| Mexican Designed Gardens combine character with | | | | good choice is a hand made brick oven or barbeque. |
| elegance and like the Hispanic culture should include a | | | | The dining and relaxing furniture is typically rustic |
| space for socialising! In the same way as Mexico is | | | | wood and/or wrought iron tables, benches, chairs. |
| vast the types of Mexican style gardens have | | | | Look forward to the great evenings you will have |
| variations also, there are Mexican Water Gardens but | | | | there and feature wrought-iron candelabras for |
| more commonly the garden can be a courtyard style | | | | lighting. |
| with a water feature if room allows it. | | | | If you have space for a water feature it can be a |
| A Mexican courtyard garden is designed around | | | | small fish pond or a small water feature made from |
| people with evidence of the varied Mexican | | | | old terracotta pots, it doesn't need to be big to have |
| landscapes such as lush tropical forests, desert and | | | | the desired effect. Of course if you do have the |
| coast. So the aim is to focus on the people who will | | | | space for a larger feature then go for it, watch out |
| enjoy it and visit it, then building the props and plants | | | | for the pink flamingoes though! |
| with this in mind which should mirror the diverse | | | | You'll notice that there has been mention of |
| beauty of Mexico. | | | | terracotta once or twice already, so to get it out of |
| Some Mexican courtyard gardens may focus on one | | | | the way you can use used and broken terracotta |
| favourite place or aspect of Mexico which also works | | | | earthenware in as many ways as you can think of in |
| very well, so if you have been to Mexico this is an | | | | your Mexican garden. You can put little cacti in them |
| option. It could be a loving tribute to the relaxing | | | | or herbs just go for it. |
| coasts of Mexico, the diverse mountain regions or | | | | Which leads us onto cacti and plants. Lots of cacti |
| the native feel of the northern deserts. | | | | and tropical type plants, if possible cultivate lemon, |
| When you have your theme decided then immerse | | | | orange, nut or banana trees if your climate allows. A |
| yourself in lots of photos online of the aspects of | | | | small vegetable garden is a must also and if you |
| this style to help you further define what props and | | | | haven't grown your own vegetables before it is a |
| plants will fit in your garden well. Remember that the | | | | great experience and they taste heaps better than |
| socialising area is central to the plan, and this will | | | | what we get in most supermarkets. Go for well kept |
| ideally include some form of outdoor cooking facility | | | | flowerbeds alsoo and large arrangements of hanging |
| as well as the area to relax, eat, drink and be merry! | | | | baskets. Some plants to consider are aloe vera |
| The end result should give a feel of native and | | | | (great healing properties), flowering agave, fuchsia, |
| colonial design with colours, plants, terrracotta and | | | | golden trumpet, hosta, orchid, acacia, caladium, |
| practical plants like herbs and vegetables are very | | | | rex-begonia vine, hibiscus and rex-begonia vine. |
| much part of it. | | | | Props to consider are bright wall frescos, wrought |
| Once you have set aside the entertaining area the | | | | iron gateways, pottery and ceramics painted with |
| next step is to put in the roots of this courtyward | | | | traditional designs, as well as Aztec style cushions and |
| style which means choosing tiles which should have | | | | tablecloths if you wish. To make the evenings more |
| earthy tones, like terracottas, reds or browns, can | | | | pleasant you can put of a straw type roof on the |
| include nature designs such as cacti or the sun and | | | | entertaining area. This is best done using scaffold |
| traditionally would have been handmade ceramic tiles. | | | | towers for your safety or that of any workers. |
| Having chosen the socialising area your aim is to | | | | When it is all finished sit down and enjoy a well |
| make this welcoming, cheery and functional so a | | | | deserved drink in your new garden. |