The Influence of Mediterranean Travels on My Approach to Creating Naturalistic Landscapes
By Jason Jorgensen, APLDWA Board Member
In the realm of landscape design, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. For me, traveling and immersing myself in different environments provides a wealth of ideas and fresh perspectives that invigorate my creative process. This is particularly true when exploring gardens and wild areas, where the beauty and intricacy of natural landscapes can deeply influence and inform my design choices. My travels, especially to the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, have played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to creating more naturalistic landscapes, helping me create and maintain those inspirational styles of gardens in the Pacific Northwest.
Mallorca, with its rugged coastlines, verdant hills, and vibrant flora, offers a stunning array of natural beauty, not unlike the Pacific Northwest. The island’s Mediterranean climate fosters a diverse range of plant species, many of which are unique to the region. During my visits to Mallorca, I have had the privilege of exploring both its wild areas and meticulously designed gardens. Each trip reveals new textures, colors, and forms that I try to incorporate into my landscape designs.
Historical stone water cistern with reflective view of the Al Fabia Gardens in Bunyola Spain. This spring fed cistern supplies water for the historical estate gardens.
In the wild areas of Mallorca, I am awestruck by the harmonious interplay between native plants and the rocky terrain. The way in which these plants adapt and thrive in such challenging conditions provides valuable lessons in resilience and sustainability. Observing the natural arrangements and growth patterns of flora like the hardy olive trees, aromatic lavender, and resilient rosemary inspires me to incorporate similar but climate appropriate elements into my designs, ensuring they are both beautiful and ecologically sound.
On the left: one section of the Soller Botancial Garden has a large collection of plants intruduced to Spain from the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries. Washingtonia filifera, a native of northwest Mexico, can be seen towering in the background of this section of the gardens. On the right: Stone cliff face of Puig de s’Alcadena in Alaró Spain. This limestone mountain peak, reminiscent of Yosemite’s Half Dome, is the mythical home to the many witches and devils that live on the island of Mallorca.
Botanical gardens in Mallorca, such as the beautiful Jardines de Al Fabia and the Botanical Garden of Soller, serve as living libraries of plant life. These gardens highlight not only the native plants of the island but also an impressive collection of species from around the world. By visiting these gardens, I continue to gain insights into plant care, propagation, and the possibilities of plant combinations. The structured layout and thoughtful curation of botanical gardens also provide ideas for organizing space in a landscape design, balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality.
One the left: small mountain village of Galilea Spain in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains. This view is an inspiring example of the types of small village gardens that fill the mountains of Mallorca. The use of native plants in formal spaces help conserve water usage and create a true sense of place. On the right: an old olive tree finding a new life as a focal point at the Son Bunyola Hotel. Sir Richard Branson lovingly renovated this former 13th century fort over a 25-year period.
A naturalistic landscape design aims to create spaces that feel organic and seamlessly integrated with their surroundings. By visiting gardens and wild areas, I am continually reminded of the importance of working with, rather than against, nature. In Mallorca, the influence of the natural environment is clear in traditional garden designs that blend effortlessly with the island’s topography and climate.
Studying these designs has taught me to prioritize native and drought-tolerant plants, which not only reduce water usage but also support local ecosystems. Additionally, the use of natural materials such as stone and gravel, common in Mallorcan landscapes, creates an authentic sense of place and timelessness. This is something I continue to strive for in my local designs. These elements are essential in achieving a naturalistic design that feels both grounded and visually captivating.
On the left: carved stone modern art piece at the Museu sa Bassa Blanca gardens juxtaposed to the native wild landscape. This is one of the many sculptures surrounded by native and native inspired spaces on the property. On the right: a wonderful example of the resilience of plants in urban areas. An incredibly happy unidentified fern is growing out of the rain gutter of an abandoned building in Inca, Spain.
Traveling, particularly to the island of Mallorca, has enriched my landscape design process in countless ways. The exposure to diverse plant species, innovative garden layouts, and the raw beauty of wild areas has expanded my creative horizons and deepened my appreciation for naturalistic design. By incorporating the lessons learned from these travels, I strive to create landscapes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and harmonious with their natural surroundings. The inspiration drawn from Mallorca’s landscapes continues to influence my work, guiding me towards designs that celebrate the beauty and resilience of nature.