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Apr 03, 2024

10 Tuscan Garden Ideas That Will Transform Your Backyard Into An Italian Villa

When you think about what makes a traditional Tuscan garden so special — and why it's the kind of space you would love to have at home — you might imagine gorgeous sights, soothing sounds, and perhaps

When you think about what makes a traditional Tuscan garden so special — and why it's the kind of space you would love to have at home — you might imagine gorgeous sights, soothing sounds, and perhaps even a fragrance-filled nook or two. It might also have various accents that are both beautiful and, oftentimes, practical. That's not to mention the dreamy Tuscan-inspired landscaping, meandering paths, and private areas where you can spend time connecting with loved ones, reading a book while sipping on a glass of wine, or simply gazing around at your stunning exterior space.

From tackling a minor makeover to embarking on a total transformation, there are plenty of ways to give your outdoor area an aesthetic that makes you feel like you've been transported to a chic café, a vineyard in the countryside, or an idyllic Italian villa. That might include the kind of plants you add as well as touches of Tuscan décor. Think along the lines of terracotta pieces and stonework that look beautifully aged. On top of that, you'll surely want artistic hints and splashes of color that will bring a vibrance to your home.

Beyond that, you can embrace this Mediterranean vibe whether you have a large yard or just a small balcony or patio. You simply need to know how to nail this particularly dreamy style. Fortunately, there are countless charming options that will help you create an outdoor Tuscan-inspired sanctuary.

If you've ever had the chance to wander around the Italian countryside, then you may have spotted certain trees that thrive in the area. For instance, you may have seen ancient-looking olive trees that produce the tiny morsels that make up the country's beloved oil. You might have also come across Cyprus trees that stand straight and tall like natural green columns. You can enjoy these trees at home by planting them in your own yard to create a Tuscan garden. Olive trees can be placed in sunny areas, while Cyprus trees can line your property.

Putting plenty of plants around your home's exterior is a great way to create just the right Tuscan vibe, and opting for climbing plants and vines means that the greenery can cover much more than just the ground. In this case, consider choosing something that you might see in an Italian garden, like grapevines. You might also want something that produces flowers, such as climbing rose vines. Either way, give them plenty of space to grow across and up a wall, fence, or another ideal structure in your outdoor area.

By adding a fountain to your Tuscan garden, you can appreciate both the relaxing sight and calming sound of the water. You can also choose a fountain that boasts a classic design with statuesque figures, carved details, and a ledge where you can sit for a moment (or a few hours if you find it just that tempting and peaceful). If you don't have enough space for a large fountain, then you can always opt for a smaller version or another kind of water feature that offers the same effect but is much easier to install and move.

The plants in your Tuscan garden can stretch up into the sky above with the help of a trellis. Available in pre-made versions that are easy to set up, you could also have one made just for your home. As for where it might go, you could place the trellis in a private spot with a bench or swing underneath. Or, you could arch it over the entrance to your garden and create a covered path. Encourage plants to climb the trellis, which will become even more beautiful as time passes.

You'll want to enjoy your meals al fresco when you set up an outdoor dining area. All you need is a table (perhaps wooden or with a mosaic top to stick with the ideal look) with matching or rustic chairs. Setting them up under a covered trellis would be even better. You might also want to add a few extra touches to make the space a little more idyllic like candles being burned in (old but attractive) wine bottles. Of course, bottles that were used to hold wine from Tuscany would be pretty darn perfect.

In other gardens, a wall that seems to be falling apart — or fully falling down — may be something that you want to get rid of or fix up as soon as possible. However, when it comes to a Tuscan garden, a wall that looks ancient may be something you want to keep around or even add. If you're creating one yourself, then you'll want to opt for a wall made of stones of all sizes that are held together with earthy plaster that can be applied in a rough manner to give the wall some extra character.

If you're intrigued by the idea of adding an ancient-looking wall to your Tuscan-inspired garden, then you might want to buy some extra stones so that you can put down a matching walkway. Of course, you could also create a walkway without a wall if that works best for your space. You can also choose whether you want to use stones that have been cut and polished or ones that still have their natural shape and texture. That's not to mention the various colors, patterns, and designs that can make up your stone walkway.

You don't have to live in an actual Italian villa or even a luxe American home to have a statue in your garden. Coming in seemingly countless sizes and designs, you might want a smaller piece that looks like a medieval animal, a mid-sized item that resembles a Roman god, or a larger statue of a fetching female figure who is carrying an urn above her. You can place your statue in a spot that makes it the center of attention or hide it away for guests to find when they wander through your Tuscan garden.

You can bring even more greenery to your Tuscan garden with the help of individual planters, and to make sure they add to the desired look of your outdoor area, you can grab terracotta planters that are either quite large or ones that are a range of different sizes. Don't worry if the planters are chipped, cracked, scratched, or worn in any other way, as that only enhances the aged aesthetic. You just want to make sure that they can still support what you put inside, especially if you want to grow anything delicate or edible.

Whether you opt for terracotta planters or want something that's not quite as earthy but is still nice and rustic, like metal pots, you may want to nab multiple planters and use them to grow appropriate herbs. For your Tuscan garden, you'll surely want to opt for oregano, rosemary, and perhaps even sage. Not only will you be able to pick these fresh herbs and add them to your delicious homemade Italian meals, but they'll also look stunning in your garden and will fill the area with enticing aromas.