Mediterranean plants, arches, stucco and tile characterize the California mission-style garden.
California horticulture, climate and Spanish influences (via Mexico) contribute to the landscape design style often referred to as California Mission. West coast mission style tends to have a more European influence than design styles in other areas of the United States. Franciscan missionaries settled in California, building missions from San Diego to San Francisco. Missions encompassed vast plots of land, featuring stucco-style buildings and expansive grounds. Some of the original 21 California missions are open to the public, for tours. Mission style is generally marked by the use of stucco and tile, archways and Mediterranean vegetation.
Mediterranean Vegetation
According to Garden Visit, and on-line website, one of the challenges of creating a mission-style garden in California is overcoming the arid landscape. Citrus trees, palms and grape vines characterize mission-style gardens and thrive in the warm, dry climates. Mission gardens should be infused with fruit trees, cacti, yuccas and vines, interwoven with meandering pathways. Olives make an interesting and appetizing addition to a mission-style garden. To achieve a mission-style, more in line with Mexican design, add succulent varieties throughout the space, such as aloe, agave and euphorbia.
Arches
"Consideration of Mission architecture is essential to an understanding of Californian gardens and landscape architecture," suggests Native Plant Design. Mission-style architecture is marked by interior and exterior archways, and window and door frames exhibiting arched shapes. This design element extends into the garden. Gardeners can incorporate arches into the landscape, by installing iron or stone arbors at transitional points in the landscape. Fence gates provide a perfect opportunity to add Mediterranean flair to a garden. Build arched overhangs or install a wood trellis. To further incorporate the structure into the garden, encourage climbing vines, such as grapes, to grow along the woodwork.
Stucco and Tile
Traditional California mission-style gardens surround structures of a similar style. The gardens echo the design style of their surroundings. Stucco walls coupled with colorful, clay tile roofs, mark the architectural styles most associated with California mission. Wall colors are generally warm and include yellows, oranges and dusty reds. Use tile to infuse the design with color and vibrancy. Create a patio space in your garden, featuring Mediterranean tiles, for a dining or seating area. Tiled fountains are another common element in mission style gardens, and add a cool, calm element to desert plantings.
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