Influences from Abroad
Moroccan Garden
If you love colour, water, rich planting, and a sense of the exotic, this is the look for you. Ideally suited to an urban space, it works just as well in the country, as long as you can create the necessary sense of enclosure. This is a garden that is at its peak in the long hot days of summer. Filled with intense colours, it provides shade and relief from the midday sun.
Moorish prince
A perfect example of this look is Prince Charles' Islamic garden at Highgrove. Based on images on two of his favourite floral Turkish rugs, the original design was developed by designer Mike Miller of Clifton Nurseries. Built originally at the Chelsea Flower Show, where it won a silver medal, it has now been moved to its permanent site at the Prince's home.
The terracotta tiles used in the Royal Garden were manufactured in Spain by the specialist tile company Porcelanosa, who also have branches all over the UK. They sell an anti-slip terracotta tile called Recupero Cananio for £44.66 per metre, which is similar to the tiles used in the royal garden. Find your nearest stockist or order a brochure from their website.
To create the feel of an inner courtyard, paint your walls in rich shades of coral. Homebase sell a special masonry paint in a great colour called 'Light Terracotta' (£13.49 for 5 litres) - this would be perfect. A darker shade is 'Terracotta' by Sandtex (£17.99 for 5 litres) also from Homebase.
If you want to add a fountain Croft Studios sell one that offers four different spray patterns for £60. Buy online or call them on (01384) 392333.
Cover walls and fences with the evergreen climber Trachelospermum. Its dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the delicate white flowers that are produced in July and August. Roses will provide the reds and pinks in the colour scheme.
Grey leaved plants like Santolina, lavender and Artemesia contrast beautifully with bright blue Delphiniums and purple and white hardy geraniums. Add eastern magic with lots of plants in terracotta pots. Lemon trees will look especially good.
As darkness settles on your Arabian night, light candles in romantic lanterns, smell the lemon trees and transport yourself to a little bit of heaven on earth.
A perfect example of this look is Prince Charles' Islamic garden at Highgrove. Based on images on two of his favourite floral Turkish rugs, the original design was developed by designer Mike Miller of Clifton Nurseries. Built originally at the Chelsea Flower Show, where it won a silver medal, it has now been moved to its permanent site at the Prince's home.
Tile-tastic!
Tiles are vital to the look. Use simple terracotta tiles to form the basic backdrop and then add interest with mosaics in rich colours like aqua and blue.The terracotta tiles used in the Royal Garden were manufactured in Spain by the specialist tile company Porcelanosa, who also have branches all over the UK. They sell an anti-slip terracotta tile called Recupero Cananio for £44.66 per metre, which is similar to the tiles used in the royal garden. Find your nearest stockist or order a brochure from their website.
To create the feel of an inner courtyard, paint your walls in rich shades of coral. Homebase sell a special masonry paint in a great colour called 'Light Terracotta' (£13.49 for 5 litres) - this would be perfect. A darker shade is 'Terracotta' by Sandtex (£17.99 for 5 litres) also from Homebase.
Cool it
Water is the other essential feature of an Islamic garden. This 'Moorish' pool in 'aged iron' by Croft Studios is made of metal resin reinforced with glass fibre, making it both lightweight and frost-proof. An 85cm (33in) diameter pool costs £550 and comes in three different colours.If you want to add a fountain Croft Studios sell one that offers four different spray patterns for £60. Buy online or call them on (01384) 392333.
Heavenly Plants
With vibrant blues, corals and aquas on the walls and in the tiling, go for a toning palette of colours in your planting: greys and greens, purples, blues, pinks and whites.Cover walls and fences with the evergreen climber Trachelospermum. Its dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the delicate white flowers that are produced in July and August. Roses will provide the reds and pinks in the colour scheme.
Grey leaved plants like Santolina, lavender and Artemesia contrast beautifully with bright blue Delphiniums and purple and white hardy geraniums. Add eastern magic with lots of plants in terracotta pots. Lemon trees will look especially good.
Arabian Nights
Choose furniture that has an air of eastern promise. This mosaic table and chairs come from the Greenhouse Effect based in Alfriston, East Sussex. They sell a wide range of Moroccan furniture and accessories. See their catalogue on Greenhouse Effect or call them on (01323) 871399.As darkness settles on your Arabian night, light candles in romantic lanterns, smell the lemon trees and transport yourself to a little bit of heaven on earth.
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