Following are descriptions and illustrations of a variety of possible concepts for unifying a garden. The Mediterranean Garden is often formal in layout. Changes in level by terracing, formal water features, statuary, and evergreen hedges are a few hallmarks of the style. Representative plants might be palms, fruit trees, flowering vines, roses, iris, succulents, and a variety of bulbs. Many Mediterranean plants are drought-tolerant and somewhat tender.
Planting is lush, flowers abound, and maintenance is often significant.
The Filoli Estate in Woodside, CA is a wonderful example of a formal English Garden. Planning for privacy with walls, hedges, trellises, arbors, and pergolas is paramount. Interesting views might be framed with one of the fore mentioned elements. Thought should be given to creating small, private seating areas from which to experience the garden. Well placed garden ornament should also be featured.