Olive Trees in Garden Design & Beyond
The Timeless Appeal of Olive Trees in Garden and Landscape Design
The olive tree (Olea europaea) has been an enduring presence in landscapes for thousands of years. From ancient Mediterranean groves to modern European gardens, its distinct silvery foliage, sculptural form, and resilience make it a favorite among landscape designers, architects, and home gardeners alike. Whether used as a feature tree, a privacy screen, or an architectural element, the olive tree’s versatility ensures its place in contemporary outdoor spaces.
Why Olive Trees Work in Landscape Design
Olive trees have adapted over millennia to thrive in challenging conditions, making them well-suited to modern gardens that prioritize both aesthetics and sustainability. They require minimal water once established, grow well in containers or open landscapes, and complement a variety of garden styles, from formal European courtyards to rustic Mediterranean retreats.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) notes that olive trees are best suited to well-drained soil and thrive in full sun, making them an excellent choice for gardens across Southern Europe and increasingly viable in parts of Britain, particularly in sheltered urban settings (RHS, n.d.).
How Designers Use Olive Trees
Landscape architects and garden designers have long embraced the olive tree for its ability to bring structure, character, and a sense of history to outdoor spaces. Here are the key ways they integrate olive trees into their designs:
1. Feature Trees in Courtyards
A single, mature olive tree serves as an eye-catching focal point in courtyards or patios. Its gnarled trunk and spreading canopy provide a striking contrast against modern hardscaping materials such as limestone, gravel, or polished concrete. According to Gardenista, many designers use olive trees to create a "natural ceiling" in outdoor living spaces, offering dappled shade without overwhelming the area (Gardenista, 2018).
2. Lining Pathways and Driveways
Olive trees planted in rows along pathways or driveways bring a sense of formality and elegance to an entrance. The structured look is a staple in traditional European landscapes, particularly in France and Italy, where neatly pruned olive trees define walking paths and villa gardens.
3. Creating Privacy Screens
For those looking for an alternative to hedges or fencing, olive trees can be pruned into screens or pleached to form a structured barrier. Their evergreen nature ensures year-round coverage, while their soft, grey-green leaves allow for filtered light rather than creating a solid visual block.
4. Mediterranean-Style Gardens
Olive trees are an essential element of Mediterranean garden design. Paired with lavender, rosemary, and terracotta pots, they instantly create the atmosphere of a Tuscan or Provençal landscape. This design approach is becoming increasingly popular in Britain, where homeowners are looking to replicate the dry, low-maintenance planting styles of warmer climates.
5. Modern Minimalist Landscapes
The understated elegance of olive trees works well in contemporary gardens. In modern landscape design, they are often placed in large planters with clean lines, surrounded by neutral gravel or corten steel edging to create a simple yet sophisticated look. Gardeningetc highlights that olive trees introduce warmth and texture without disrupting minimalist aesthetics (Gardeningetc, 2021).
Growing and Maintaining Olive Trees in Cooler Climates
While olive trees are traditionally associated with warmer Mediterranean regions, they are increasingly seen in British and Northern European gardens. Thanks to climate shifts and improved growing techniques, olive trees can now survive and even thrive in the UK, provided they are given the right conditions.
1. Sunlight and Positioning
Olive trees require full sun and do best in a south-facing location that is sheltered from strong winds. Urban gardens, walled courtyards, and microclimates created by stone or brickwork can help retain warmth, making them ideal locations.
2. Soil and Drainage
The most critical factor for growing olive trees successfully outside of Mediterranean climates is good drainage. The RHS advises mixing sand or gravel into planting areas to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which is the primary cause of root rot in olive trees (RHS, n.d.).
3. Winter Protection
Mature olive trees can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C for short periods, but younger trees should be protected in harsher winters. Wrapping the trunk with horticultural fleece and covering the roots with mulch can help safeguard them against frost. Container-grown trees can be moved to a greenhouse or conservatory during the coldest months.
4. Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning is essential to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. Olive trees should be pruned in late spring to remove dead or crossing branches and allow light to penetrate the canopy. Unlike fruiting orchards, ornamental olive trees do not require heavy pruning, making them relatively low-maintenance.
Olive Trees Indoors: Bringing the Mediterranean Inside
Beyond outdoor landscapes, olive trees have become a trend in interior design. Designers are incorporating potted olive trees in living spaces, conservatories, and atriums, where they bring a natural element to modern interiors.
1. Statement Pieces in Living Rooms
Tall, potted olive trees placed in large, rustic terracotta pots add height and elegance to interiors. Positioned near a bright window, they serve as living sculptures that require minimal care beyond occasional watering and pruning.
2. Kitchen and Dining Areas
Olive trees are increasingly being used as design elements in open-plan kitchens and dining spaces, where they complement natural wood, neutral tones, and soft lighting. Dezeen highlights their use in high-end interior projects, where they add a Mediterranean touch to modern homes.
3. Offices and Commercial Spaces
The calming presence of olive trees makes them a popular choice in office and hospitality design. Their slow growth and longevity symbolize stability, while their soft, muted tones create a relaxing atmosphere in commercial settings.
Why Olive Trees Remain a Design Favorite
The enduring popularity of olive trees in landscape and interior design comes down to three key factors:
- Timeless Aesthetic Appeal – Olive trees work in both classic and contemporary spaces.
- Hardiness and Sustainability – They require minimal water and thrive in dry conditions.
- Versatility – Whether in gardens, courtyards, or interiors, they adapt to different environments with ease.
For those looking to introduce a touch of Mediterranean charm to their space, Ancient Olives offers a carefully curated selection of premium olive trees. Whether for a garden redesign or an indoor statement piece, an olive tree is a lasting investment in beauty and history.