Provençal-Inspired Gardens Are the Most Romantic Outdoor Trend—Here’s How to Create One

“To me, [this look] is less about recreating something perfectly and more about capturing a feeling: sun-warmed, a little undone, and connected to daily rituals,” Kendall Knox, cofounder of Olive Ateliers, says. “The key elements are natural materials, layered greenery, and pieces that feel like they’ve been there for a long time. Think weathered planters, gravel pathways, aged stone, climbing vines, lavender, rosemary, and simple wood or iron furniture. It should feel useful as much as it is beautiful, like the garden is often an extension of the home. It’s a place to eat, gather, garden, or sit in the shade with a coffee.”

Using this vibe as our North Star, let’s get into the types of plants, architectural details, and furniture you’ll need to outfit your space to capture that Mediterranean atmosphere, below.

Plant the Right Greenery

Lavender planted seasonally in this New York garden evokes the feel of a provençal garden.

According to Melissa Lowrie, divisional merchandising manager at Terrain, you need to have an edited plant palette “with far fewer selections than many American ornamental gardens.” Lavender, rosemary, thyme, and other aromatic herbs are all fair game to plant and will add some extra flavor to your dinners alfresco. If your area can support it, Lowerie suggests planting “olive trees and vines on a pergola for shade, citrus, and contrasting structural pieces like boxwood and Cypress to define space.”

If you live somewhere that doesn’t support growing an olive tree, not to worry. Landscape architect Renée Byers assures that you don’t need to plant every plant found in Provence to get the same rustic feel, particularly if you reside in the northeast. “While lavender is ubiquitous with Provençal-style gardens, in colder climates it works best when planted as an annual, whether in beds or containers. For perennials, instead consider hardier substitutes, such as Perovskia (Russian Sage), Calamintha, and Nepeta,” Byers says.

Incorporate These Materials

Sourced weathered wood and planter pots that feel like they’ve been in your garden for decades.

After you settle on the types of plants you want, you’ll want your garden to feature certain textures and materials reminiscent of the Provençal gardens you see around the South of France.

“The key to this style is really about authentic finishes—[definitely] avoid faux finishes on containers. If you are doing a full garden build-out, that means prioritizing natural, rustic stone for walls or borders; fine, light-colored gravel for paths and gathering areas; and natural materials with some patina, like aged terracotta, cast-iron, or galvanized zinc for planters in the space,” says Lowrie.

“Pathways that are either a polished pea gravel and/or some stone pavers really elevate and define these gardens,” echoes Bailey Van Tassel, founder of Van Tassel Garden Design. “Stone accents anywhere can make a big impact and point to that Provençal aesthetic that is rooted in natural materials. Wire and concrete seating is a great touch as well.”

Additionally, multiple experts recommended adding a water feature if you have the capacity to do so. “A central accent point is very Provençal, using a parterre or water feature to connect beds and pathways around a focal point,” Van Tassel notes. “We also love to add in obelisks for some height. The key is to mix materials and go for a high-low assortment. Wooden-raised beds with stone paths or stone beds and clay pots with some casual wire bistro chairs. It gives that ‘been here for a century’ vibe, but remains polished and timeless.”

Embrace Imperfection

Drape cascading plants over the tops of stone walls for that provençal look and feel.

The amazing thing about building a Provençal-inspired garden is that it should feel a little bit wild and overgrown as Mother Nature intended, so you don’t have to chase perfectly trimmed hedges here. “A Provençal-inspired garden is about creating the feeling of age and natural beauty. You want a mix of structure and softness by incorporating elements such as gravel paths, terra cotta pots, and plants that feel fragrant and a bit wild,” designer Melissa Dyckman says. “Rely on texture and natural imperfections rather than themed decor. The most beautiful versions of this look don’t try too hard.”

Restraint, here, is everything. “The most tasteful spaces usually have a sense of quietness to them. Choose fewer, better pieces and let the texture do the work,” Laura Sotelo, the other cofounder of Olive Ateliers adds. “I’d also be careful not to over-style—part of the beauty of a Provençal garden is that it feels effortless and grounded in use. Let plants grow a little wild, allow materials to weather naturally, and embrace imperfections. The goal is atmosphere.”

Focus on the Mood

A small vintage bistro table sets the scene.

It’s easy to build out a full Provençal garden when outdoor space isn’t a concern (and neither is budget, if you’re not a DIY-er and want to hire a landscaper), but what if you have a smaller outdoor space, like a tiny square patch of yard or a balcony? How do you get that Mediterranean vibe in a place like New York City? Our experts have several suggestions.

Dyckman suggests focusing less on scale and more on creating the mood you want. “You can bring in the essence of a Provençal garden with a small bistro table, limewashed or textured planters, and a few high-impact plants (versus too many small ones) to capture that sense of a quiet escape,” she notes.

In a small space, let the antique furniture, decor, and plants create the Provençal mood for you. Van Tassel adds, “Find accents that will really anchor the space. A great urn collection to plant in, versus a wood planter, is an example. Little vignettes that nod to the old world feel you want. Even a small wall fountain with a wire basket can give a Provençal feel. When all else fails, some beautiful herbs and Mediterranean perennials will do the lifting for you, too.”

When shopping for furniture, go with wrought iron, aged wood, or anything with a patina. A vintage bench layered with linen cushions works well, too, according to Sotelo. “In a city space, you don’t need to do too much. A few beautiful, timeworn materials and a thoughtful place to sit can completely transform a small area into something that feels transportive.”

Shop Provençal-Inspired Furniture & Decor

Terrain Floral Swag Terracotta Urn

Olive Ateliers Evermore Sling Back Chair

Pottery Barn Wilder Reclaimed Teak Rectangular Outdoor Dining Table (111″)

SAFAVIEH Wrought Iron 3-Piece Bistro Set

Visual Comfort Randhurst 20″ Lantern

Lulu and Georgia Salento 6′ Square Outdoor Umbrella

Kathy Kuoh Anise French Country Antique Green Iron Outdoor Garden Bench

GreenRow Catalina Outdoor Ceramic Table

Olive Ateliers Pithari Pot

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