose, callistemon, and lavender, for example (with the exception of Lavandula stoechas, which thrives only in acidic soils). Be careful with heavy, clayey, or poorly drained soils, which can lead to waterlogging, which is harmful to the roots. If you have land that remains waterlogged after rain, with hard soil in summer and sticky soil in winter, the first thing to do is to start with drainage. Adding soil to create a high point, adding coarse river sand or pozzolan, pebbles, or round gravel—the range of choices is wide.
• Cold : Although most Mediterranean plants tolerate heat, they can be sensitive to severe frosts, so it is important to check their hardiness level.
• Drought : Mediterranean plants are adapted to drought thanks to their deep root systems and physiological adaptations. However, some require specific conditions to grow properly.

2. Watering in a Mediterranean garden

Watering should be limited as excessive moisture can be detrimental to the health of Mediterranean plants. Understanding when and how to water is essential to avoid the risk of overwatering.

• Frequency and timing : Watering should be limited to young plants during their establishment phase, i.e., the first year. Once the roots are well established, Mediterranean plants require little watering.
• Method : Using targeted watering, with the formation of a basin 60 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height, helps prevent stagnant moisture around the roots.
• Plants sensitive to overwatering : Some Mediterranean plants cannot tolerate excess water. Overwatering during the hot season is often fatal for them, due to the combined action of heat and humidity. These include:
  • Lavender (Lavandula sp.) : Sensitive to stagnant moisture, it prefers very dry soil.
  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) : Prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering.
  • Rockrose (Cistus sp.) : Very drought-resistant, but sensitive to overwatering, especially in winter.
  • Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus) : Although drought tolerant, overwatering can damage its roots.
  • Sedum (Sedum sp.) : These succulents do not appreciate excess moisture which can lead to root rot.
    
  • Salvia candelabrum, lithodora fruticosa, ebenus cretica, fremontodendron.
• Do not water until the soil is completely dry . It is advisable to test the soil moisture before watering again by inserting a finger about 5 cm deep.
• Avoid watering in winter : Plants generally do not need watering in winter.

3. Mulching and drainage

While mulching is a great option for retaining moisture, it's important not to use it during the first year after planting. Young plants need to be exposed to natural conditions to stimulate root development, and mulching can create excess moisture at the root collar. Once plants are established, mulch (gravel, stones) can be used to limit evaporation and maintain soil structure.

To find out more, we recommend the excellent book Pour un jardin sans arrosage by Olivier Filippi.